Confidence. Self-worth. Who doesn’t want those things? Yet, they can be oh so elusive. I’m in the middle of creating all kinds of new material to help others gain confidence, because I know what it feels like to not like myself, or to like myself and still not feel totally confident. So here’s a deep,… Continue reading Feel Better About You
Tag: Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Befriending Resistance
Have you ever woken up to your to-do list and found yourself dragging your feet? Have you ever felt like your body was filled with lead and actually doing the items on your list was harder than pushing a boulder uphill? Have you ever forced yourself to do them all anyway, and ended up feeling… Continue reading Befriending Resistance
The Belly Project
Okay, ladies. It’s time to stop sucking in your stomach. Take a quick survey. Are you sucking it in right now? If so, here’s the big question: WHY? (Really, is anyone looking at your stomach in this very moment?) A few weeks ago, I realized I had inadvertently engaged in this unhelpful habit yet again. … Continue reading The Belly Project
Body Talk
This post was written by Diane Hunter, an Endorsed Healthy Life Mind-Body Coach. She can be reached for consults and coaching at diane@afterautism.com. About an hour before the call I noticed a stabbing pain in my stomach. Twenty minutes before the call, my older son’s caregiver told me she wasn’t feeling well and asked to… Continue reading Body Talk
3 Ways to Feel Better, Fast
The primary reason we end up with chronic pelvic pain syndromes is surprisingly simple. Our bodies are designed to respond to danger and stress with the fight or flight response. Two very important things happen when we experience this physiological response consistently, day in and day out. One, our muscles tighten and clench, holding chronic… Continue reading 3 Ways to Feel Better, Fast
When Pain Happens
So you’re going along, utilizing the mind-body tools, sticking with it, and you start to notice something interesting. It seems to be working! You have stretches without pain. You have longer stretches without pain. The pain itself, when present, is lessened. You no longer restrict your eating or activities, and yet you’re doing better! And… Continue reading When Pain Happens
Authentically You…and Healthy
In my own mind-body health maintenance plan, I have recently been focusing on being as completely authentic as possible. I’ve noticed over the years that the more tuned in to my body I am, the more it leads me to be completely honest with myself about myself. Before my years of vulvodynia, irritable bowel syndrome,… Continue reading Authentically You…and Healthy
A Big Thank You
I have a cool story to tell you this week. It’s about the magic of gratitude. I’ve written several posts about the power of appreciation and gratitude. I’ve told you how it helps your body relax, your brain create feel-good chemicals, and your overall health improve. I’ve explained how focusing on what you appreciate about… Continue reading A Big Thank You
Help for Helping Yourself Heal
I clearly remember the moments in my life when I first heard the words interstitial cystitis and vulvodynia. They were a couple years apart, but both stand out in their vividness. I spent days and weeks after each diagnosis feeling muddled, panicked, stressed, and confused. The number one thing I wanted was help and support,… Continue reading Help for Helping Yourself Heal
It’s Okay to Not Be Okay – The Power of Being Real
I got coached last weekend by a brilliant coach. (Master Coach Bev Barnes.) It’s funny – I forget how amazing coaching is sometimes, and then am reminded when I experience it. There is nothing like it, really, because it’s a place where you get to be exactly as you are, still be loved, and yet… Continue reading It’s Okay to Not Be Okay – The Power of Being Real