Slow Down, You Move Too Fast

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Slow Down, You Move Too Fast

Does this sound familiar? Lately when I feel like I darting around my life too fast to keep my feet on the ground, I hear Paul Simon singing (well, honestly, I hear my father singing this Paul Simon song) in my head:

Slow down, you move too fast, you’ve got to make the moment last...feeling groovy.

You may know the song, you may not.  It doesn’t really matter.  What matters are the words.  And, whether or not you listen to them when you hear them.  I try to listen.

And, after my second cold in the past 3 months hit me last week (and knocked me on my butt)—I am really listening.  Sure, it’s true…there’s a lot going on in my life.  As, I am sure there is a lot going on in yours.  But this cold really made me stop and think: why am I moving so fast?

If you’re a patient or friend or family member of mine, you see it firsthand: I move really fast, but I sincerely try to practice what I preach.  I really do.  So, then why did my immune system get the best of me? Not sure… I eat right, I take my supplements, I exercise, I sleep 7-8 hours every night, I take down time, I express my emotions, I have fun, I focus on the good, I live in moderation.  Yet, I still wound up with a raging fever and a subsequent ear infection that left me on the couch for 6 days!

What gives?

In my professional medical opinion, I think there are two reasons:

1.     I’m taking on more than I’m allowing myself to receive.  I suppose this comes with my nature—I’m a nurturer and a care taker and I love those qualities about myself.  But, what I’ve recently realized is that the nurturer in me needs to be nurtured too.  She deserves it.  She gives out a lot and that should be met with receiving as well.  Thankfully there’s no shortage of love in my life… I just need to allow myself to slow down enough to receive it. And, sometimes I’m even allowed to ask for some nurturing.

2.     I need to be more diligent about taking the time to meditate.  I’m usually pretty good about meditating, but lately I’ve gotten more into listening to self-help-y style lectures and books on my iphone and I’ve let meditation—the quiet—go to the wayside.  I really enjoy the works I’m listening to, and they are offering me such profound evolution but I am missing some quiet time.  I am missing the sitting and being still time.  I am moving too fast.                                                                                                    

As I sit here typing, I feel quiet. I feel still. I feel peace.  I am breathing deep and it feels good.  I am making a promise to myself, as I publicly state it to you… I am slowing down so that I can consciously receive all the love in my life and sit quietly (for at least ten minutes a day!) and bask in awesome-ness of this life of mine. You see, you can do all the right things and still be negatively affecting your health.  For me, this last cold was a great awakening and I’m grateful for it.

Life I love you, all is groovy.

Love Yourself and Change Your Life

Lucille Ball once said,

"Love yourself first and everything falls into line."

And, I couldn't agree more.

So, with Valentine's Day just around the corner, I thought it would be a good idea to pump you up in the loving yourself department.

Here are my top 5 tips for falling more in love with the wonderful person you are:

1. List the ways you love thyself.  Grab a pen and a piece of paper--or sit down and write an email or text message to yourself--and list a few things you love (or even like) about yourself.  Ideally you can come up with ten things, but three is great too.  Here are some pointers:

      --I love the way I have compassion for people
      --I love the way I manage "x" at work
      --I love the way I take care of "x" in our family
      --I love the way I laugh
      --I love the kind of friend I am

OK... make your list and save it!  And, as often as you can, take it out and read it.  If you're feeling extra loving--add some more things to the loving thyself list!

2.  Surround yourself with positive people.  Sometimes this can be a challenge, especially if there are co-workers or family members who are negative.  But, try!  People who are friends with happy people are healthier and happier and definitely love themselves more.  So, choose wisely when spending your time with people.  If some of your friends or loved ones are the glass half-empty types, then avoid them.  Yes, you heard me--avoid them. I'm not saying to just drop those people (as if they're family or close friends--that's not the right thing to do) but I am saying to make a deliberate choice to spend less time with them.  When you do spend time with more negative people, make it your job to prepare for it: spend a few minutes before you see them and think of all the things you like about the person--think of all their great qualities and focus on sending them love.  Spending more time with happy, positive people will make a significant difference in your life.  And, it will amp up your love for you.  Remember: you are the most important person in your life, so look out for number one.

3.  Say, "I love you" to yourself.  Yes, every single day, catch yourself in the mirror and look into your own eyes and say, "I love you".  That's it, keep it simple and keep saying it until you start to believe yourself.  Even if you don't completely believe yourself, just the act of saying it makes you feel warm and nourished.

4. Believe.  Believe in something-- have faith in life being as amazing as you long for it to be.  Believe that all you desire can be yours.  If that feels like a leap for you--then spend some time pretending to believe... kind of like I said in my first book, Chill Out and Get Healthy: fake it 'til you make it.  I always encourage patients, friends, loved ones and even myself to spend some time each day daydreaming or imagining your life as you want it... abundant and fun and easy and happy.  Spend enough time imagining your life how you want it and you will start to believe it can happen.  Find a time each day where you can steal a few minutes and just daydream... and believe that all you desire can be yours!

5. Tell yourself a better story.  This is a great way to forgive the past and to find more ways to love yourself.  Is there something you tell yourself or a story you tell on a regular basis--it could be told out loud or in your head-- that is negative or self-depricating?  Is there something you believe about yourself that maybe isn't true?  My life coach would have me take a stressful statement, like: "I'm not good at "x"" and she would have me ask myself, "is that true?" Hmmm... kind of makes you think.  Is it true?  Well, Im sure there are ways you can show that it is true.  But, there are also ways you can show that its not true.  Aha!  And thats where your focus needs to go.  Tell yourself a different story...something like, "you know for years I always thought I wasnt good enough or I wasnt "x" and then I really looked at my life and I realized that when I do "a", "b" and "c" I am showing that I am good enough or that I can do "x".  Does that make sense?  So the key here is to tune into that internal (and external) dialogue and change the story.  Often my patients who are struggling with getting pregnant will say, "if i get pregnant..." and I make them repeat the sentence to "when I get pregnant..."  Just shift the words and tell yourself a better story and love yourself more!

I hope these tips are helpful!

You are amazing!

Bring on 2013!

WOW!  2013 is just around the corner... whatever holiday you celebrate.. I hope you had a good one.  Mine was very nice and mellow filled with family and friends and a little too much cheer.  But--hey, that's often how it goes.  And, the way I look at it--life is definitely worth celebrating.

How do you feel?

Are you ready for another year? Are you still holding on to things from your past? Ready to move forward? Excited for what life has in store for you next year? Eager to live up to your resolution?

I'm personally ready for a new year.  2012 was great and super busy; there was a lot of excitement and a lot of work on both the professional and personal fronts.  But, a new year always brings more to look forward to.

So, I ask you--are you looking forward?

Rather than the old standby New Year's Resolution, why not make a resolution to look less at the present (or worse, the past) and resolve to look forward with excitement and eagerness to the next year.  The key to looking forward at the New Year is to be open to all the possibilities of what it can bring... and to be optimistic and expectant of what you want.  Let go of the past, let go of your present reality and look eagerly into the future.

I urge you to take two minutes and write down three things you'd like to happen in 2013.  Be general, as being too specific can be limiting.

For instance, if you aren't happy at your current job--write down: In 2013 I am hoping to be happier with my work.  And then, picture yourself being happier with your work.

If you'd like to make more money--write: I'd like 2013 to bring me more abundance.  And then, picture yourself having more money, more abundance.

If you're longing for love--write it down and imagine it happening.

I really, truly think the key to having all we want is believing that we can have.  Believing that we deserve it.  Believing that it will come to us.

So, take some time this week to look forward to an amazing 2013!  You deserve only the best--so believe it!

Also, I'd quickly like to remind you to like this post on my facebook fan page (or better yet, comment on it) as I am still working to raise money for my favorite charity, Wellness in the Schools (WITS).  Thus far, we have raised $500 and I'm hoping to raise $1,000.  So, like and comment away--for every like or comment I'll donates 50 cents to WITS!

OK... here's to an amazingly abundant and exciting 2013!!! Cheers!!!

How to Stay Grounded at the Office Holiday Party (Gulp!)

Yes...it's that time of year again.  The office holiday party.  Not that I've ever been a part of a corporate environment, but I've been to some of these parties... they can be fun yet unnerving and quite crazy.

So, how can we manage to survive this years party with grace all the while having a blast?

Well, first off--watch the alcohol.  This is where most people get into trouble.  If you stay sober there will be no "miscommunications" nor any potentially regrettable situations--you know what I mean ;-).  My recommendation: alternate every drink with a glass of sparkling water and limit yourself to 2 drinks.  3 max.

Secondly--eat smart.  Not only do a lot of people run into trouble with drinking--even if they only have one drink--because they haven't eaten enough but if they show up at a party hungry, they often make unhealthy food choices.  My advice: have a snack, such as a handful of nuts or a Lara Bar or even some hard boiled eggs or some hummus and celery-- before you head to the party.  And, when you get to the party, be sure to nosh on the healthier foods that are offered--go for protein and vegetables and try your best to avoid the cake-y, bread-y, sugary foods.

Thirdly--go in with a good attitude.  Even if it hasn't been the best work year, or if you don't really like your boss--try and find a place of gratitude for your job and the work that you do.  It is so important to look at life and see the good.  It will not only lift your spirits, but it will keep you healthy (yes, negative thoughts can make you sick) and it will attract to your life more good things.  My advice: take a few minutes right now and write down 5 things about your job and work environment that bring you joy or pride or happiness.  You can do it!  And, before you enter that office holiday party read that list and focus on those 5 things as best you can that night.

Oh, and here's a bonus tip:  try not to talk about work.  Rather try to get to know your co-workers on a more personal level.  And, loosen up and laugh a bit.

Now you're armed with some simple tools to help you stay grounded and actually enjoy this years office holiday soiree!  Let me know what you think!  And, remember--liking or commenting on this post on my Facebook page helps raise money for an awesome charity-- Wellness In The Schools!  So like and comment away!

The Happy, Healthy Gift Giving Guide

As the holidays approach--I don't know about you--but I'm always eager to find the best gifts that promote health and happiness.  This year, I decided to make this guide--for both you and me.

Beauty

Who doesn't love to feel beautiful?  Whether for the woman in your life or for your mother or your closest girlfriends--these gifts are sure to please.  And, the are natural, chemical-free and oh so luscious.

Aimee Raupp Beauty Body Butter

Am I self-promoting here? Yes, a little.  But this body butter that I have created--with homemade, healthy love-- is just so delicious and will leave your skin feeling smooth and supple and smelling like roses (seriously!). Made with all organic ingredients and a lot of love!

Homemade Body Butter:
shea butter, coconut oil,
essential oils of lavender, rose,
lemon&geranium

Available in 6 ounce and 8 ounce tin

$16/$22

order here!

Modern Minerals Eye Shadow

.07oz/2grams
$10

This amazing makeup line is all about Truth+Beauty: 

Truth about living life the best you can and being true to your beliefs.  

                                                      +

Beauty that is conscious of the earth and compassionate towards animals. 

Personally, I wear this makeup line every day and knowing that it is made from minerals that are free of unnatural fillers or parabens makes me feel good.  And, it looks great on too!

Butter Nail Polish

I LOVE this polish!  Awesome colors and non-toxic!  You can't go wrong with gifting a bottle or two or three of these to your favorite female!

                                                                                                                        

$15/bottle

Home

Lodge Cast Iron Skillet

I literally don't leave home without my Lodge skillets.  I'm obsessed!  Cooking in a skillet makes everything taste better...this skillet is by far the best gift I ever bought for myself. 

8 inch skillet

$17.95

Fresh Herb GROWBOTTLE

This indoor herbal GROWBOTTLE uses a re-used wine bottle as a hydroponic herb-growing vessel.  Buy your favorite chef some basil, mint or oregano in a GROWBOTTLE!  They'll love it!

$35/GROWBOTTLE

Recycled Wine Bottle Lantern

Gift these recycled wine bottle tops--they're the perfect centerpiece... and they're extremely eco-friendly and charming!

$46/Lantern

For Him

Solar Mobile Charger

Bring out the boy scout in your favorite man with this awesome solar phone charger. 

$36

Organic Cotton T's

Add some style to your guy with these awesome, colorful and comfy organic cotton t's.

This one is my favorite (but they have plain t's too!):

$24

Organic Wine

Charm your guy-friend with this awesome biodynamic trio of wines.  He'll love you for it--and he'll probably share some!

$50

Happy Shopping!! And, remember--every time you "like" or "comment" this blog on my Facebook Fan Page I'll make a donation to my favorite charity, Wellness in the Schools!  So, pleeeeaaaseee take a second the "like" this post!!

Do These 3 Things and Get Through the Holiday Season Unscathed

The holiday season is fast approaching so I want to arm you with my favorite tips on keeping your health in check as we approach 2013.  

I have narrowed it down to 3 simple things that you can do NOW to keep your health--mentally, emotionally and physically in great shape as we head into the most overindulgent and emotionally taxing time of year.

1. Chill out and Check in.  By this I mean--take some down time EVERY SINGLE DAY to check in with yourself.  I can hear you griping--who has time for that, Aimee?  And to that I say--you do!  Steal a few minutes out of your busy day to sit and breathe.  Just, breathe.  My recommendation--find a quiet place (or put some headphones in) and breathe.  Take 10 long, deep breaths--in through your nose and out through your mouth.  While your taking these luxurious stress-reducing breaths, check in with yourself.  Ask yourself, how am I feeling? Taking this brief moment to tune in with yourself will help you stay grounded and in the moment so that you can make the best decisions for your health and happiness.  It may sound funny, but I often sneak off to the ladies room and steal my chill out and check in time in the stall.  It not only grounds me and helps me focus, but it energizes me.  Try it!

2. Everything in moderation.  Of course, you hear this one all the time.  But, I think its especially important during this time of year.  By moderation I mean--eat one of the chocolate candies on your co-workers desk.  Not three of them.  Eat two bites of the dessert at dinner, not ten.  Have 2 drinks, not 4.  Go to some of the holiday parties--not all of them.  Take it easy on yourself. Don't overbook yourself or overextend yourself  Allow for some indulgences, but keep them moderate.  When you are moderate you will feel better and likely have a sense of pride in yourself for making "smart" choices.  And, when you are moderate you will feel a greater sense of ease in your day to day life which will keep your stress levels to a minimum and keep you feeling healthy and sane.  

3. Appreciate, appreciate, appreciate.  This is something I do every day, and I think you should too.  And, during the holiday season, I think its even more important to take a step back and look at your life and find all the things that you appreciate in it.  Even if you are feeling blue there has to be at least one thing you have in your life that makes you feel good.  Take time each day to write down just 3 things that you appreciate in your life.  It could be as simple as: I appreciate the 8 hours of sleep I got last night.  Or something more deep, like: I appreciate the friendship I have with ______________.  I often take time while I'm commuting to the office to list 3 things I appreciate; often I write them in an email to myself.  Appreciating is a great way to shift your mood from negative or lackful to positive and abundant.  Life is good--it is.  Don't ever forget it :-)

I hope these tips are helpful.  I hope you use them.  And, remember to like or comment on this blog on my Facebook page and help me raise money for my favorite charity: Wellness in the Schools.  For each comment and like, I will donate money to this amazing organization and help educate children about the importance of wellness!

Welcome to the Aimee Raupp 2013 New Year's Countdown

Welcome to the Aimee Raupp 2013 New Year's Countdown

Hello All!  I'm so excited to share with you my 2013 New Year's Countdown blogfest.  Every week leading up to 2013 I am going to release a blog that is going to help YOU stay on track with your health and wellness through the chaotic and overindulgent holiday season.

Here's the fun part!...

For every blog post, I am looking to all of you to comment on the posting on my Facebook fan page--it can be something simple or something long-winded--whatever you desire.  But, for each and every comment, I am going to donate 25 cents to my most favorite charity: Wellness In The Schools.

Yes, for every single comment, I am going to donate 25 cents to Wellness In The Schools.

Wellness in the Schools inspires healthy eating, environmental awareness and fitness as a way of life for kids in public schools across the country. Through meaningful public/private partnerships with school leadership, teachers, chefs, coaches, parents and kids, Wellness in the Schools creates hands-on programs such as Cook for Kids, Green for Kids and Coach for Kids.  These programs provide healthy foods, healthy environments and opportunities for regular play to help kids learn and grow.

Sounds right up my alley, right?  I'm sure it appeals to you as well.

I'm really looking forward to raising some money for this amazing organization--and it all depends on you guys.  Please comment on my blogs and help me reach my goal of donating $1,000 to Wellness In The Schools by December 31, 2012. And, tell your friends.  We can do this together! 

Looking forward to sharing my first blog in this series with you next week!