If you haven't figured it out yet, I do what I do because I love it. I love seeing the results of people feeling better about life - healthier, with a strong sense of clarity, and knowing more of what's possible. It's good stuff.

Integrative Wellness Works will continue to be up. How can it not?! It's the home of the Get Healthy program and the Get Clear series, plus more (just check out the menu bar above). That's my original baby. I'm also working on a few projects behind the scenes that have to do with the intuition-food connection, being an empowered health consumer, the magic of dreams, the importance of storytelling, helping other holistic health professionals spread their message online, and a few others I have up my sleeve.

Enjoy! Back to regular blogging soon.

This is a question I've asked myself...several times. Because, boy, I've had to start over when I least expected it. You probably have too. 

Three reasons why hesitation takes over when starting over:

1) Fear of failure

Ever create a scenario of a future outcome that is not what you want to have happen? It's like you can't help yourself. As soon as you start dreaming of what you want, the inevitable fear of failure, of it not coming together, rears its ugly head. Next thing you know, you're using these imagined scenarios as an excuse to justify why you won't take action, because it just won't work it. I can't tell you how many times I've heard someone say "Well, I'm not going to get excited just in case it doesn't work out. I don't want to be disappointed."

Guess what? You may be disappointed (or not) with the outcome, despite how excited you get about it prior to it happening. Plus, getting excited is part of the fun (and purpose) of life. It also influences the outcome. This may be obvious, but...the future hasn't happened yet. What happens down the line is based on what you do now. The pivotal turning points in my life took place when I stopped lying to myself about what was possible and actually let myself feel the thrill of what it would be like to have what I wanted.

We use the past as a marker, a point of reference. Have you ever said: "Well, that's what happened before," and then used it as your reason to stay in your safe, known zone even when it's filled with discomfort? The past absolutely serves a purpose. It shapes you, informs your passions, and hopefully, schools you on how to best live your life. We learn what works and what doesn't. The point is to apply the lesson, not repeat it, and certainly not use it against ourselves.

3) Analysis paralysis

Spending too much time deliberating the pros and cons can be one of the biggest time and experience wasters. I know, I used to be an expert at it. I realized that I was constantly creating triangle situations to process my way out of. This way or that? Two jobs. Two guys. Two housing situations. Hey, at least I narrowed it down to two choices! Yet, I'd often lose out on both options because I spent too much time trying to "figure out" which one was right for me. Thank God for intuition! Once I dedicated myself to listening, trusting, and following it, everything changed. Now, I make decisions in a snap. And, I tell you, that is a beautiful thing! Remember, deciding not to act, and instead float around in indecision is a decision.

Which of these types do you find yourself generally in? What helps you get present, start over, and move forward with ease and fun?

Sweets have always been a special treat for me. Growing up, after every holiday, my Dad and I had a ritual where we would go to Long's and fill up a cart with holiday sale candy. Yes, a whole cart! The fun didn't stop there. We'd then hide it in different places in the house so my Mom wouldn't find it and try to feed us carrots instead. Months after my Dad died, my sister and I found a drawer full of Easter candy - so we stuffed our faces with Cadbury eggs and marshmallow peeps, crying, laughing, and chewing.

That's one of my favorite memories. Though, these days I feel sick just smelling the chemicals and processed ingredients from the candy aisle (in a non health food store). Luckily, there are many healthy alternatives that are made with recognizable, whole foods based ingredients that are incredibly delicious...and I have happily stumbled upon another example of that. 

Earth Cafe makes an amazing raw, vegan cheesecake in 9 flavors. I've already tried Rockin' Raspberry, Peach Passion, Cali Lemon, and Cherry Dream. It's not possible to pick a favorite.

The first person that can spot my error in this video wins a free session with me! Leave a comment noting it as well as your favorite healthy dessert. Cheers!

Well, you can now add me to the growing list of people who were denied health insurance coverage. Now, it's personal.

I debated (internally) whether I would post this on my blog as I've generally liked to stay more on the educational, inspirational, and resource giving level. Recently though, I've had way more of a longing to bring my own walk of the talk into the game. To show behind the scenes of how I stay healthy and use my intuition.

So here we are, a personal account and a professional take on what it's like to truly take care of yourself in today's world. This is the first of many to blend these perspectives. Back to the health insurance...

I've gone for years without any, occasionally opting in when I worked for companies that offered group plans. My lack of insurance didn't stem from being anti-mainstream medicine. Ok, it did a little. Truth is, if it weren't for mainstream medicine, I wouldn't be alive. It saved my life many years ago. For that, I am very grateful.

In the past few months, I decided getting health insurance would be good for emergency purposes and as a back up plan for upcoming baby making time. After filling out extensive forms, waiting 6 weeks, having a long question answering session with health insurance reps, I was denied coverage. And ironically, if I had been approved, gotten pregnant after being approved, moved out of state (which is the plan in the next few months), I would not only no longer be covered by the health insurance but I would not be able to get any insurance in the new state because I'd have a pre-existing condition of being pregnant. Follow me on that?

Yeah, so we all know the health care system and the health insurance system is not healthy. It's a national hot topic and crisis. My story of being denied is common. I'm glad that's as ugly as it gets. Many suffer a far worse fate than coverage denial at the hands of what this system has turned into.

My intention in writing this post is not to elicit sympathy nor other grievances around what's not working. My intention is to acknowledge what's happening, and ask, from a personal and professional standpoint:

What can we do to care for ourselves? 

What would thriving and vibrant health look like for each one of us?

How can we create our own form of health insurance through easily accessible, natural, and non-invasive methods?

These questions and many more are ones I'll be answering for myself. Please join me, I'd love to hear what you're doing to take care of yourself, what holistic methods you know about, and your thoughts of how we can use what's broken to spur on solutions of a healthcare system - government sanctioned or not - that would work for all.

Self-Love Manifesta

I love myself.

I eat healthy, nutrient rich foods that nourish my body.

I love myself.

I rest when I'm tired, breathe deeply when I feel scared, and believe in my own strength.

I love myself.

I move my body with exercise, dance, flexibility, and power.

I love myself.

I fill my life with people that love me, creating my own community who are open to possibilities, supportive, and value themselves too.

I love myself.

I listen to my heart and its deepest longings - to belong, to contribute, to create, and to love.

I love myself.

I appreciate the little things I do to take care of myself, like brushing my teeth and drinking water.

I love myself.

I invest in my mind by reading inspirational books, writing down creative ideas, and engaging in solution oriented conversations.

I love myself.

I listen, trust, and follow my intuition knowing that it always leads me to the next best learning place in my life.

I love myself.

I laugh often, cry unabashedly, and sing out loud no matter how I sound.

I love myself because I know by loving myself life becomes more enjoyable and loving others becomes easier.

A quick guide for exploring Let Your Life Bloom while I'm on a blog hiatus is now available below for your viewing pleasure.

At the start of the year, I decided to write 5 days a week, each day being a different health oriented theme. More about that here. Each theme, in addition to the general categories that I write about - health, intuition, and coaching - gives you a strong foundation of health and clarity. When you have this, you can truly let your life bloom.

Here's the snapshot:

Movin' On Mondays - All about movement and the body.

Tasty Tuesdays - Food, farms, fantasies, and more.

Wisdom Wednesdays - From dreams to nature to animals, tap into the inherent wisdom of life.

Talk to Me Thursdays - All about community, communication, relationships.

Fabulously Fun Fridays - Whatever I wanted to post, which makes it fun for me and you!

Health - Always focused on the holistic side of well-being and healing.

Intuition - Learn to listen & follow it, distinguish it from fear, and let it be the main voice guiding your world.

Coaching - Ask new questions, create the life you love, develop a new relationship with yourself, set goals, and more good stuff. 

Ask Coach Vanessa - Questions ranging from employee to entrepreneur, procrastination, balance and the answers to life's most basic inquiries.

See why health, intuition, and coaching are key in letting your life bloom.

Let Your Life Bloom teleseries - Free 9 month series with 27 guests chatting about the four keys to letting your life bloom, Energy & Intuition, Holistic Health & Sustainability, Leadership & Legacy, & Integrative Coaching. All set to a different backdrop of health, rotating monthly.

Turning a New Leaf coaching program - Become more clear and effective at achieving whatever goals you set for yourself by creating a strong foundation of health. 1 on 1 coaching currently available, or groups opening again in 2010.

Get Clear energy & intuition classes - Learn the language of energy and become crystal clear when it comes to your intuition.

Sign up for my monthly newsletter with a featured health and wisdom article, a tasty treats food section, and a community corner filled with great finds I come across. Do so in the top right corner of this blog.

Know the 7 basics of health.

The philosophy behind Integrative Wellness Works.

Friend me on Facebook (make sure to send a note).

Read my personal and professional stories.

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Chat me up on Twitter.

Get princess wisdom.

In the Spotlight.

 Eating habits & cravings.

Office politics.

Thanks for visiting. Keep in touch and let me know the beautiful ways in which your life is blooming.

Hello blog world and readers of Let Your Life Bloom,

I hope you're doing well, enjoying the season change, and up to whatever fulfills you.

If you've read any of my posts on intuition, or have attended my Get Clear series, you know that I first and foremost trust my inner guidance. In doing so, it sometimes directs me in different ways than what my ego wants or expects. In learning to go with the flow of my own natural rhythm, it's become clear that for right now, it's time to step back from posting while other seeds are germinating.

Last week was the first time I didn't post 5 days a week since the beginning of this year. I love writing and sharing information and stories with you. Which means I'm looking forward to when it's time to start up again. I may post sporadically, because I just can't help myself! ✿

Thinking about you and looking forward to returning when the time is right...In the meantime, chat me up on Twitter and Facebook. 

Wishing you good things,

Coach Vanessa

Many of you may know I feel this way since I tend to pimp out this delicious, healthy, flavorful ice cream to whoever I come across. When I stumbled upon this contest by Luna & Larry of Coconut Bliss, I couldn't resist creating an entry. Here it is:

*Posts will be short & sweet this week with a focus on sharing a resource or two, as I'm up in Oregon for a family reunion and other unexpected adventures...Thanks again for reading!"

Have you heard of Nia? It's a combination of martial arts, dance, and the healing arts. The philosophy of it is - "Through movement we find health." At the end of the week I'll be in Portland, Oregon, home to Nia founders and a mecca of fun and healing movement. Attending a class there is an opportunity I can't pass up. To find a Nia class in your area, click here.

The theme of this week has definitely been one of healing and clearing out the old no longer working stuck stuff. We all go through versions of this. It seems to take on more intensity at the changing of the seasons.

I first heard this song in a Kundalini Yoga class. It's been one of my favorites for being loving, mellow, and affirming. Hope you enjoy listening, as well as the beautiful images that go along with it.