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 :)

The New Website Launches on Monday

After a lot of time, effort and energy - I'm proud to announce the new website if finished and will be launching this Monday the 5th! 

That's right this coming Monday!  This has been such a labor of love and I'm so pumped to share it with all of you!  Check back here Monday for launch details.

Under Construction .... Stay Tuned!!!

I know you haven't heard from me in awhile and that's not because I've disappeared!  In fact, it's the complete opposite!!  I'm very busy at work behind the scenes creating a new awesome website/blog combo!!

I'm super excited to launch my new site.  The goal is July .... Stay tuned for details!!  I'm going to be catering in a big way to women getting going through or have gone through, live liver donation like me!  My goal is to create a place for liver giver sisters to unite, share stories, offer advice, prepare, heal, etc.  If you are interested in getting on a list for more info. please email me at heatherchristine312@gmail.com or reach out to me on one of my social media platforms.

Until then you can find me at:

Facebook.com/coachheather312
IG @coachheather312

I'll update this page when the new site is up and ready to rock!!  Until then please feel free to find me on my other platforms.  Please say hi if you do :)

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 :)

First Strong in Seattle Fit Club

 

Today was the launch of my first Strong in Seattle Fit Club.  I chose a week day, so only one friend could make it.  I know that would get some people down but it didn't bother me!  I think it will be cool to have a picture of the first fit club with one person, and see where it goes from here!  I'm planning to do one week day activity and one weekend one, so everyone has a chance to make it!  Here's to my very first Fit Club!

This all started because as many of you know, I've set a big hairy scary stretch goal for September! I'll be going on a 3 day, 18 mile, camping hike at The Enchantments in WA.  It's the trip of a lifetime and I'm super excited.  With that being said, I did just donate 1/2 my liver 2 months ago, so I have some training to do!  I decided to get in some weekly training, besides my normal workouts, to get me ready.  I have a great book of local hikes that I love to go to!  I'm working to get through as many of them as I can, I have a lot of exploring to do :)  I also found a really cool book at the book store with stair walks all over Seattle.  I thought what better way to train then lots of stairs, time in nature and exploring the city all at the same time! 

Today we took on Ravenna Park, which is in North Seattle.  We did just around 2 miles (although we got a little turned around so we may have thrown in some extra credit!)  It was a great mix of stairs, walking and nature.  We couldn't believe that we were actually in the middle of a major city ... one of the many things I love about Seattle!  On our 2 mile loop, we tackled about 118 stairs down and around 264 up.  Talk about a great lower body workout!  We also saw some really cool historical stuff on our journey.  It's hard to call this working out ... even though it is!  Gotta love that :)

 

 

 

If you live in the Seattle area, and you'd like more info on my free Strong in Seattle Fit Club, send me an email at heatherchristine312@gmail.com

 

Come workout, get healthy and have a great time with some really fun people :)

My New Volunteer Adventure

Some of you may have seen my post on social media earlier regarding a meeting I was going to.  I also eluded to new things being on the horizon.  Let me start by giving you a little back story.  Volunteering has always been a part of my life and my nature.  I have done various things like candy striper at a hospital when I was younger, donating time at pantry's or soup kitchens, trips to donate time helping those less fortunate, outdoor work, etc. 

It was always irregular and very random because I was typically working a lot of hours and short on time.  When I started my business I told myself, "As soon as I'm able, I'm going to make volunteer work a regular part of my routine."  Not only does giving back help me to feel amazing but I also want to make an impact.  I decided in the Fall that it was time to start looking for somewhere I wanted to volunteer.  I knew I would wait until after I was healed from my surgery but I wanted narrow down some places I was interested in.  I looked at all different kinds of places and opportunities, but nothing called out to me.  I put out into the universe that I was looking for an opportunity and asked for guidance to point me  in the right direction.  Well a few weeks ago ... the answer came.

I was doing some research and stumbled upon something familiar from my past.  The more I started to dig and do some research, the more I realized that this opportunity really had everything I was looking for.  When considering opportunities I really wanted:  To be in a position to mentor and motivate others, teach others about health and wellness, make an impact on lives and the community, have the opportunity to get outdoors, have the opportunity to try new things and something that felt rewarding.  This opportunity had it all! 
The organization I will be volunteering for is .... Girl Scouts of America!  The meeting I had today was an area director and the girl I will be running a troop with.

 

 

 

This struck me as the right opportunity for a few reasons.  One, I was involved with this organization as a young girl and I have really fond memories, especially when my mom was my troop leader :)  I was a Daisy, Brownie and Girl Scout!  I remember we had a lot of fun but we also learned a lot and gained many life tools like:  Sharing, giving back, being independent, the importance of exploring, positive self image, etc.  What I love most about this organization is what it stands for and the message it's teaching young women.  Statistically speaking, girls who engage in Girl Scouts are less likely to engaged in bullying (on either end), have a more positive self image, are more independent, are happy and balanced, sociable, and much more.  Not only do they learn these skills at a young, impressionable age, but they carry them into life as young women who have the skills to change the world!  I am so excited to play a role in helping young women see that they are beautiful just the way they are, to approach the world with love, to be a unique individual and follow their hearts. 

I am looking forward to starting this new positive adventure!

 

I will be starting as a Daisy Co-Leader, which is making me nervous and I see as a good thing all at the same time lol!  I'm nervous because of the young age, they will all be kindergarteners!  What's good about it is, they will be too young to have any expectations :)  It will be a great opportunity to get my feet wet and learn.  Ultimately I see myself mentoring young women (middle school and up) and possibly getting involved in their journey's program, where they go on various adventures.   Exploring, mentoring, inspiring, giving back ... right up my alley!  Daisy's here I come ... wish me luck!!

 

 

 



Setting an Epic Stretch Goal

Have you ever had one of those years where you just KNOW it's going to be a HUGE year for you?  You can just really feel that big things are about to happen?  Well I am on the verge of one of those years and I'm super stoked about it.  I'm even more excited to share it with all of you, in hopes of inspiring and motivating as many people as possible to do some really cool stuff! 

The year started out with a life saving journey, I mean what a way to kick of 2015!!  As many of you know, I donated a portion of my liver to my step dad on 1/26/15.  I knew that this would greatly impact my life, but I didn't and still don't fully know to what level.  What I do know is, SO many blessings have already come my way since this all began.  I have met and connected with so many incredible people.  Complete strangers that reached out and donated money to my Go Fund me page or sent kind words to support me on my adventure!  Hundreds of people danced for me, followed my progress and posted daily to motivate me ... I was just completely blown away!  It's because of all the support, my commitment to my health and my drive to be balanced mind, body and spirit - that I've been able to recover so quickly!

It's mid March and by the end of this month, my liver will be for the most part, fully regenerated.  Wow the body is so amazing isn't it!!  I'm feeling stronger, healthier and more alive everyday!  I feel like I'm radiating with positivity, love and great karma it's totally awesome :)  I feel like setting some big - stretch goals to see what I can do this year! 

6 weeks post surgery, and I'm easing back into my workouts, but also pushing myself enough to make sure I know where my limits are.  I'm setting my sights towards the end of the summer and I'm setting a really EPIC goal. 

My bestie, Meg, won a lottery spot to hike the Enchantments in WA.  She's been wanting to do this for a few years and this is the year it's meant to be!  I'm setting a goal to take this hike with her, and 7 other homies, to celebrate her birthday!  It's the beginning of Sept. so this is a stretch goal for me but I think I can do it!  I've always wanted to do a trip like this, it's an experience of a lifetime and definitely fits into my theme for 2015!!  It would be a 3 day, 18 mile round trip, hiking and camping adventure.  You gain quite a bit of elevation but the views are sick!! 

I'm going to start training by continuing with my strength and interval workouts, as well as getting outside to do some walking, hiking and soon .... the stairs!  My goal is to start hiking at least once per week, so I can build my endurance and then do the stairs 1-2 times per week.  And when I say stairs, I mean stairs!  The Seattle area even has it's own book hello!!

I'm looking for others that want to set stretch goals too, so we can hold each other accountable!  What do you say?  Is there something you've always wanted to do, but just don't know where to start or just haven't started?  Let's do something epic together! Email me at heatherchristine312@gmail.com

Challenger Spot Light

This week I want to shine a light on someone I am so inspired by on so many levels!  
This weeks Challenger of the week is Carlos !! :)
Carlos is not only a challenger but he is a long time friend and holds a special place in my heart!

Carlos and I attended elementary school, middle school and high school together and I can honestly say he has never changed.  He's always had a huge heart and hung out with everyone, not just a particular group.  He is compassionate and caring for everyone! 

Carlos and I did not remain close friends after we graduated high school but just like many people, stayed in touch through Facebook (and probably even Myspace for a minute!)  When I became a health coach, I would reach out to him and let him know I was here to support him if he ever did want to start his health journey - although I never pushed him.  I followed him as he tried various things and I celebrated his successes when he had them.  One day he reached out to me and we connected on the phone.  We talked for well over 1 hour about the life he envisioned for himself and what he wanted to accomplish. 
I made a pact with him that day that I would support him and stand by his side until we reached that goal and together we haven't looked back!  What I admire most about Carlos is he NEVER gives up! Just like anyone else, he may have bad days or bad weeks, but he stays connected to why he is doing this and gets back on track!  We have set some awesome goals together and I have no doubt in my mind, that he will reach every single one of them!

Carlos has lost over 40lbs this past year and more importantly, is learning and implementing some healthy long term habits.  He is changing his life and inspiring those around him too. 
He wants to hit the 100lb weight loss mark by this summer and I KNOW he can do it!  Let's all get behind him and support him on this amazing journey.  I know I won't miss a moment of it :)

I'm behind you all the way buddy! 

What's the low down on sodium?

I'm sure you've heard lots of talk about being sure to read your food labels to monitor for sodium levels.  If you haven't, you're hearing it now and you really should!  So many processed foods are full of sodium, especially frozen meals.  Salt is used as a preservative so it typically higher in frozen meals or canned foods.  It doesn't stop there though, it's in everything!  So why should we care about our sodium levels?  Consuming higher levels of sodium will raise your blood pressure, aka hypertension, which is the leading cause of death, disability and cardiovascular disease.

So how much sodium should an adult consume per day?  Humans, 2 years and older, should not consumer more than 2,300mg per day (and yes you should be monitoring your children's food as well).   Guess what the average American consumes in one day .... 3,400mg!!  Wow - that's over 1,000mg over the recommended serving! No wonder cardiovascular disease and stroke are the leading cause of death and costing America nearly 4 billion dollars per year!
* Please note that if you fall into one of the following categories, you should only be consuming 1,500mg per day:  Over 51 years of age, African Americans of any age, people with high blood pressure, diabetes or kidney disease. 

Another place you will pick up lots of extra sodium is dining out.  Keep your dining out in check to avoid high sodium, calorie and fat levels.  Don't be afraid to speak up and ask for light sodium, butter or oils when you are dining out.  Most chefs will accommodate your requests. 

So we've covered recommended sodium levels per day, reading food labels and being conscious when dining out.  Now let's go in your home - what kind of salt do you use and have you ever looked at the sodium content?  For the longest time, I was reading food labels looking for sodium but not looking at the sodium on my salt - it didn't even dawn on me.  Hey we're constantly learning right!

Here's what I found out ...

Here is an ordinary, popular, over the counter table salt. The sodium is at 590mg, per 1/4 tsp.  Can you see how if you're trying to stay under that 2,300mg per day, it can start to add up real quick?

Here's another one.  This one is just a generic, store brand, table salt.  This one is not much better at 560mg per serving.

 

 

This next one I wanted to add because it's pretty popular right now.  Not only that but it has a lot of health benefits as well.  I'm referring to Pink Himalayan Sea Salt.  Where most salts dehydrate your body, this salt has benefits to it.  Some of these benefits include:  Rich in Iodine, creates an electrolyte balance, reduces PH, reduces acid reflux, promotes proper metabolism functioning, strengthens bones, lowers blood pressure, helps intestine absorb nutrients, improves circulation and helps eliminate toxins.  All of these awesome properties, and it sill comes in with a lower sodium content at 380mg per serving.

 

 

If you want the straight up lowest, best quality, table salt here it is.  At 280mg per serving, this comes in at the lowest sodium option.  You should be able to find this at most grocery stores and I believe I've seen it at Costco.  I did have to go to a nicer grocery store to find it.

 

 

 

 Hopes this helps everyone to be a bit more sodium conscious! 

The Word of the Day is Progress!!

Yes that's right, my word for today is progress!  Despite this cold still lingering on and on, I can feel myself starting to turn a corner.  I am still really congested and go through periods where I have very little energy.  Today was a little different though, today was special.  Despite my cold, I heard that little voice in the back of my mind saying, "It's time, today should be your first workout day!"  I knew my body would tell me when it was time to start easing back into it and today I got the message.

I wasn't sure which workout was going to call me first and it was one of my all time favs, PiYo!  For those of you who have never tried it before, it's a fun and dynamic combination of yoga and Pilates.  You're in constant movement and Chalene Johnson totally kicks your but.  I have been feeling the need to stretch and strengthen, so I figured this would be a good place to start.  I also really like that there is a great modifier that you can follow to meet your level, which was heaven sent and boy did I need it.  I modified just about everything and even made up a little on my own to compensate what I couldn't do.  I kept reminding myself that this is step one of what will be a whole lot of steps.  Just take one day at a time!  I also managed to get in 30 squats for a challenge my accountability groups are doing.  It felt really great to get back in with my groups and accomplish my first workout post surgery - no matter how modified the workout was!

 

I know I have to go slow and take baby steps to get back to where I was physically.  This journey is really going to force me to grow in the patience department.  It's also going to force me to learn a new speed, slow.  I am looking for all of the positive lessons I will learn from this journey and I'm looking forward to growing in those areas.  It was clear after todays workout that this phase of my journey is going to be slow going.  Today starts day one of my training to strengthen my body in many ways.  Today I start the physical journey ... I can do this!

 

 



 

Dance for a Healthy Heather Monday!

Hi everyone,
As you know, this coming Monday the 26th, I will be heading in for transplant surgery.
I will be donating half of my liver to my step father :)
I have to check into the hospital at 6am and before hand my sister, mom and myself will be having one last dance party at 5AM!
I want to radiate love and happiness heading into that hospital and what better way to do that then a good dance session!
But I have an even better idea .... I want all of YOU to dance too!!! So wherever you are on Monday morning when you get up, dance it out for me!! What a way to celebrate saving a life and starting this epic journey!!
I know I will receive so much positive energy from all of your dancing :)

So here's what you do:
* Monday when you wake up, grab a partner or dance it out solo style!
* Take a photo or video, post it to FB and tag me in it :)

Who's in?

To get added to the event page, please add me as a friend on Facebook at Facebook.com/heather.dalton.754 and shoot me a message to tell me you want to dance!!

It's my goal to get Ellen Degeneres involved .... well because she's my fav :)  Spread the word! 

Pre-op Visit Scheduled!

You know the day is definitely getting close, when you receive your pre-op schedule in the mail!  I fly home to Michigan this Sunday and then the 1 week countdown begins!  On the 21st I will be at Henry Ford for my pre-op visit and I'm actually looking forward too it.  I think this will answer some of the questions I'm having, allow me to tour the facilities I'll be staying at, as well as connect with my surgeon again.  I only met him on the day we were doing all of the testing to determine if I was a match.  That day was such a whirlwind filled with lots of information, meeting with different departments and lots of people.  I'll definitely be looking forward to connecting with him again.  I'll also get to meet with my transplant coordinator, who is totally awesome, along with a nutritionist and pharmacist. 

 

 

I made a request to have my picture taken with the surgical staff  before we get started.  I told them this was important to me for a few different reasons.  One,  I'm documenting this journey for myself and my family to have forever.  I want to always be able to look back and share this with others and to remind me that I made the ultimate sacrifice to save a life and to continue to live the best life I possibly can!  I also want to shed a positive light on live organ donations because there are so many others out there who are in need and who are waiting!  There are so many people out there who are really sick and are waiting for a miracle.  By making the choice to donate, I'm not only saving the life of someone I care about, but I'm also giving someone else on the list, the chance at life too! 

The other reason I wanted to get a picture before hand was because I am a big believer in energy!  I do a lot of meditating, yoga, breath work, etc.  I also attend things to help me balance my energy like sound baths and Reiki sessions.  I believe that the better the energy in the operating room, the more smoothly things will go during and post surgery.  I want to share a moment prior to surgery with everyone that will have my life in their hands.  I want there to be a good, positive vibe in the operating room before they cut me open. 

 

Per usual, Henry Ford has been awesome and my coordinator said, "Heather, I'm going to make that happen!"

 

The countdown begins ...... 

Final blood draw .... take 2!

After going to the lab a few weeks ago, for what I thought was my final big blood draw before the surgery, I found out was really just a dress rehearsal.  After my blood draw, I actually didn't have the best reaction.  They sent me a package in the mail with everything I needed to collect the blood, overnight  itback and all of the paperwork needed .... well so we thought!  
I not only had to get blood drawn for my upcoming surgery, but I also had to have blood drawn for my regular Dr. as well.  I decided instead of going twice, I would just knock everything out in one trip.  I had to fast for one set of the blood work so I went in the in the AM.  It ended up being 8 vials they needed and they said that  was a lot after fasting. 
As the day progressed, I started to feel some side effects like:  Drained, achy, foggy and could not regulate my temperature for a few days. Once I finally started to feel stable again, my transplant coordinator called and said there was a paperwork snafu and I had to do it over .... sigh.  This time I didn't have to fast though so I wasn't too worried about it.  I guess this is still the easy part right?  So back to the lab!

This time they only had to draw 4 vials and I didn't have any kind of side effects.  Being overnighted to Detroit with love :)  I've given more blood over the past 3 months then in my lifetime!  Amazing how the body can regenerate and heal itself.  To know that you can remove half an organ and have it completely regenerate itself is fascinating to me.  Even more a reason to donate!

Haven't gotten any calls yet that there are any issues with this sample so here's hoping all is good!  One week from Sunday I'll be flying home to start this epic journey!  Be sure to follow along :)

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 :)

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!

Happy Holidays! Here's to an electric 2015!

I hope this posts finds all of you in that post holiday bliss state of mind.  Looking back over the past few months, the memories you've made, the get-togethers you had, the good friends and family, the amazing food .... the good stuff as I like to call it!  I find the holidays can either bring out the best or worst in people, and I feel fortunate to be surrounded by people I cherish and who enrich my life in so many ways. 
This will be my second Christmas away from home but I carry with me years of the best traditions a girl could hope for and a deep appreciation for my family!  Although I miss my family, I also have an adventurous soul and there is a part in me that also is loving doing new things over the holidays.  Things I never thought I'd be doing.  Yesterday for Christmas, we headed down to Light House Beach in Mukilteo, WA.  We took my dog and played on the beach.  The scenery was absolutely beautiful, the ferry's were running and the light house was decorated for Christmas.  I had to stop, look around and remind myself that this wasn't a dream ... this is where I live, it's Christmas and I'm on a beautiful beach!  I was so full of gratitude and completely in love with my life :)

 

 

 

Now that the holidays are officially over, I'll be switching gears to really focus on my health.  My surgery was pushed back 1 week, due to a scheduling conflict with the surgical team, so my new date is January 26th .... one month from today!  I know this next month is going to go fast and I want to make sure I'm as prepared as possible.  This will include feeding my mind, body and spirit.  I know that my anxiety may increase as the surgery gets closer, but I also feel that I have a lot of healthy tools to reach for and amazing people surrounding me ... I cannot fail! 

It's time to get back on track and get serious.  I need to start training for the biggest event of my life and I want all the support I can get!  You are all invited to join my New Year New You Accountability Group starting January 5th!

Here are some more details on what you can expect from this group:

* An optional 3 Day Refresh Cleanse to kick off your health journey properly!  This will help you to eliminate your sugar cravings, rid your body of toxins, lose bloat and excess weight, boost your metabolism and prepare your body for the rest of the challenge.
* A personalized health and nutritional plan
* Motivation in the form of a private group.  This group will consist of people from all over the county who are different ages and at different fitness levels.  The one thing we have in common is we are all there to improve our health and support each other.
* Support from me, your personal health coach.  My services are included with your tools so once you have those, you have a coach for life!  I will be here every step of the way and will help you tweak your plan as your needs change.  Together we'll work to stay on track and reach your goals!

Does this sound like something that could benefit you?  Please let me know and we can discuss your goals further and I can secure your space in the group.

 

 

 

Please send me a message on Facebook at Facebook.com/heather.dalton.754

or email me at heatherchristine312@gmail.com 

 

Unplug from the world and plug into yourself!

Yesterday, I took a much needed day off!  I unplugged from social media for a majority of the day and it felt great!  We live in a world that we are constantly plugged in and available.  If we don't have our phones or if we don't log onto social media, it feels like a really weird day. 

Since I primarily run my business through social media, there are not too many days when I'm not online at some point.  Even yesterday, I was taking the day off but I still logged on in the AM to check in with all of my groups.  I have people who rely on me and if they need support I want to be there.  I was on very briefly and then I logged off for the rest of the day.  It feels so great to unplug and just connect with your life once in awhile.  Get out there and live and not worry about posting a pic or a status update! 

Since it is such a big part of our society, we have to consciously remind ourselves to do this from time to time.  No one needs to be, or should be, available all of the time.  Make time to do the things you love most and be sure you're giving who you're with your undivided attention.  I mean come on, how many times do you see people who are out to eat and they are both on their smart phones most of the time .... LAME!  Put down your phone and connect with your world and the people in it! 

I challenge you to unplug at least one time per week.  This means turn off your phone and stay off social media.  Read a good book, go out for date night, take a hike with a friend, take a hot bath ... do whatever it is that brings you joy ... and don't feel the need to update your status about it :)

Hear my Story at the Seattle Super Saturday

More blessings are coming my way :)  Super Saturday is an awesome event that is held quarterly in my business.  They are held all over the country and they are super motivational events.  It's a great place to meet incredible, positive people.  You'll hear the most amazing, inspirational stories you could imagine.  We hear upcoming news and events and we get in a free, awesome group workout!
Our next event is January 10th and I was just informed that they will be bringing me up on stage, to be interviewed by Super Star Coach, Jimmy Hayes Nelson.  Jimmy is incredibly motivational and was also featured in the Insanity and PiYo workouts.

I don't have a doubt in my mind that making the decision to become a coach, gave me the tools I needed to be able to get through my biggest journey yet, the journey to become a live organ donor.  Three years ago, I was in a very different place!  I was at the very top of my BMI, a smoker, lived an unhealthy lifestyle, was very stressed, didn't believe in myself and held myself back with horrible self talk.  On the outside, I appeared really strong but on the inside I beat myself up horribly. 

My journey started by making the decision that I didn't want to feel the way I felt anymore.  By saying enough is enough!  I plugged into the most amazing system I had every been apart of!  For the first time ever I had the perfect combination of fitness, nutrition and support and I started to change my life.  Once I realized that I was changing my life, the decision to become a coach was pretty easy.  I wanted to pay it forward and help as many people as I could!  I had no idea just what an impact that decision would make!

For the first time, I was exposed to personal development and investing in myself.  I was exposed to what was possible when you love and respect yourself.  I was surrounded by positive people that motivated me and lifted me up higher than I could have imagined.  Since becoming a coach I have learned how to let go of control and walk with faith, I have learned how to work on myself and let others live their own lives, I have learned what a positive mindset can really do, I have learned that failure is welcomed and in fact should be sought out and I have learned that the more you give of yourself the more blessings will come your way.  Instead of smoking, drinking, partying and living a  life of destruction.  I now exercise regularly, eat healthy, meditate, do yoga and center my life around helping others live the best lives they possibly can! 

I have now been called for my biggest journey and that is to save a live by being a live liver donor.  I have no doubt in my mind that if I wouldn't have changed my lifestyle and found my peace, I would in no way be fit to answer this call!  I know that my anxiety would be off the charts and I would be a mess.  Instead I am calm, confident and grateful to be able to save the life of someone I care about.  I know that this will open many doors for me and allow me to reach more people who need my help.
I am so grateful and blessed to be living the life I am living and I want to share that feeling with as many people as possible :)

Anyone can attend Super Saturday and I would highly recommend it!  Guests are free and if you're a coach it's cheap and will pay itself back 10 fold! 

Here is the info for the Seattle event.  If you would like to attend - please let me know.
Date: January 10th
Time: 9AM-2PM
Details and tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/seattle-super-saturday-january-10-2015-tickets-13404756989

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 :)

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.