7 Survival Tips and Tools to Transform Winter Woes into Winter Wows!

1. Dig out some good books that you have been waiting to read or skim through. The topics might be the following: Health and Wellness, Childhood fairy tales Crafting/Hobby, Self-help and/or Organization. I find that I love to think of winter as the season for planning-So anything that is focused on health and wellness, nutrition, or gardening even organizing spaces are some of the topics that I especially love at this time of the year. One of my favorites I am reading right now is Eating Healthy for the seasons by Elson Hass. It is a great book if you want to learn why it is important to eat certain foods at certain times of the year plus there are lots of great tips and advice on what you need to be eating. 

2. Stock up on some nourishing teas. Nothing warms the body, and soul like a good steeping cup of hot tea on a cold winter’s day or night for that matter. One of my favorites is Lemon Lift-I like how it smells when I am drinking it and the lemon helps detox and cleanse my lymphatic system.

3. Invest in some good quality essential oils like Young Living. Young Living Essential Oils have been a family stable of ours for almost 8 years. Whether we diffuse thieves to cut down on germs and bacteria, inhale peppermint to unclog the sinuses or wear joy on our heart to lift our spirits; these essential oils are a must-have in everyone’s winter survival kit. (If you are interested in purchasing any of the above products or would like to know more-send me an email at reneeguidelli@frontiernet.net)

4. Journal how you are feeling, your dreams, aspirations, things you want to see change in your life. When we change our thoughts we change our life, but first we have to address what needs to be changed. That train wreck of thoughts will just keep you stuck on the wrong track and for some wake you up at 3AM. Get clear on how you feel, what you want, what you don’t want by writing it down on paper first. You will feel 100% better, and in control of what happens next. Knowledge is power and puts YOU in the driver’s seat where YOU belong.

5. Borrow, buy or download some meditation tracks, experiment with different kinds. Breathing, chanting, guided, silent are just a few. Not everyone meditates the same way. There are so many resources out there that you are bound to find something that really works. Find your style, find your groove. Meditation is the single most proven technique that lowers blood pressure, reduces anxiety, keeps you calm and centered and enables you to focus on what really matters to you.  Try it-I guarantee that if you stick with it, it will change your life forever.

6. Recognize what really is comfort food and what is an imposter. Don’t get me wrong, I would love a nice big heaping of my Mom’s homemade macaroni and cheese every week; but my hips won’t thank me for it and chances are the dairy might clog up my nose and sinuses. Moderation is key and even moderation in moderation. I discovered that what I thought was comfort food in the long run has made me uncomfortable. So these days I am opting for less sugar, carbs and dairy and replacing it with more natural organic healthy choices like fruits, greens, nuts, fish, poultry and funky vegetarian dishes. For snacks I prefer crunchy and salty so I look for products made with more natural flavors that are unique and different. Some of my favorites are Popcorners, seaweed rice cakes w/ avocado, sunflower/Pepita seeds and anything from Nature Box. It is all in the attitude. If you feel like you are missing out-then you will not be pleased with your choices and you won’t feel satisfied. But if you look at it as a challenge and one that you want to conquer-then you might find yourself having a grand old time and feeling much better that you could have ever imagined.

7. Organize, organize, organize. Pick a room, grab a box and start de-cluttering and sorting through. What better time to de-hoard, de-clutter and tidy up your cozy little nest then on a weekend or weekday when you are stuck inside and should not be going anywhere. Not only will you feel better that you tackled a room or two but you just might discover a long lost treasure that you can add to your winter survival kit. Start small, put on some music or a motivational CD and go through every thing you own with a fine tooth comb. Do you love it? If yes-keep it, will you use it-yes-find the appropriate spot for it. Do you know some one else who might be able to use it or might even love it? Put it off to the side and give it to them the next time you see them. If you don’t love it, have a place for it, or have not used it in over a year-chances are you really don’t need it and won’t miss it –junk it, donate it or gift it. The more you let go of things you don’t need the more focused and receptive you become to what you do need. And when you are focused and receptive to what you do need-the universe has a wonderful way of providing that for you when you are ready.

Turning the winter woes into winter wows is all in the way you look at it and what you decide to do about it. The woes are a way for you to go deeper and fix what is not working in your life. The wows come from knowing who you really are, what you are truly capable of and learning how to take control of any situation that life throws at you.

My free gift to help you survive this winter: 7 Survival Tips for Winter

 

If you are interested in discovering more of your own winter wows or if you just can’t seem to kick the winter blues, contact me I would be happy to help.

 Renee Guidelli is a life coach, spiritual teacher and holistic health advocate. Founder of Heart Centered Living, she has been helping people find happiness, peace, passion and purpose for over 15 years. You can contact Renee at 607-226-2354 or email her at reneeguidelli@frontiernet.net to see how she might be able to help you.

Staying Centered For the Holidays

We all know that no matter how hard we try during the holiday season we sometimes feel burned out, or anxious whether it is from shopping and waiting in lines, finding the perfect gift, or entertaining. There are many things that can help you  get through the holiday season and not only make it one to remember but cherish forever. 

 

We hear the word balanced and centered quite a bit but what does it actually mean to you and at this special time of the year? For me if I am feeling any of the above-I know that is because I am not balanced and centered. I am either feeling pressured to get things done a certain way, or I am taking on others opinions and “ways” things ought to be to make everyone happy. Either way-It is not a good feeling and I certainly recognize it. Because I am aware of this feeling and this “way of being” which actually is doing, I want to change it so that I am more balanced, connected, centered and whole. 

I always refer back to my magic tool box loaded with lots of tools and techniques to help me out whenever I am feeling not myself. I say magic because as soon as I shift my thinking into what I want to achieve-the magic springs forth. And a plethora of ideas come forward and my energy changes.

Here I have provided some tools we can use to help you get into the swing of things and start feeling like your old self or even in some cases your new self. 

Relaxation Exercises-We often think of relaxation exercises as breathing deeply, or meditating, but what we often forget is “what does the word RELAX mean to you-Here are some things to consider besides breathing deeply, or meditating. 

Play music that you love-This of course could be Christmas or even solstice music-What is the mood you are looking to create-use music to help you.

Put your boots on, bundle up and go outside. Take a walk or even a drive to see all the beautiful Christmas lights

Burn incense or diffuse oils-I am always amazed at how quickly my mood and environment changes when I use oils. I have been doing it for so long that I naturally know what I need and how it is going to effect me.  

Bake or cook something in the kitchen (comfort food)-While this holiday season is all about cooking we want to make sure that we enjoy doing it-that it is not an obligation or something that we really don’t want to do. Instead of baking cookies-maybe you might want to make a healthy chex mix or instead of decorating a huge Christmas tree you decide to buy one that goes in the ground and use simple ornaments. 

Create an altar in your life about the things you value most-While I recommend doing this at any time of the year-You can certainly make it work for you during the holiday season. Cards that you have kept from long ago, pictures of loved ones past or not able to make it home for the holidays, snowflakes and snowmen, real greenery and candles, a special ornament, the list is endless and it will serve as a gentle reminder of what this holiday season really means to you. 

Do some guided imagery using a C.D or your own imagination. Picture how you want this season to look like, the feeling that you get, the sacredness and peacefulness. Guided imagery is a very powerful exercise. You can use it to ground yourself as well. 

Ask questions to see who you are and what you really want this holiday-This is a great tool to use when you are feeling stuck or unsure about something. Sit down with a piece of paper and pen and begin to write out how you feel, then ask questions regarding this until you get an answer or inspiration that creates a shift in your thinking as well as your body.  Remember the answers are inside of you-you just simply have to create the space to ask the question. And there is no such thing as a right or wrong question.

 Make Art-Art is your inner spirit and soul singing and dancing, drawing and writing poetry (Have some materials on hand-by your kitchen chair, bedside or living room)-Drawing pad, crayons/colored pencils and/or markers. I remember last year I could not make enough pictures of star bursts, and angels, and creative words from my soul that reflected how I was feeling at the time. It is a kind of journaling but with the soul. Maybe you could call it soul journaling.

 

Pray and connect to Spirit-Don’t forget the reason for the season. Why we are celebrating Christmas. The source of the season. We can easily be pulled into the drama outside of ourselves but if we focus on our inner resources and inner source-we will be able to truly appreciate all this season has to offer. 

Perhaps there is something that you remember that is very special about this season-the three wise men, the birth of Jesus, Christmas caroling, The Christmas Story, Listening to Nat King Cole and Johnny Mathis while you are stringing popcorn and cranberries for the tree outside for the birds. 

Open your eyes and heart to love-No guilt, no obligations,-Generosity and Love. If you keep this as your source of spirit and illumination, you will relieve any stress that you might have experienced in the past. Release yourself to pure spirit from whatever comes in your life and let’s make this holiday transcendent. 

If you are looking for a stress-free holiday for yourself and others you can purchase my guided meditation CD for $10 (Holiday Special) Buy one for yourself and get another for $7 and give it as a gift. Give the gift of peace and relaxation.

 Send a check or money order to: 

Renee Guidelli Attention: Meditation

2354 State Rte 26 Lot 40, 

Endicott, NY 13760. 

Start Where You Are

It was brought to my attention the other day that I had not posted on my blog in quite some time. At first I could feel myself getting pretty bristly about it because of course it was a truth and I knew at that moment I was going to have to take some kind of action but how, when and why?

Luckily the person who brought this little f aux pas to my attention was my partner so part of me is like yep, he is right gosh darn it and the other is like-well if he is noticing who else might be thinking the same thing???
So last night after he lovingly mentioned it to me for the second time in two months I decided I was going to do something about it and I put it at the very top of my list of things to do today.

So I ate breakfast, paid some bills, made some phone calls, and answered emails while that nagging little voice reminded me of what I said that I was going to do and if I was doing it. Still not ready to deal with that task (Which for some reason seemed monumental) I pushed the voice away and decided to get on FB instead-once again bargaining with myself by saying hey if I am on FB that is a step in the right direction right? I mean after all we are still taking social media here; a phrase that everyday I am becoming more familiar with as my tried and true self-help, motivation and inspirational books have been replaced with taking people with you and going social. I do love me a good challenge though and anything techno is by far the biggest brain teaser there is out there for me.

After spending about 30 mintutes or so on Facebook I decided to work on my blog. I could feel myself resisting, freezing up, I walked out to the kitchen-tempted to get some kind of sugary snack to satisfy the anxiousness, I looked out the window with the rain heavily pouring down reminding me that I would not be missing out on mother nature much if I stay indoors. And then it hit me-I remembered the words that I woke up to that morning as I was going through the list of what I had to do "START WHERE YOU ARE". I let the words echo through me as I walked back into my office inspired, hopeful and ready to do what I said I was going to do.. "START WHERE YOU ARE" I kept hearing over and over again-not when everything is perfect or in a pretty box with a bow on it for every one to love.

I thought back to other times where I had difficulty beginning things (that felt so monumental) areas like eating right, speaking in public, creating transformational tools, running a Sunday school, and the list went on and on. Then I realized when I  went into the kitchen to grab a sugary snack-I paused and went for a handful of shredded wheat and some water. As far as speaking in public, I have stood in front of the mayor and many other politicians and did a small piece for Martin Luther King Day; After three years or so of friends, family, clients and students telling me I have to make a meditation cd* I finally finished it late last month. and lastly, I went from 3 kids in my Sunday school three years ago to close to 30 as of last Sunday all on a wing and a prayer, and some times just winging it and going with the flow and I could go on and on about things that I was afraid to do and then just did it. 

When you START WHERE YOU ARE" everything else just falls into place. The idea of starting where YOU are is much more comforting and rewarding when YOU get there because YOU want to and not because some one else or every one else wants you to. It is on your watch, your time and your energy-no need to feel guilty here.

When you "START WHERE YOU ARE" you are one with what ever it is you want to do, the resisting that stops us comes from what we think is going to happen usually based on a preconceived notion on what has happened in the past which keeps us from being present with what is now. I know that is a mouthful but simply put it means not being present with what is and how you feel. I had no intention of writing a blog about not writing a blog-but that is exactly where I was at and it was current and real for me. I was not going to hold all the icky, sticky, fear based stuff from you so that I could candy coat it and place it in a pretty little box with a ribbon because LIFE is not like that either. STARTING WHERE YOU ARE means that we have to get a little dirty, we have to let our wounds show, we have to be willing to look the ugly truth in the face and see it's beauty and what it can teach us.

As I put the finishing touches upon my blog post of STARTING WHERE YOU ARE I can't help but think of some other things that are going to go on my to do list -I may write them down a little begrudgingly on the bottom of the list now but they will eventually make their way to the top of the list where I will be ready to make the next move on my terms, on my watch and in my own way.

*If you would like to listen to the first track on the meditation CD called a grounding exercise you may do so here. You can also purchase the CD for $12.00 plus $2.00 for shipping and handling and I will get it out to you as soon as possible.* 

I hope that you find this blog post and meditation helpful.  I welcome any comments, questions and or feedback and especially look forward to hearing your success stories of STARTING WHERE YOU ARE.
Warmly,
Renee Guidelli





Renee Guidelli is a life coach, motivational speaker and the founder of Heart Centered Living where she offers services, products and events that inspire, balance and empower the heart. She has been working with individuals and groups of people for over 15 years helping them make positive changes in their lives. If you are interested in a free consultation to see how she can help you email her at reneeguidelli@frontiernet.net. For more information check out www.lifecoachrenee.com

Spring Clean your Life!!!

Well, I don't know about you but each time the rain falls as heavy as it is now, I am always reminded of what I would want to have washed away with the cleansing rain. You know that wonderful message April showers bring May flowers...... so even though we are out of the winter woods we still have some work to do before we can reap our beautiful May flowers.

So I have created the following questions for you to ponder over the next few days to get your closer to your vision of what those May flowers might look like?

Do You Need to “Spring Clean” Your Life?

1. Take a look at what might be bugging you, bothering you or simply frustrating you right now-and get clear on what you REALLY are looking for from life right now.

2.Take a look at your daily success habits. What are the rituals, and daily habits that do seem to be working right now driving you closer to your goals, dreams and wishes? Take note and keep doing it.

3. Take notice of what is draining your energy-We know that familiar feeling-putting your energy into something that does not help you bounce back but instead sucks the life force from you. Try and limit those things as much as possible-be aware of how much time is spent in this "way of being"

4. Release and let go of what is draining you. Affirm to give it up to the universe and then let it go.

5. Detox your toxic relationships. Create and find ways to boost the relationships that support and energize you and reduce the time spent in the ones that drain you. Know your limits and boundaries.

6. Like Nike says "Just do it" Take care of the things that have been hanging around that you need to clear out of the way. Lots of times we wait for everything to line up just so, or for the sign from the universe to know that it is time to act, and then of course we also have in our minds how we want things to be before we make a move "to just do it." The bottom line is there really is no right or wrong time to start anything-I mean yes we can consult the stars, and the local gypsy teller and wait until the end of the week or month or year to...... but it is truly as simple as you saying and affirming that you are "ready" when you are ready the shift happens-but if you do not put any effort into being ready-then you never will be. I have lived so much by this mantra and every time it is right on.

7. What is your vision for the month, two months? three months? Now that you’ve done your spring clean – you need to know what you’re working towards, what flowers do you want to see come up? What do you want to be creating now that all the "other stuff" is out of the way.

 What are your goals? If you are stuck here, I would be happy to work with you to pull everything together. We will set 3 goals and actions to achieve your vision. 

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I offer a free phone consultation to help you get going and see if we can work together. Give me a call at 607-226-2354

Happy Spring and What it Brings!

Hello Everyone

If you are anything like me you realize that with each new season comes new responsibilities. Many of us have been taught that with Spring comes Spring Cleaning! For some this can be a wonderful creative and liberating process, for others it is simply a drag. For me, the Spring cleaning bug always seems to bite me at the first of the year as I make way for new opportunities and new growth for the coming year so by the time Spring finally does roll around I can dig a little deeper and let go of more "Stuff and Baggage" that has been weighing me down. It is kind of like raking the leaves away from the fall to prepare to plant new seeds for the Spring and Summer.

I am always amazed at how each time I get rid of something physically-there is such a relief emotionally as if a weight is being lifted off my shoulders. With our recent life changes on the rise-I have been finding that everything that I pick up or touch has to have a place-I will be darned if I am going to handle something two or three times before it finds its place. My time is precious to me and while I want to be here sorting out all my "stuff" I also want to make sure that I am utilizing my time well. So I have set aside three stations that I have been working with. -

A box that holds things to give away to friends, family and church members,
Recycling bins  for throwing away-piles of paper, magazines, broken things and of course garbage.
Containers, Boxes and Bags  of things that are special and meaningful and going with us to our next home.

Call me crazy but this process is working out really well. I enjoy the ease and time it takes to be able to go through these things-As soon as I pick an item up-I know where it is going to go and "the putting it in the right place" is very liberating and rewarding to me.

We can consider this same kind of filtering to be used during our day as things come up for us to look at. For example:
*That which needs to be thrown away-You may simply have no use for anymore-It does not serve you-this could be thoughts, ideas, words, actions, habits etc...

*That which you want to keep-May deserve some time to explore and go deeper with.

*And that which needs to be given away-Is simply telling you that whether you have dreams, wishes, desires or worries, concerns and changes that you want to make-You would do a lot better if you would just let some one else in to help you with it, to share the heavy load or to support your dream, wish and or idea. 

When we do that-Spring Cleaning takes on a bigger meaning-Out with the old-In with the new-Sweeping away the dust and cobwebs to shine up the surface for something wonderful that is already there to be seen in a new light.

With that being said-I am really looking forward to putting more inspirational, empowering and enlightening little articles up here for you!

Warm Spring Blessings,
Renee Guidelli

www.lifecoachrenee.com