Tag Archives: inspiration

3 Ideas To Remember When Making A Change

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The start of a new year often brings about fresh ideas, possibility, and the motivation for making change.

Although I love the start of a new year, I’m not a fan of New Years resolutions. Anytime is a great time to make change!

A new routine or habit can be tough to start. Change can be uncomfortable, but my observations have been that when you do one thing to improve your health it can start to get easier to make other changes.

In both my clinical practice and in the consulting and business coaching work I do, I remind people consistently this simple idea:

Change takes time. 

It never happens overnight, and it often requires choices that aren’t always easy.

If you’re feeling frustrated about something with your health, business, or a situation in your life in general, here are 3 ideas to help you shift your focus:

  1. Assess your expectations – are they realistic?
  2. Invest your time and resources in someone who has more belief and confidence in your results than you do. Yes, I feel you ‘hire’ me to support your health, and it’s my role to lead you better choices as well as provide clinical care.
  3. Stay consistent in your efforts – scroll back up to the part where I said change takes time
Need help? Connect! Book your complimentary 15 min consultation, or have your health evaluated with a complete history and intensive initial assessment.

Focus On What You CAN Control

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I’ve spoken with so many people recently, who are frustrated with the number of things that are beyond our control right now. The changes that have been forced on our lifestyle by this virus and everything it’s brought with it, can be disheartening and bring up feelings of sadness and confusion.

I’m not immune to those feelings. One small solution that helps me when I’m starting to feel that overwhelm rise up in my chest, is to focus on what I can control.

You can choose to take care of yourself.
Go for a walk, eat yummy healthy foods, meditate, read a book or get into bed on time.

You can choose to connect with your loved ones.
Sure, nothing beats a hug, but texting, calling and Zoom-ing (I love that Zoom is a verb now) can satisfy that deep need we all have for connection.

You can choose to focus on the good.
If you look into the future focused on uncertainties, your future doesn’t look that great. But when you focus on the things that you have, that you are grateful for – your future looks bright and like it’s to be grateful for. Focus on the good vibes out there, and you’ll bring them into your life.

When you claim your power over your daily choices, it gives your mind a sense of control. And that sense of control is the antidote to all of the overwhelming feelings that start to rise up from this situation. 

Focusing on the things that you can control, rather than the things that are beyond our control,  will lower your stress and cortisol levels, take us out of the flight or fight response, and contribute to the optimization of your health. It will support your emotional wellbeing, and we need that right now.

If you’re feeling like you’re in need of an adjustment, I am able to see people by appointment at my discretion. You can book a call with me here. 

One of the things I miss most about practice is the 15 minutes we spend talking with each adjustment. Catching up with you, talking about things like food, exercise and  health. So if you feel like you need those 15 minutes without the adjustment, book a call and we’ll have one. Or you can always reach out on Facebook.

Hang in there. There will be lots of light at the end of this tunnel. Keep your eye on it.

Episode 29: Yoga, Health and More with Shirlee Williams

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Shirlee is a local health crusader, and lucky for me, a very good friend! She joins me today to talk about what led her to open a yoga studio, the importance of mediation, and she shares how she prioritizes her own health. Tune in for a great little conversation!

You can learn more about Shirlee on her website.

Hungry for more? Check out the rest of the Adjust Your Life Podcast episodes!
If you’re more of a reader than a listener, you may prefer checking out some blog posts!
If you love conversation, reach out here, I’d love to hear from you!

Episode 24: Live Life Fit with Bruce Young

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On today’s show we’re talking to Bruce Young, a local resident living a great life. He and his wife run Live, Life, Fit in Thornbury, and he’s also been involved in CrossFit and Adventure Racing. Now he is committed to a healthy lifestyle for himself and others.

Maintaining balance in his approach is what keeps him motivated and moving in the right direction. For people who are new to fitness he recommends shopping around the edge of the supermarket, avoiding processed foods, and starting where you are when it comes to fitness.

Tune in for a lot of great tips.

For more information check out this blog post about food choices.

Hungry for more? Check out the rest of the Rock Your Health Podcast episodes! If you’re more of a reader than a listener, you may prefer checking out some blog posts! If you love conversation, reach out here, I’d love to hear from you!

Episode 23: Forget Resolutions! My Annual Ritual For Kicking Off A New Year of Goals

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We’re a couple of weeks into the new year, and in my experience, that’s when those iron-clad resolutions start losing a bit of their strength. New year’s resolutions are hard to keep, and that’s why I refuse to make them.

Instead, I think of my life a series of EVOLUTIONS. It was recommended to me by a friend who’s also a psychologist, and trust me, it’s a game changer. Tune in to today’s episode to find out how to implement this perspective in YOUR life.

For more ideas on how to EVOLVE in 2020 check out this blog post.

 

Evolution Instead of Resolution in 2020

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I’ve never found resolutions work, and I stopped setting them years ago.  Really, anytime is a great time to make changes in your life! This year instead of resolving to do something different, why not think about EVOLVING a little bit.

Here’s the thing, when you set a resolution and succeed with it, it’s great, but typically at some point you will slip into an old habit, or get discouraged, or you might even lose your resolve for the day/week/month. However, if you think about evolving with your choices it’s easier to give yourself some grace and keep moving forward. Any step forward with the intention to live a healthier life is going to be a positive one, so focus on taking consistent steps forward, even if they are small steps! Even if you take a few steps forward then one step back, you’re still gaining because those steps forward count!

An idea I do love though is the idea of setting an intention and choosing a word to set the tone for your year. I’ve been suggesting it within my practice and love hearing the words that people come up with and what they mean to them.  Maybe this year you might want to give it a try!

Think about your aspirations – what do you want for the year ahead? Is there an overriding theme that comes to mind for you? Can you sum up your intentions in a single word? I bet you can.

A great word can set the tone for your actions and keep you focused.  A word can also serve as a reminder of what’s important when everyday  ‘life stuff’ frustrates us. For example, when my sons were young and I wasn’t in practice, my word was “Nurture”.  It reminded me of my focus on raising my sons and looking after myself.  It allowed me to accept that my career aspirations would be fulfilled at a later date, and that the little boys in my kitchen were simply more important for the time being. In other years the words “Grow”, “Balance” and “Focus” have worked well for me.

A great word sets your intention and will help manifest the people, places,  opportunities (and challenges!) to help you achieve your goals.  A good friend recently shared her story of using theme words during the past few years. “Abundance” was her focus at one time and she grew her business substantially. “Love” was her focus another year, and she met the man she married.  Metaphysics aside, what you focus on tends to happen!  The simple act of awareness can powerfully  keep you oriented towards actions that support your goals, and make you more likely to attract success.

Your ‘word’ might come to mind easily.  You may already have one that has been running through your thoughts repetitively, especially if you have set resolutions or goals for yourself. If not, carve out some time in your week to think about it. Sit quietly and reflect.   Journal if it helps you sort out your thoughts, or, on a blank sheet of paper simply write down words that depict your hopes and dreams for the year ahead. Something will pop out at you, or you may notice a pattern in the words you write down. Don’t over-think it!

Friends, colleagues, and people in my practice have shared their words with me for added support and accountability. Here’s some of their theme words to get you started:  Relate, Believe, Focus, Simplify, Build, Mindful, Refresh, Rejuvenate, and Fun.

Once you have your ‘word’ write it down where you can see it regularly. Use it as a password so you have to consciously think about it many times a day. Place post-it notes all over your home if you need to. Get creative and do what works for you – and share your ideas! I’ll tell you my word!

One word is easy to remember. Pick one for yourself and let it shape the months to come. Whether you feel you need to make some drastic changes, take a few small steps in a new direction, or simply get back into an established routine, commit to doing something  this month to live a better life. 

Set an intention for what you want 2020 to mean to you, choose a word to define it, make deliberate choices and take action! I’m here to help if you get stuck ?

~ Dr Melissa

Episode 22: 5 Ways You Can Have a HAPPY & HEALTHY Holiday Season!

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There are lots of opportunities during the holiday season for indulgent foods, extra alcohol, social engagements and festive fun! However this season can also be physically and emotionally draining if you don’t keep a few important health habits in mind. You can indulge, celebrate and feel good during the holiday season and head into the new year ready to rock! These 5 tips will give you a good start.
 

Hungry for more? Check out the rest of the Rock Your Health Podcast episodes!
If you’re more of a reader than a listener, you may prefer checking out some blog posts!
If you love conversation, reach out here, I’d love to hear from you!

The One Thing You Should START Your Holiday Season With

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In my experience in practice over the past 17 years, December tends to be a month filled with fun. But it can also be filled with so much added stress!

One thing that I’ve been suggesting for the past few years that has made a profound difference for people, and in my personal life too, is asking yourself this simple question:

What’s your intention this holiday season?

You’ve likely set goals for your health (and if you haven’t – get in touch! We can help!).

You’ve likely set goals within your work life, perhaps within your family life, finances, and maybe around your home for projects. Why not set a goal for the most-wonderful-and-busiest time of the year?

Decide what you want the holidays to mean, what your priorities are, and how you want feel. Then I want you to write it down.

Choose 3-5 words or perhaps write a brief statement or sentence, then put it somewhere you can see it. You can get creative with this! Make it look pretty or decorative if you like, but what really matters is that you will see it and be reminded of what you wrote. Whether you post it on your fridge, put it on your phone, or write it in a journal that you will look at every day, this is the most important step!

When thinking about this, be realistic and consider:

Every year our lives are a little different, and it’s important to change our expectations accordingly.

What’s happening in your life these days? Where are your children or extended family in the current stage of their lives? Given their ages and interests, what do you want the holidays to look like for you?

Maybe you have a holiday planned, or there is someone in your family who having a tough time, or perhaps your grieving a loved one? There may have been a change in your home or work life. Maybe your finances are more strained than usual? Depending on your reflection on these areas of your life and the people in it, you might want to adjust your plans and celebrate a little differently this year.

When you have an intention to refer to, it will help you make solid decisions about how you spend your time and money this holiday season. You’ll feel better about your choices because they will be more realistic with your current lifestyle, and this will ease your mind, and help you find more JOY (and less stress) holiday season. Give it a try and let us know how it works for you!

If It’s Not Broken…

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So many times when I speak with someone about what I do, they comment “I would hate to know what you’d find in my spine, it’s probably a mess!”.  This attitude still surprises me.

The attitude “if it’s not broken, why fix it” does not apply to the human body.

Some of the sickest people on this planet have no symptoms and “feel fine”. We all know people who seemed to be fine but then suddenly are diagnosed with a major illness. People who ‘suddenly’ have a heart attack, stroke, are told they have cancer.

Waiting for your body to give you symptoms is like waiting for a bomb to go off…everything is quiet until suddenly there is a huge impact.

I cannot tell you how illogical this seems to me, but I certainly didn’t always look at health this way.

Like many people, I too viewed things differently, only responding to challenges in my body with medications. Luckily, 20 years ago, a shoulder injury forced me to see a Chiropractor, and from that point on everything changed. Not only my own health, but my attitude about it.

The Chiropractic approach is just that – an approach to supporting your body from the inside-out in every way.  Giving the body what it needs from the top-down (neurological function from the brain through the spinal cord), as well as all the other ingredients necessary for optimal function….food, hydration, movement, love and social connections, sleep, purpose and passion!

Chiropractic is not just an adjustment or treatment for a symptom, it’s an approach to looking for the causes of problems in the body, rather than just reacting to them.

Waiting for something to happen before you take action often makes the healing take longer, and requires more investment of your time and resources.

People who choose to make chiropractic care a regular part of their life understand this, but they also see the profound changes in their health, and are more empowered to be in control of their body. It’s a beautiful thing to watch in my practice and something I will never tire of.

People often hear me say “health comes from choice, not by chance”. Choosing to honour your body and give it what it needs on a consistent basis is one of the wisest decisions you can ever make.

If you’re still struggling with some aspects of your health, ask for direction.

If I can’t help you, we’ll find someone who can.

Life is short. Give yourself the gift of better health so that you can live more fully.

– Dr. Melissa