Showing posts with label gratitude. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gratitude. Show all posts

Monday, October 5, 2015

New Website Launch Day!!


Well the day is finally here!  After months of hard work, time, effort, energy and love - I'm super proud to announce that Heather C Dalton, my new website, launches today!

I wanted to create a place where women could go to tap back into their inner warrior.  A place to again reconnect and find mind, body, soul balance.  It's also a place where live liver donors can go to receive the support and resources they need for their epic, life changing journey!

I will be sharing great blog posts, upcoming events, success stories, tips, tools and lots more!  Please come on over, check it out and sign up to receive my weekly news letter.


Please click here to be sent to the new site!  See you there :)

Friday, September 18, 2015

The New Website!


Well it's almost time to launch the new website!  We have been working really hard on it and I'm really happy with it!  It's going to be a place for women who seeking balance and empowerment!  I will also be catering to women who are potential or previous liver donors.

It's been really need to see my ideas all unfold into what is becoming my website.  It really reflects my style, who I am and what I plan to offer my clients.

Launch date will be within the next 2 weeks! Stay tuned for updates ....

You can expect great blog posts - awesome groups - tips - resources and much more!


Friday, April 17, 2015

Get Up, Get Outside and Get Curious

Today was another amazing Seattle Fit Club adventure day!  I just have to say, I'm totally in love with  this book that I bought, called Seattle Stairway Walks.


I figured it would be a great way to workout but little did I know just how cool it would be!  It's not only an awesome workout but it's been a great way to explore new parts of the city.  Every time I do one of these, I fall in love with this city even more.  There are so many hidden gems, secrets and nature throughout this big city.  I think today was my favorite one yet!  It was called the Mount Baker Loop.  It was a 2.4 miles, took about 1.5hrs and gave us 569 steps down and 372 steps up.  It was a great workout but what was even cooler were some of the views ... they were some of the best yet!!  If you'd like to see all of the pictures, you can do so on my fitness page at Facebook.com/coachheather312 

 
 
Have you ever experienced the feeling that you on the right path and on the verge of a life you've only dreamed of?  If you haven't, this lifetime is too short not to go for it!  What are you passionate about?  What do you envision when you allow yourself to dream?  What are the things you've always wanted to do?  Coming from someone who was on the complete wrong path and very self destructive - to now being someone who is this being who radiates health, love and light .... it's so worth it!  It's been close to 5 years of intense personal development and the willingness to get really uncomfortable in order to grow.  It starts with loving yourself and knowing YOU ARE WORTH IT!! 
Sending positivity and love to everyone reading this :)
 
If you are in the Seattle area and would like more information on my free fit club, please email me at heatherchristine312@gmail.com or send me a friend request at facebook.com/heather.dalton.754
We're going to be getting outside - doing some really awesome things this summer and we'd love to have you join us! 


Monday, April 13, 2015

Radiating Awesome Energy and Changing Lives!

This week was such an incredibly powerful one!  I am in the middle of yet another spiritual shift, and there are so many profound things happening in my life.  I have really been connecting to Reiki and meditation.  For those of you who are not familiar with Reiki, it is a Japanese word used to describe a system of healing that is based on energy. 

Rei - is the term used to describe the creative mind and the creative expression of "God."  Everything is Rei; all that you see, smell, taste, touch, feel and hear.  Rei is creation and simultaneously you know within your heart you are part of it.

Ki - is the  vital energy that fuels creation, Life Force Energy.  Ki powers the motion of the universe. It is the force that animates everything from a field mouse to an exploding star.  It is also known in other traditions as prana or chi.  Ki flows through our channels in our electromagnetic bodies supplying us, literally, with our life force energy. 

In essence, Reiki is love.  It can be highly effective in treating:  Stress, anxiety, issues from the past, releasing pain, connecting with yourself, eliminating disease, and so much more. 

I have known for a number of years that I was put on this planet to be a healer.  I became a certified massage therapist after I received the message I was a healer in Maui, while receiving a massage on the beach.  This was no ordinary massage though, he used a didgeridoo to send healing vibrations all over my body, which put me into a profound state of relaxation.  I left that session knowing I was supposed to heal people on some level.  After I received my certification, I went on to work at a few spas but that was never my calling.  I loved the connection I made with my clients and especially loved performing reflexology. 
I moved on from doing massage as a career because it was exhausting and hard to make a living from.  It started to drain my passion and I knew it was time to move on. 
I am currently a health coach with a mind, body, spirit approach.  I love to help my clients really thrive on all levels and that includes work in many areas of their life.  I have found my way into this new modality of healing, and it has opening so many doors for me.  It has also put me on the path to being the healthiest I've ever been physically and mentally. 
I have now known for some time that something else was going to present itself to me ... I could just feel it!!  I knew there was still something I was supposed to be doing and again I have received the message loud and clear!!  I have now been called to become a Reiki instructor and I couldn't be more excited.
I will be taking Reiki One next month with my Reiki mentor, Loretta Brown in Seattle.  I have no doubt that this will open so many spiritual doors for me and I just can't wait to see where this takes me.  Stay tuned for updates on my spiritual journey :)


Because of this powerful shift, I'm noticing so many blessings in my business too.  My clients are really pumped and charging their health!  There is an awesome energy going on right now and people are just straight up kicking butt!!!  This week I could not select just one Challenger of the Week because so many of them are rocking.  I want to give a shout out to 4 very special people this week:

* Christine Spies - Just kicked off April with the 3 Day Refresh and dropped 3.8lbs and fit into an old pair of jeans ... how exciting is that!! I know we all have an old pair of jeans we'd love to fit into!
* April - Just flew out of the gates and week one with her new health plan, lost 6lbs!!  She even had a birthday this week!!  Girl I'm so proud of you - keep up the amazing work!!
* Tianna - Not to be outdone, Tianna rocked week one of her plan too, losing 6.7 lbs!!  Wow girl :)!!  Tianna just had a baby in Oct and is really dedicated to feeling like herself again.  I admire your determination and know you are going to crush your goals!!
* Carlos - He is just my hero :)  Carlos has a really huge goal of losing 100lbs and I'm so pumped to say he's just about half way there!  He is so motivating and inspiring it fills my heart weekly!  We talk every week and every week I'm just so proud of his determination!! 



Nothing compares to seeing these amazing people conquer their excuses and their goals!!  Is it always easy? No!  But they all have and amazing fitness plan, nutritional plan and support!!

Do you want to create YOUR success story?  Don't wait a second more!!  Start taking one step at a time today - you don't have to do it alone!  Reach out to me at heatherchristine312@gmail.com

Thursday, March 26, 2015

Radiating an Incredible Power Today!!

Today is just one of those days that required a blog post!  Since my surgery, my energy has shifted in a profound way and it's pretty amazing.  Today marks 2 months since my surgery, and with this marks a big moment for me.  2 months is the time frame they kept giving me for everything.  "You should be close to 100% regeneration in 2 months, you will regain your energy around the 2 month mark, you will be ready to workout around the 2 month mark, you can drink alcohol and Shakeology at the 2 month mark" .... as you can see it's been all about the 2 month mark!  Well that's today and they were not kidding.  I feel like a new person who is just radiating this powerful light & energy!!  It's no coincidence that I had a Reiki appointment scheduled for today, although I didn't realize the significance at the time.  It was a super profound session that gave me so much clarity and confirmation.  Today she had me draw cards and I drew 4 of the most powerful cards in the deck that are right in line with everything that is going on in my life.  I have no doubt in my mind that life is about to change in a big way for me this year and I couldn't be more ready for it!!


After my session I was on a whole other level just beaming!!  I just can't wait to see where my life takes me and what it has in store for me.  From the glimpse I'm getting, I'm being rewarded and blessed in so many ways.  I'm so humbled by where my life has led me, the people that have come into my life and the opportunities & experiences I have before me. 
I knew that donating half of my liver would impact my life, but I had no idea of how powerful it truly would be.  I am receiving so many signs right now that I am on the right path, and that I have so many epic journey's on the horizon!!  Bring it on life :)


Monday, February 2, 2015

I'm baaaaaaack!

Well my liver transplant surgery was one week from today and I'm feeling blessed on so many levels.  The surgery went well for both myself and my stepfather, although he definitely has a long road ahead of him.  After the surgery, he was in ICU for a few days and I went straight to recovery.  It was really great when he finally came to the recovery wing because we were right down the hall from each other.  We took walks together, visited each other, watched our shows and shared Italian Ice treats.  It was really awesome having someone there who knew exactly what I was feeling and going through and we were able to support each other.



I would say that the first 4 days were the most challenging pain wise.  I was up walking the day after the surgery and I find that's what helps most.  I would say by day 3, I could at least get up in the middle of the night and stand next to my bed on my own so I could stretch out a bit.  Nights are still the most challenging because you get pretty tight and I'm also having back spasms.  I will say though, taking small steps forward everyday.


I have no doubt in my mind that going into this healthy and positive has played a crucial role in my recovery!  I can't imagine going into this surgery with a weak core.  Everyone is really impressed with my progress and I'm pleased as well.  The goal is to be ready to head back home to Seattle by the 17th.  I have my follow up visit on the 11th and we'll see what my Dr. says.

I want to take a moment to shine a light on the real heroes, which are ALL of the people at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit!  AMAZING is the word that comes to mind.  Never did I feel like I was a number or just a patient.  They literally treated me like family and bent over backwards for me.  My surgeon Dr. Abouljoud is just an incredible human being.  He cares so much about everything he is doing and it shows.  I'll never forget being wheeled into the operating room and having him hold my hand, assure me that everything was going to go awesome and  tell me he was right here for me.  That treatment did not stop once I got to recovery.  The nurses on my floor were beyond spectacular and I left that wing with many friends.  I just can't speak highly enough about this program and all of the people involved. 

 
 
I also have to take a moment to talk about the mind blowing love and support I've received from friends, family members and people that don't even know me.  To those of you who have contributed to my Go Fund Me page, participated in the Dance for a Healthy Heather and have sent me awesome messages, I can't tell you how much it means to me and how much it has helped me get through this.  I literally feel like I have an army behind me.
 
The biggest of thanks goes to my family because they are just so awesome!!!  They all surrounded me and John and have supported us on so many levels.  A HUGE shout out to my sister Holly who has really stepped up and has been my rock through this.  She has been right there to help me with everything I need and to help keep me calm.  Sis you are my bestie and I love you with all my heart!!
 

Another massive shout out goes out to my Aunt Mary and Uncle Terry who have taken me in and are pampering me through my recovery.  It feels great to be out of the hospital with no more wires or tubes, able to shower and eating good food!  I love and appreciate you guys so much!!  Here is my first night home, after my first shower in 6 days and eating my first meal at home!! Talk about heaven :)




 Now that I am continuing to feel better, I will be back on my computer and updating my progress more.  Feel free to follow along right here on my blog or head over to my Facebook page, where I have been documenting my entire journey!  Facebook.com/heather.dalton.754
 
Again thank you for all of the love and support!  I would not be here without all of you :)
 
 
 
 
 




Saturday, January 24, 2015

T minus 2 days until surgery!

This may be my last blog post until post surgery.  Tomorrow we officially start preparing for the transplant on Monday morning. Our last meal will be breakfast and then we will be on a liquid diet for .... well awhile!  Then we have to start the fun part ..... the prep .... yuck!

I'll be starting the prep at home and John and mom will be heading to our apartment next to the hospital.  My sister, Holly, is going to pick me up after work and we'll head to the apartment together.

I would imagine tomorrow night is going to be interesting!  Being at the apartment, knowing the surgery is early the next morning .... I mean it's here!!  It's time!!  It's a little surreal to be honest.  I'm starting to feel some anxiety but nothing over the top.  I feel like, so far, I'm keeping it in check pretty good!  I've been meditating and doing yoga when I need to, which always helps.  

My mom and I were talking last night and I know she is nervous because she will be taking care of John and will not play an active role in my recovery.  I know that has her a little uneasy.  We were talking last night and I told her that one of her roles was to keep John's spirits up!  She looked at me and said, "who's going to keep your spirits up?"  I told her that I have an amazing army of supporters behind me and I would be just fine.  That's really how I feel!  I have had so many people reach out to send love and support .... it's just incredible!!  

We are both going to come through with flying colors I am certain of it :)  We are both in great hands!
I'm ready to get this going and start the healing process.  

Time to save a life!

I will most likely not be updating my blog until I feel well enough.  If you want to follow the updates on my progress, the days following the surgery, you can send me a friend request at Facebook.com/heather.dalton.754

See you all on the other side!!  Don't forget to dance it out Monday morning where ever you are! If you're on FB, please tag me in the post :)





Friday, January 2, 2015

Nature does a mind and body good!

Today I took a day to go out and work in my spiritual office.  My spiritual office is located out in nature!  Whenever I take time to connect with nature, I'm taking time to connect with myself.  I love exploring new areas and taking in things I have not experienced before. 


Today when I was hiking, there was a spot where I popped out on the beach and all I could see were mountains.  I sat there and took it all in for a bit.  I am living a life that I have designed.  A life that I have worked hard to create and sacrificed a lot for.  It's moments like this ... when I'm looking at these magnificent mountains behind the Puget Sound that I know it's all worth it!  I feel so blessed that my path has led me here to this amazing place, living this amazing life. 

Find whatever makes you feel connected and grounded.  Whenever I start to feel stressed, chaotic, uninspired or dull, I know it's time for me to get outside and re-connect with nature.  After my hike today I felt inspired and rejuvenated!  Do more of what makes you happy in 2015 :)



Wednesday, December 31, 2014

A year lead by gratitude!

Happy new year to all of you!  I hope this post finds everyone reflecting on the year they just had and setting your goals for the upcoming year.  I have certainly been reflecting today, and WOW what a year!  If I had to sum up my year in one word it would growth!  I did more personal development this year, than anything else, and it brought so many blessings into my life.
 
 
 
I remember years in the past where I would look back and 9 times out of 10 I would say, "Wow that was a hard year!"  Those hard times are often what stick out in our minds when we are reflecting but this year it's different and I know why.  Not only was I highly invested in my personal development but I was also taking part in my daily gratitude project.  Last year, at the start of 2014, I made a commitment to myself, that everyday I would choose one thing I was grateful for and keep track of my journey.  It's hard to believe that this is the last day of that commitment to myself and I have documented 365 things that I am grateful for.  It's no surprise that at the end of this year, I feel so unbelievably blessed and it's because I'm living a life of gratitude.  My glass is not half full it's always overflowing :)
 
Setting my sites on 2015, I am so pumped to see what's in store!!  I know I'll be kicking off the year saving a life, so it doesn't get much cooler than that!  I am living a life that I have designed and it feels amazing!!


 
A very happy new year to all of you and whatever you are doing tonight please be safe :)

Monday, December 29, 2014

Another big pre-surgical day today!

Today marks another big pre-surgical date!  Today both John and myself had to get out last blood draw done before the surgery.  We did not have to go at the same time but it did have to be done on the same day.  Come to find out, we were getting our blood drawn around the same time :)  They will be checking various numbers, levels and tissues, just to make sure nothing has changed.  This is such a delicate procedure, that things can change up until the very moment before the surgery!  The lady who drew my blood, was a little short in the sense of humor department and looked at me like I was nuts when I asked her to take my picture lol!  I told her no worries, I'm a master selfie taker BAM!

 
 
Then it was straight to FedEx where this will be overnighted to Detroit.  I have no doubt as we progress that things will continue to fall into place, like they have since moment one.  This is out of my hands and much bigger than myself at this point.  I know that I will be pulled in the right direction and protected.  Still feeling very calm and confident .... wow is that pretty cool! 
 


Saturday, December 27, 2014

One month until my surgery and counting!

Last night marked a big date, on a few levels.  It was the last night I will be partaking in any alcoholic beverages for a long time!  Which also means ... I'm 30 days out from my surgery. 
I'd say that fact hit me harder than the no drinking part.  I'm not a huge drinker, although I do like to have a few cocktails with friends over good food.  I'll be ringing in the new year with some sparkling wine this year :)

I celebrated my last night with one of my favorite things to do .... Happy Hour!  As I was sitting there, it dawned on me that in just 30 days my life is about to change drastically.  In just 30 short days, I will be embarking on the biggest adventure of my life!  In just 30 days, I'll be leaving my home and my dog, uncertain when I'll be returning.  In 30 days, life as I know it will change indefinitely. 

I'm still feeling pretty calm and confident but we'll see what life has in store for me the closer the big day gets.  I am grateful I have so many healthy new tools to reach for.  Looking back over the last three years, it's amazing how I've required every tool I need to prepare me for this.  I'm connecting to so many wonderful things spiritually right now like:  Meditation, sound baths, Reiki sessions, yoga, time in nature ... things that really make me feel at peace and balanced.  I'm proud of myself for how far I've come in my journey to be able to be in a calm space like this.

Cheers to a life changing 2015!  Be BOLD, be BRAVE, be SELFLESS and be YOU!

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Trip is booked - it's almost surgery time!

My trip home for the surgery is officially booked!  I leave Seattle on January 11th to head home for what will be the beginning of a series of life changing events!
I was speaking with my aunt last week and she recommended I call Delta and ask if they would allow me to pay a round trip price but leave my return open ended.  I was planning on booking a one way ticket home and then returning home when I felt up to it.  However, since the surgery is in January, the ticket prices will only go up heading into February.  Plus I was a little nervous about having to pay extra fees in case the surgery is changed for any reason.  I figured, hey why not!  I'll give Delta a call and see what they say.

I explained the situation to a super nice lady and let me just tell you what proceeded to happen completely blew me away.  They were totally awesome!!  She was determined to help me.  She looked through all of her rules and regulations to figure out exactly what they could do for me.  When it was all said and done I received:  A discounted flight, I paid no booking fees, they placed a waiver on my account in case I have to change the dates and they gave me a free upgrade to economy plus on my return trip to make sure I was as comfortable as possible.
Just another amazing act of kindness and generosity I've experienced since starting this journey. Before we hung up she said to me, "I just want you to know that we think what you're doing is absolutely incredible and I know it's not much but this was the least we could do!  You are a hero!"  Again I was immediately humbled ... I'm not sure I'll ever be comfortable with that word but was completely grateful for her kind words and generosity. 

January - here we come!!!
Oh and fly Delta people :)

Monday, December 1, 2014

Blessed Beyond Belief

Humbling, full of gratitude, emotionally overwhelming ... These are the words I'm using to describe my past 2 days.  I can already tell that this life changing journey I'm preparing to embark on is going to be really just that .... life changing.  As it gets closer, I'm experiencing the most amazing acts of kindness and hearing the most amazing stories.  Here are a few more high points for me :)

It started with a call I had with a live liver donor that my transplant coordinator set me up with.  We instantly connected and she shared her powerful story with me.  She has 2 sisters who were born with Cystic Fibrosis.  On top of it, her younger sister also contracted liver disease and eventually cancer.  She found out she was a perfect match and didn't hesitate to go all in!  They even phoned them saying they had a cadaver liver available at the final hour and they decided to turn it down.  She said to me, "I'm young, healthy and she's my sister.  Someone else's life was saved with that organ."  I was instantly humbled by her selflessness.  She also told me that she took good care of herself and she wanted to know her sister was getting a good strong organ, considering everything she has been through in her life.  At the time of the surgery, her sister was only 21 years old.  She knows that on the horizon there will probably be 2 more transplants, in the form of lungs, for her sisters.  However, I got the profound feeling that this family very much lives life to the fullest and one day at a time.  They had their surgery in February and by August they BOTH ran a 5K.  Then in November they both ran a half marathon.  Talk about inspiration!!!
She was able to shed so much light on what I could expect as far as recovering.  I gained a great sense of comfort and confidence hearing what she had to say.  I feel so blessed to have her as a new friend and resource.  Liver Giver Sister as I've learned ... catchy eh!

This next one completely caught me off guard!  I logged onto my Team Aloha Facebook page today and I see a post from my Coach telling our team that I am donating a portion of my liver to my step father and in my honor a Go Fund page had been set up by Meg (my close friend!)  I had no idea she was doing this and had to read it a few times to make sure I understood it.  I clicked on the link and sure enough, a page set up for .... me.  It was a bit of a surreal moment to see a page like that set up for me, with the words Live Organ Donor across the top.  As I read what she wrote, again I was just so humbled and such an extreme amount of appreciation washed over me.  I am truly surrounded by amazing, positive, spiritual, GOOD people.  No scratch that INCREDIBLE people and I feel so blessed!



By changing my life completely from living in a space of negativity, frustration and stress to living in a space of gratitude, health and happiness.  It's no secret why I've attracted these people into my life.  I devote my time daily to helping others be the very best that they can be and tackle those really scary goals.  Nothing is scary when you have someone behind you that believes in you.  But I don't do this because it's my job, I do this because its what I was called to do and it's my passion.  Just by doing that, just by helping others feel amazing, I have attracted so many blessings into my life.  You don't live your life expecting to need help at some point.  I mean you know you will but you don't know when and in what capacity.  Right now, when I need the most support, is when I am rewarded for the good life I've been living.  The outpouring of love and support I'm receiving is beyond what I can put into words but I can tell you it gives me so much strength and confidence.  I appreciate it more than I can even hope to express in words. 

Friday, November 28, 2014

A Complete Strangers Act of Generosity

Hi everyone I hope you all had an amazing Thanksgiving!  I always hope that everyone spends time daily expressing gratitude for the things they are thankful for but especially on a holiday.

I was surrounded by wonderful friends this year and I felt extremely blessed.  My holiday traditions have changed over the years but I carry them with me in my heart and my goal is to duplicate the feeling it creates for all of those around me, where ever I may be!  My fondest memories include:  Loved ones, the smell of good food, laughter, joy and lots of gratitude.  I fill my home with that all of the time but go that extra mile around the holidays.  I love to open my home to all and make everyone feel happy and fulfilled! Although I am now far away from my home, I am carrying on our traditions and sharing them with people I care about.  This year I hosted 7 friends for what was an incredible night of good food and even better company!

 
 
Now for an amazing heart warming story, of a complete stranger showing an act of selfless generosity.  My good friend, Meg, came over for Friendsgiving and she handed me an envelope and said I have a story for you.  She proceeded to tell me that a co-worker had asked her what her plans were for Thanksgivng, so she told her about our Friendsgiving dinner.  She started telling her about me and it led into my story of my upcoming surgery.  She shared with her how I was preparing give half of my liver in January to save my father's life and my thoughts and feelings surrounding this major decision.  She said by the time she got done talking they were both crying (which doesn't surprise me, Meg can be FAR too generous lol)  Her friend came to work the next day and handed her the envelope I was not holding in my hands.  She told Meg she was touched by my story and just wanted to contribute something small to show her appreciation.  I opened up the envelope and inside was a nice note along with .... a $100 bill!  I was completely floored that a complete stranger would be so touched by what I'm doing that send me this.  To her I know she thought this was small but to me this was so HUGE!  I was instantly humbled and just felt overwhelmed with gratitude.  It's my passion to inspire and connect with others and when this happens ... the feeling can be profound and overwhelming.
 



Many people have called me a hero and I really don't see it that way.  I feel like I have the opportunity to save someone's life, who I just happen to care about a great deal, and it's an honor to be called to do so.  There is no coincidence that I am only number 8 out of 80 to be selected to have this surgery this year.  When you are put on this planet to impact lives and help others live their best lives ever, you never know when you will be called.  Your only task to be ready when you are :)

Monday, November 24, 2014

Free 21 day Mind ~ Body ~ Soul Course

If I were to hold a FREE 21 day Mind, body and soul course, would you be interested?

We would cover all kinds of topics such as: Creating a vision for your life, setting a plan for 2015, creating a healthy mindset, finding balance, creating good habits and behaviors, etc.
I wanted to offer this because I am a healthy lifestyle coach and what I do goes well beyond losing weight or getting tone. I aim to support my clients in living a healthy lifestyle permanently. This in...cludes finding balance in mind, body and soul! You cannot just address one area, neglect others and expect for everything to be flowing smoothly in your life.

I want to help as many people as possible get on a path to living their best life
This course is going to contain tips that I have learned along the way, which have helped me to transform my life completely! You CAN live the life you have always dreamed, it's inside every one of us! These tools will help you radiate on a level that will allow you to start attracting what you truly want!

I was thinking that I would start this group Dec. 1st and it would run through the 21st. I'm just starting to see if there is a big enough interest to put the group together first.

If you are interested please fill out this form and I will contact you with details.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1leibDwXt38RplYehcau_5IYInf4DUrDl_B-GkS6doFo/viewform

 

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Making BIG decisions!

Let me ask you this .... Have you ever had to make some really big and scary decisions that were life changing?  Have you ever had to consider the worst case "what if" scenarios?  Have you ever had to determine if someone had to be your voice, who it would be?
Of course it's something we all should think about, but it's also something you often don't think about unless you are forced to. 
This was my first time filling out one of these.  Have you ever filled on out?


It's a pretty humbling time to picture yourself in trouble and determine in writing what you would want for yourself.  It's also a very odd feeling at the same time because much of my personal development has been to release control and live in the moment and this is asking me to create scenarios that may never become real.  There are actually two different roads you can take in this form.  One where YOU make all of your decisions and they must be obeyed and the other you appoint someone you trust to make the decisions if need be. 
I find it interesting to think that I could make a sound decision, before the situation even exists, but when it matters most I would be unconscious .... seems a little odd but some people want to make sure their wishes are carried out.  Shoot most people won't even donate their organs after they die! 

I find it comforting to know that I have someone I trust to listen to all of the information possible and make the best decisions based on that.  I mean that's quite a thing to have to ask someone too!  "Would you be willing to end my life if need be?"  You hope of course it never comes to that but it's still a conversation you have to have ... a very real conversation! 
When you are faced with major decisions and conversations like this, you're reminded of how fragile life is.  It's a total blessing because you are reminded to make everyday special and leave your mark in some way.  Don't let one day go by without doing something special! 

Monday, November 10, 2014

Awesome Healthy Recipe Alert

ATTENTION - Awesome healthy recipe alert!


Ok I now that I have your attention, let's talk about this awesome new healthy recipe I tried last night and it's getting 2 thumbs up.  This Tai inspired dish, was super easy to make and was packed with flavor!

This recipe is gluten-free, vegan, and uses no refined sugar. The peanut sauce makes a great dip as well.
Here is the low down on Easy Thai Peanut Sauce Spaghetti Squash

First off, here's what you'll need

 
Ingredients:
  • 1 medium spaghetti squash
  • olive oil or coconut oil
  • salt
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley or cilantro (I used chives)
  • 2 tablespoons crushed peanuts

Peanut Sauce:
  • 1 can (14 ounces) coconut milk
  • 2/3 cup natural, unsweetened peanut butter
  • 1/4 cup coconut sugar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or liquid Braggs Aminos)
  • 2 tablespoons white or apple cider vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • 2 teaspoons red curry paste
 
Directions
Spaghetti Squash:
  1. Here is a little trick to cook your squash in half the time!  Cut some vent slices into it in a few places and microwave for 5 mins at a time (will be 10-15 total depending on the size of the squash and your microwave).  What you are looking for is for it to be soft, but not too soft or mushy.  This will make it much easier to cut in half and you'll only need a few minutes in the oven.
  2. Preheat oven to 350 F. Half the squash and scoop out the seeds.
  3. Drizzle inside with olive oil and seasoning.  I used pink salt, pepper, garlic granules and toasted garlic granules. Place spaghetti squash cut side down on a baking sheet and roast for app 10-15 minutes (if you par-cooked it.  Also will depend on the size of the squash.)

Peanut Sauce:
  1. Place all sauce ingredients in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Then turn down to low and simmer for 5 minutes while stirring almost constantly.
  2. Take off heat to cool sauce.
  3. When spaghetti squash is done roasting, take it out from oven and let cool for 10 minutes. Then, using a fork, scrape out the spaghetti squash strands. If your squash is very moist, you might have to place the strands in a colander and pat with paper towel.
  4. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic, chopped parsley and 1/4 cup of the peanut sauce pan and combine. Add spaghetti squash and crushed peanuts, stir to combine and cook until heated through (about 2 minutes).
  5. Plate and garnish with a little more crushed peanuts and chopped parsley. Serve right away.
 


Enjoy!!
 
 
* If you are interested in learning more about clean eating, having access to healthy recipes, natural product tips, healthier holiday recipes and more, please reach out and ask to join my free Clean Eating Rocks group held on Facebook.  Email me at heatherchristine312@gmail.com