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Updated: Jan 28

The Word is CHOICE


Definition: Merriam-Webster Dictionary - the act or opportunity of choosing or the thing chosen. Choosing: to select freely and after consideration


“Today I make great choices because they are made with full awareness”.  Deepak Chopra



Given the unsettling events happening across the world, I have made a conscious choice to seek peace. I do this through selective engagement—allowing myself to occasionally step back from sources of negativity and stress to embrace that which brings me peace. It’s a mindful practice that lets me focus on the joy within my control while minimizing the impact of what’s beyond my reach.





My Story on Choice


My mom, a 93-year-old stroke survivor of five years, has lost much of her independence. Some mornings, when I see the look of defeat on her face, I tell her it’s okay to feel overwhelmed by life’s difficulties. We all need moments of pause to acknowledge the weight of our struggles. But then, I remind her to lift her head and take in the beauty that still surrounds her—the photos, paintings, music, and memories that fill her apartment. I encourage her to look beyond the immediate challenges and into the vast space of hope and possibility.


I’m not advocating burying your head in the sand, far from it. I’m encouraging those around me to consciously shift focus to the simple moments that bring a smile, a laugh, or a sense of accomplishment. It’s about taking control of your thoughts and actions in ways that lift you, rather than allowing external forces to tear you down.


Here are some choices I've made that I'd like to offer you:


1. Selective engagement a.k.a. selective avoidance. It protects my mental health and allows me to focus on the life I love. For example, I limit my news consumption to 15 minutes in the morning. This brief update is enough to keep me informed, without overwhelming me or setting a negative tone for the day.

2. Minimize the worry. Most of what we worry about never happens. Research from Psychology today revealed that 80% of our fears are unfounded. I hold on to that statistic, reminding myself not to waste energy on things I can’t control or that may never come to pass.

3. Practice gratitude daily. As part of my morning routine, I meditate. Meditation allows me to contemplate the good in my life. Gratitude shifts our focus to the positive, even in difficult times.

4. Three good things. When negative thoughts creep in, I pause and ask myself: What are three good things about today? Neuroscientists have discovered that thinking of three positive things can quickly shift our mood from down to uplifted. Try it yourself, and you’ll notice how the smile replaces the frown. Thankfully, our brains are wired this way. This is an option with an unlimited lifespan.


As a Life Coach, I understand how avoidance is often viewed negatively, as a way to escape or ignore life’s challenges. The common wisdom is that we must confront our problems because, if left unchecked, they often grow more difficult to face. And while this is true, I also believe there are times when a thoughtful, temporary retreat can preserve our mental and emotional health. Sometimes, in particularly troubling times—whether illness, loss, or world events—stepping back to protect your peace is not only healthy, it’s necessary.


I encourage everyone struggling with life’s many challenges to take a moment to imagine the sun on your face—that feeling of warmth and calm. Know that every day we have the power to lift our heads out of the darkness and into the light. And it’s in that light that we find our strength.



If you are struggling, let's have a conversation. There is no cost or obligation, just an opportunity to share your thoughts with a certified Life Coach. After our discussion, if you feel uplifted and ready to make some changes, on your own, that's great. But if you'd like to have more conversations I welcome the opportunity to work with you as your coach. Please follow this link to contact me and set up an appointment. Thank you.


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innervoicelifecoac

Updated: Sep 26, 2024


The Word is REUNITED


Definition: Merriam-Webster Dictionary: to come together again





My Story on Reunited


This past weekend I attended my 50th High School reunion. 

Now, I’m not a neurologist or psychologist, so I don’t claim to fully understand the vast capacity of the human mind. But I know that mine provided me with some remarkable flashbacks, as I circled the venue, surrounded by people from my childhood. It was incredible how memories seemed to transport me back to my youth. As the night progressed, the light became brighter and brighter in my mind. Familiar smiles, contagious laughter, and a vivid version of my younger self resurfaced. It was truly amazing.


As the night continued, I found myself regressing. I hesitated, using that word for fear it might sound negative. So, I consulted the dictionary and found the definition I hoped for. 

"Regress: to return to a former or less developed state." Isn’t that precisely who we were in grades K-12? In what I would call the foundational phase of life, we experienced social, academic, physical, and emotional challenges. In those formative years, we may have been gifted with teachers who saw a quality or talent in us that inspired or motivated us in one direction over another. Or perhaps we had a friend who protected us from bullying or awkward adolescent experiences, preparing us for the real world.


At the reunion, I overheard a group of former classmates reminiscing about their art class and how it propelled them into artistic pursuits as they moved into college and careers. Social justice came up in another conversation, reminding me of the high school sociology and anthropology classes that sparked my curiosity and love of learning. I believe those impressionable lessons planted seeds that influenced the career and life paths many of us chose.  


Maybe not all of us pursued those early interests in our careers, but I believe they remain a part of us, manifesting in different ways throughout the personal journeys we embarked on.


Ultimately, we are like clay, molded by the hands of teachers, classmates, and the times we lived in. Those hands helped shape and reshape us as we navigated the phases and challenges of early life. Being reunited with my classmates stirred up gratitude for those many hands that touched my life. I hope it had the same impact on all who attended that night.


Paraphrasing the words of a familiar song, which my friend Nancy reminded me of - Reunited and it felt so good. 





Email: innervoicelifecoach08@gmail.com or visit my website to learn more about my coaching practice: innervoicehealthandlifcoaching.com 

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innervoicelifecoac


The Word is SHIFT


Definition: Merriam-Webster Dictionary: to change place or position



The more I learn about the human brain, the more fascinated I become. In my training as a Certified Mental Fitness/PQ Coach, I have learned how we can build up the positive right side of our brain (where love resides) and decrease the impact of negativity present in the left side of our brain (where fear resides).


My Story on Shift


Life isn’t always easy, fair, or within our control. If you’ve ever found yourself overwhelmed by these thoughts, you’re not alone. They are some of the most common negative thoughts that can fill our minds, and left unchecked, they can shape our outlook on life in a way that keeps us stuck in negativity.


But what if I told you there’s a simple yet powerful practice that can help you shift your perspective and unlock a more positive mindset? I call it “positive shifting,” and it has the potential to change your life, just as it changed mine.


I’ve had my share of challenges over the years. But over time, I discovered a way to shift my thinking, to move from a place of negativity to one of positivity. And today, I want to share that practice with you.


The Practice of Positive Shifting


So how do we make this shift? How do we train our minds to move from the negative to the positive?


It can start with a simple question: “What’s one good thing that happened today?” By asking ourselves this question regularly, we begin to shift our focus from what’s wrong to what’s right. We start to build new pathways in our brain, pathways that lead us to joy, love, and compassion.


It’s important to understand that this isn’t about ignoring the difficulties in life. It’s about acknowledging them, but not letting them define us. It’s about finding the balance between the negative and the positive and choosing to focus on the latter.


Why It Works


The practice of positive shifting works because it taps into the power of our minds. Our brains are incredibly adaptable, and capable of forming new connections and pathways. By consistently shifting our thoughts to the positive, we can rewire our brains to respond to life’s challenges in a healthier, more constructive way.


Over time, this shift becomes a habit, and we find ourselves more resilient, more hopeful, and more at peace. And the best part? It’s something we can do every day, in any situation. It’s a tool we carry with us, ready to use whenever we need it.


A Simple Challenge


I want to leave you with a challenge: The next time you find yourself thinking, “Life isn’t fair,” or “Life is hard,” or “There are things in life I can’t control,” try to shift your perspective. Find one example that challenges that thought, one moment of fairness, ease, or control. And hold on to it.


And if you’re feeling bold, try spreading this positivity to others. Smile at a stranger, compliment a friend, or simply say hello to someone you don’t know. You might be surprised at how contagious positivity can be.


Positive shifting has made an enormous difference in my life, and I believe it can do the same for you. It’s a practice, a lifestyle, and it’s available to all of us, right here, right now.


If you’re ready to explore how positive shifting can transform your life, I’m here to help. As a life coach specializing in helping people transition to new chapters in their lives, I offer a one-hour free consultation to guide you on your journey to a brighter future.


Let’s work together to shift your mindset and unlock the positive possibilities that lie ahead. Contact me today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward a more empowered and fulfilling life.


Email: innervoicelifecoach08@gmail.com or visit my website to learn more: innervoicehealthandlifcoaching.com 

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