by Susan Liddy

Many of us know the importance of a healthy lifestyle. When we're in the right frame of mind, we can focus on eating right, exercising daily. We go to the gym and diligently check off our exercises. We carefully measure out portion sizes. We get enough rest and we rise early, ready to greet the day. The pounds start melting away, our clothes are fitting better. We're looking and feeling great about ourselves!

But what happens when we're *not* in the healthy frame of mind? If you're like most of us, it means turning right back to those old, undesirable habits that negatively impact our well-being. We binge, we grow lazy. We fall out of the routine and we're in an unhealthy place - not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. So many of us do it. But why do we let it happen?

Even though we know how to make an effort, we haven't yet created the foundation needed to sustain healthy living.

Healthy living is more than absence of illness. It includes balancing the needs of the WHOLE YOU - mind, body and soul. It involves treating your body with the care and respect it deserves, as well as feeding and cultivating your intellect. It means nourishing your emotional well-being, every single day.

What happens when our head and heart don't receive what they need to thrive, and grow, and be happy? Our bodies send out a cry for help - but we don't always respond in the best way, do we? Instead, we try to compensate for what we're missing. We attempt to "block out" the pain or "fill" the emptiness with things like too many rich foods... unhealthy relationships... drinking, smoking... habits that don't serve us. But it never works, does it? We end up feeling worse, and our appearance and health suffer for it. Next, our self-confidence takes a plunge. We're on the dark side and we can't find our way home!

Reality Check:

No matter how unattractive or unappreciated we may feel today, it's never too late to start looking and feeling better about ourselves. Below you'll find four keys to self-empowerment, inner peace and healthier living. Why not make a plan for longevity that starts on the inside, and works its way out?

The Four Keys to Healthier Living - from AspireLifeCoaching.org

• Self Care - A plan that provides for your physical body, intellectual stimulation and spiritual rejuvenation in healthy ways.
• Self Identity - A deep knowing of yourself, what you believe in, value and feel passionate about.
• Self Confidence - A confidence in yourself that is founded upon self acknowledgment and the truth of your abilities, talents and skills.
• Self Security - A sense of security that helps reduce stress, founded upon healthy relationships, financial management and belief in a higher power, knowing that you can manage life challenges. Security that comes from creating super reserves - of emotional stability, a support network to fall back on, a savings and investment plan to carry you through the rest of your life.

Fearless Integration:

Before you can take that first step toward a healthier outlook and diligent daily practice, you've got to spend some time in self-introspection. Using the list above as a set of guidelines, begin journaling your way to self-confidence, secure emotions and well-being. Start by asking yourself these questions:

1. What am I most passionate about in my life? What things, people or activities do I put above all else?
2. What am I good at? What do I enjoy doing - for work? For pleasure? Where do my greatest talents lie?
3. When I succumb to bad habits - overeating, ignoring the inner voice that's telling me to take care of myself... what am I really missing?
4. Make a list of unhealthy behaviors that you engage in. What types of nourishing activities can you replace these with that also answer to your emotional needs?

Did you know that AspireLifeCoaching.org offers a complimentary coaching session? Learn more on our coaching services page, then contact us for more information.

Susan Liddy, MA, PCC, CPCC is the founder of AspireLifeCoaching.org, a women's coaching organization whose mission is to empower women to aspire fearlessly. Susan's coaching programs help women identify what is missing from their lives and teaches them how to manage fear, and/or time and priorities. Work with AspireLifeCoaching.org to increase your self confidence and create a healthy and balanced lifestyle via private and group appointments, seminars and teleclasses.

To learn more about Susan Liddy and AspireLifeCoaching.org visit AspireLifeCoaching.org or call (408) 835-9908.

©2008 Susan Liddy, AspireLifeCoaching.org, All rights reserved.

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