March 22, 2017

Do you hold onto things that Paralyze you?

How many of us hold on to things that paralyze us?

Something happens and we spin in a cycle of anger, shame or humiliation and can’t seem to get ourselves out of it. The only way out is through. Accept what happened, feel the wave of emotions and then let them go. All emotions are portals to our next phase of learning and healing  It does us no good to complain about a situation or to wallow in our suffering or anxiety.  It’s also important to know that there are no good or bad feelings.   All feelings show up to teach us a lesson.  We must not label them and look for the gift that is available to us.

When we thank the situation for the gifts that it brings, we are able to feel in the moment, lean into the lesson, let go and move on…

If you are angry, maybe the lesson is trust yourself more.
If you are shameful, maybe the lesson is to have more courage and be enthusiastic about taking bold steps in your future..
If you feel humiliation, maybe the lesson is to claim more respect
If you are 

Releae let go

I had an experience last week that was absolutely humiliating.  It created so much anxiety in my body that I almost couldn’t function.  I kept reliving the experience and beating myself up.  When I realized what I was doing, I decided to give myself a timeout to take a nice hot bath.  I needed quiet time with myself to feel into what my body was trying to tell me.  I wasn’t going to get answers from anyone else.  People could tell me to let it go, you are worrying over nothing, but no words that anyone said were going to heal the pain.  I needed quiet time alone with me to go within and feel into the lessons that were right there in front of me.  There was SO MUCH healing that took place from this crazy incident that I am now super grateful for it.

How often do we create more anxiety for ourselves than we have to?  We spend countless hours, worrying, contemplating, hiding, being afraid, contracting and playing small.  At what cost? The time spent is NOT serving us.  We need to learn how to acknowledge and own what is going on, feel into the lesson and move on.  That is the only way through.

When we feel an emotion, it makes the experience of the opposite that much deeper. Maybe the situation you are going through is allowing you to experience deeper levels of Trust, Courage and Respect for yourself. How great is that!

Be grateful, feel the emotions and then let go.

March 1, 2017

A Touching Mother Daughter Story

This past month my mother asked to come to my women’s circle for the first time.  She has always been curious about it, but hesitant to invite herself.   In my heart I felt it was the right timing.   We did an activity, where I asked everyone to share one hobby that they absolutely love.  I was initially surprised, but then inspired by her answer.

Mom ResultsMom said “I love my Isagenix.  It has changed my life.”  At first I thought what an odd thing to mention as a hobby, but in the spirit of no judgment, I let her proceed to explain why and my heart began to melt.  When I started the program my goal was weight loss.  I wanted to look and feel good again in my body.  I didn’t really have any aches or pains.  But mom on the other hand, has had a variety of different health issues.  She explained how she had very little energy and had a hard time getting through the day.  She also had really bad knee and joint pain.

After being on the product, she found that she had more energy, less pain and she lost over 35 pounds and 50 inches.  To top it off she has this aliveness about her that I haven’t seen in years.  My mom has always been a loving giving person who focused on giving to others and not focusing on herself.  It warms my heart to see that she has finally taken the time to do something for her.

She said I will be on this product for life, I FEEL SO GOOD!!!!

I was totally not expecting that.  While I experienced weight loss and a new zest for life, she experience SO MUCH MORE. The PAIN was minimized or gone. How many people live with PAIN until it is too much to bear?

I know Isagenix has the power to help with a variety of different health issues, its just that I had never personally experienced alot of PAIN, or maybe didn’t realize it.  I didn’t know what it felt like to have a hard time walking, to struggle to have the energy to keep up with kids or grandkids, to physically be in pain throughout the entire day, but still keep on a happy face and move on through the day.

My mom’s success had been a huge motivator for me to get back out there are share the benefits of this amazing product. I am starting a 30 day challenge on March 15.  I would love to have you join me.   You will not only have the benefits of the product itself, but you will have the support of a certified coach who can guide you along the way.

The interesting part of this whole experience, is that the weight loss and increased energy came with absolutely no working out.  I am not advocating for no movement, however, I want to share the benefits that you don’t have to focus on changing eating habits AND adding in exercise at the same time in order to reach some of your health and weight loss goals.

PhraseEvery positive change in your life begins with a clear, unequivocal decision, that you are going to either DO SOMETHING or STOP DOING SOMETHING.   It all begins with CHOOSING TO DECIDE you want more for your life.  Start giving your body the nutrition it needs.  You will be amazed at the life transforming results.

Contact Jen at Jen@thefreedomkeys.com for more information.

February 21, 2017

Thank You and It Takes A Village

Gift

As a special thanks to all of my subscribers, I have decided to provide some BONUSES for you. We all know that it takes a village to raise a child, but it also takes a village to help each of us grow in our own journey’s as well and I have 3 special offers for you.

 

 

1) FREE CONSULT: If you are someone who could use help in transforming your passions into actions for your life, I want to support you. I have challenged myself to serve 20 women in the next 2 weeks with a FREE consultation.  We will discuss how to help set you up for success so you claim what you really want for your life and your career.

To schedule your NO OBLIGATION consult click HERE

2) INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEWS: I am looking for volunteers to participate in a series of interviews around the challenge that women face in the corporate world. If you or someone you know would be a good candidate for this interview, please let me know.  I am scheduling to have interviews completed by the end of March.

To participate in an interview send an email to Jen@thefreedomkeys.com  (Draft Interview questions will be sent ahead of time so that you can prepare for our discussion)

3) SPOTLIGHT SECTION: I have decided to create a spotlight section in my newsletter to provide you with even more value and suggest other practitioners and resources that might be of benefit to you.  You will see our first Sponsor Highlight below.   If you are interested in a spotlight section, please send an email to Jen@thefreedomkeys.com 

I would like to Spotlight two friends Karen Carlson of Be Well Massage and Brenda Gray of Hypnosis for Change.  They are hosting an event that will enlighten you to 10 simple techniques you can integrate into your daily lives to create wellness, relaxation, and a sense of well-being.

You Won’t Believe How 10 Simple Wellness Techniques Will Change Your Life

Date: March 22, 2017
Time: 6-8:00pm
Place: Ruah Center, 1110 Washington Street, Naperville, IL
Tickets: http://bit.ly/2lxh4A9
Questions?  Call Brenda 815-557-9752 or Karen 630.542.7573

 

 

January 23, 2017

What are Three Little Words that Hurt Our Self Care Practices?

You hear phrases like, nurture yourself, self-care, take time for you, etc… You know self-care is important, but if you are overwhelmed like I was, you almost don’t know where to begin.  You know that something feels off.  You know that you have this burning desire for something more.  You know that in your gut that something is missing, BUT where do you even begin?  Will anyone even care if I start taking time out for me?  Will anyone even notice?  Will one small act REALLY make a difference?  You will be surprised at how little things can make a big difference.  The first step though is really looking at what you care about.

Do you REALLY care about how you look?
Do you REALLY care about how you are perceived?
Do you REALLY care about being put together?
Do you REALLY care that your house is messy or clean?

What we think to ourselves about ourselves REALLY does matter.  If we even think to ourselves that things really don’t matter, then we will continue to bring it on.  For what we think about, we bring about. I can remember as a little girl thinking that certain things didn’t really matter to me.  I didn’t care.

lovecarebodyThe 3 little words that hurt our self-care practice is “I DON’T CARE” or Nobody Cares!

How often you find yourself saying the words “I don’t care”.   If we look at this more closely, that means “SELF DOESN’T CARE”.  WOW.  We know our words are powerful, but when you continue to repeat the phrase I don’t care, you might not realize how often you are bringing “not caring” into your life.

Three years ago my word of the year was NURTURE.  I focused on self-care from a variety of different angles.   I began to take time for me.  I began to meditate, rest, eat better, focus on spiritual, mental and emotional aspects of self, however I forgot one piece “the physical”.  I let it go.I started off the year focusing on nurturing me, and then life and business got in the way.  I didn’t spend as much time on self- care.  I also didn’t realize that I was sabotaging myself by consistently using the words nobody cares.

I would find myself constantly saying, nobody cares around here.   Nobody gives a shit.  Does that sound familiar?  WOW!   Since my word of the year was NURTURE, the Universe was pushing things into my life to remind myself that my intention was to NURTURE myself.  So when I wasn’t in alignment with my intention, the energy of the Universe sent messages my way to remind me of how I wanted to be and also sent me “not caring” messages, because I was actually inadvertently asking for them.

Self-care is MORE than taking time for you.  Some people begin with eating healthier and exercising.  These are both great places to start, however, SELF-CARE is BIGGER than that.  It is paying attention to the words we choose and where we give our power away.   Whenever you say, I don’t know or I don’t care, you are giving your power away and in fact, asking for nobody to care.  The next time you find yourself saying those words, take a pause and really think about what you REALLY want in that situation.  I bet your will find new opportunities for you.

December 23, 2016

Feeling Transformation at its Core

This month my word for December was transformation.  I have seen my life and business transform in so many ways.  Not only am I able to see the transformation, but I can feel it too.  I have seen have HUGE shifts in perspective that I would have never dreamed possible.  I saw my children have huge breakthroughs. I have seen huge shifts in my business and the experience I share below allowed me to not only dream of my transformation, but physically feel it in the core of my being.   When you are able to fully embody your word, your vibration rises to meet your desires.  This is when life being to manifest at rapid speed and you begin to attract more of what you desire because your physical and spiritual vibrations begin to come together.

One night last week I experienced a depth of my being I didn’t even know was possible. I felt like a caterpillar in a cocoon that was much to big to remain where she was. There is no longer enough room for where I am right now to continue. I could feel the breath of life flow through me like waves in the ocean. It was as if I was dancing with the spirit of the divine. As I engaged in deep breath, soft tears slowly flowed down my cheeks as I fully embraced the depths of my being.

As I danced, I could feel my body move in ways I never have before. The breath in combination with the flow and the rhythm of the music, allowed me to stretch, pull and move my body as I made room for this new version of me to emerge. I could physically feel it. The lower half of my body was strong and grounded and the upper half of my body felt like it was thrusting and bursting its way through. I typically feel strong in my lower body but this upper body energy was like no other. I could literally feel the muscles in my body pulling and tugging its way out.

This was a breaking free into the depths of my being physically, spiritually and energetically. It’s not an awakening, but rather a re-birth. Taking all of the seeds that have been planted and emerging into this new version of me. A total TRANSFORMATION of my becoming.

This experience is available to all of us if we allow ourselves to dive into the depths of our being and do the work that leads us on this path to transformation. It isn’t always easy, but its well worth it.

trans2

November 10, 2016

Give Saying YES a Chance

How do we stop body shaming? How can we put an end to deprivation? The first step is we must be willing, open, and ready to saying YES to ourselves.

But how? Saying YES is not always an easy step. It can feel easier to say no and close the door to risk, chance, and new possibilities. It can feel scary to say yes. When we choose comfort and safety over the unknown, we are hiding from reality. We are hiding from our own truth.

And here’s the truth… the only real constant in our lives is change.

Look around you. Life is constantly offering you opportunity! It can be as simple as left or right, or black or white. These choices you are faced with are usually as simple as saying yes or no. But here’s the thing, if you aren’t open to change, you are living in a state of fear.

Your vibration is low and you attract more of the same. Your belief system no longer serves you.

This is when it’s time to stop and take notice.

Start right now. I want you to stop and notice the choices that you are making on a daily basis. What are you saying yes to? What are you saying no to?

Think about what it would be like saying yes to YOU. When you finally say yes to you, you unlock the door to the treasure within.

CHALLENGE: I am challenging you to say YES. What is one thing you can do today to say YES to YOU?

February 20, 2015

Be Gentle With Yourself

Two weeks ago I found myself in a position where I fell flat on my face. We have all had those times, but this situation felt so different for me. I have been feeling great. I had been doing so well in taking care of myself. I see a chiropractor a couple times a week, eat healthy, get enough sleep, made some changes in my daily routines, continued with my daily meditation and much more. But how on earth did I get completely drained?!

To top it off, I had some amazing things happen in both my personal and professional life that week. I thought things were going really well and in fact had some new opportunities come my way. I gave a presentation on Embodying your New Years Resolutions to a room of over 40 women and then taught a class on the Introduction to The Art of Feminine Presence for 15 women locally here in Chicago. My oldest son made his confirmation and I made some breakthroughs on a work related issue. But at the end of the week I found myself drained and I just couldn’t breathe. You know that kind of illness where your nose is runny and stuffy all at the same time? I swear I don’t know how that happens, but it was happening to me!

I went home to rest and do nothing for 3 days. Our body knows what we need way long before we do. This particular week I just didn’t see the signs. I was so excited to share of myself with others, by teaching, presenting and coaching, that I forgot to take care of myself and appreciate the little things along the way.

We hear all the time how important it is to focus on the little things and how much we should be grateful for them, but we tend to focus on the big goals and forget to appreciate all of our small accomplishments along the way. I ended up taking the rest my body needed, took a few long bubble baths, read a book and listened to some music. This entire experience taught me so much that while I was in the midst of the pain, I started to write a song about my experience. It’s not ready to share at this time, but when I get the music behind it, I will certainly post.

Later that day, Beth Majerszky sent me the lyrics to a song of a retreat she led a few weeks prior called. “Be Gentle with Myself” by Karen Drucker. It was exactly what I needed to hear. In the lyrics it says, “I will only go as fast as the slowest part of me feels safe to go.” Sometimes our mind wants to go faster than our body is ready and able to go. When we find ourselves stressed, exhausted, drained or overwhelmed, it is usually a sign that we need to slow down and be gentle on ourselves. I encourage you to listen to this inspirational song.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qp3LCCy96_I

When was the last time you appreciated yourself for the interim or little accomplishments you did? Every step forward you take is something to celebrate. I encourage you to share any celebrations here.