INCREASE YOUR BRAIN POWER by Coach Iris Fanning

June 29th, 2008

picture.jpgI think I became fascinated with brain research in my teens.  I was one of those awkward teens who was teased constantly because of my naturally curly hair, glasses, love of learning and yes, braces.
 
I remember thinking if they knew me, they’d probably like me.  I also remember thinking that doors and opportunities would open for me because of my brain, not my beauty.  Fourtunately, I out grew that awkward stage.      
 
I still believe that our brains are one of our most important assets.  We know that some of the most vital, interesting people are those that remain mentally & physically flexible and interesting their entire lifetime.
 
I’m fortunate once again, to be able to attend the Brain Institute Conference in July.  I’ll bring you the latest research regarding the brain, learning and developmental issues after the conference.
 
The information in this article is from Steve Gillman’s book, A Book of Secrets.
Physical Things to Do 
 
1. Breathe deeply. More air in means more oxygen in the blood and therefore in the brain. Several deep breaths can also help to relax you, which is conducive to clearer thinking.

2. Meditate. A simple meditation you can do right now is just closing your eyes and paying attention to your breath. Five or ten minutes of this will usually relax you, clear your mind, and leave you more ready for any mental task.
 
3. Sit up straight. Posture affects your thinking process.
 
4. Phosphotidyl Serine (PS). This supplement has been shown in clinical studies to increase lucidity and rate of learning. It activates cell-to-cell communication, helps regulate cell growth, improves the functioning of the special receptors found on cells, and prepares cells for activity. In other words, it can help your brain power. It’s also thought to reverse memory decline. Phosphatidylserine has no known adverse side effects.

5.Vinpocetine. This extract, derived from an alkaloid found in the Periwinkle plant, is used as a cerebral vasodilator. It increases blood flow to the brain, which improves its oxygenation and thereby increases mental alertness and acuity. Research suggests it may also be the most powerful memory enhancer available to date.

6. Gingko Biloba. The leaves of this tree have been proven to increase blood flow to the brain.

7. Saint John’s Wort. Although it’s brain enhancing qualities are less documented (studies do show it’s usefulness for treating long-term depression), many people swear by it’s temporary mood-elevating effect, and our brains tend to function better when we are happy. 
 
8. Good thinking habits. Just use a problem solving technique for several weeks and it will become a habit. Redesign everything you see for a while, and that will become a habit. You can develop many good thinking habits with some effort, and then be more resourceful effortlessly from that point on. Use the power of habit.

9. Use “wasted” time. This is time that is otherwise wasted or just under-utilized. Driving time, time spent in waiting rooms, or even time spent raking your yard can be included in this. With a tape player and a trip to a public library, you can start to use this time to listen to books-on-tape. You may spend 200 hours a year in your car. What could you learn in that time?

10. Learn a language. Learning a new language has been shown to halt the age-related decline in brain function. It is one of the best brain exercises.

11. Mindfulness exercises. Concentration and clear thinking are more or less automatic once you remove distractions. Learn to stop and watch your busy mind. As you notice things that are subtly bothering you, deal with them.

12. Write. Writing is good for your mind in a number of ways. It is a way to tell your memory what is important, so you’ll recall things more easily in the future. It is a way to clarify your thinking. It is a way to exercise your creativity and analytical ability.

13. Listen to Mozart. In a study at the University of California, researchers found that children who studied piano and sang daily in chorus, were much better at solving puzzles, and when tested, scored 80% higher in spatial intelligence than the non-musical group.

14. Develop your intuition. Intuition can be an important part of brain power. Einstein and others have relied heavily on their intuitive hunches. 
A Few More Good Ideas!
 
15. Exercise. Long term exercise can boost brainpower. Anything that affects physical health in a positive way probably helps the brain too. Recent research, though, shows that cognitive function is improved immediately after just ten minutes of aerobic exercise. If you need a brain recharge, you might want to walk up and down the stairs a few times.
 
16. Avoid sugar. Any simple carbohydrates can give you “brain fog.” Sometimes called the “sugar blues” as well, this sluggish feeling makes it hard to think clearly. It results from the insulin rushing into the bloodstream to counteract the sugar rush.
 
17. Laugh. The release of endorphins caused by laughter lowers stress levels, which is good for long term brain health. Laughter also tends to leave you more open to new ideas and thoughts.

18. Play. Stimulating the brain causes measurable changes in the structure of the brain. New connections are made and new brain cells are grown. Intellectual play, as well as any playing that involves hand-eye coordination stimulates the brain.
19. Sing. When you are alone in your car, try singing about something you are working on. This taps into and exercises your right brain. Have you ever noticed how it is easier to rhyme when you sing than when you just speak or write? This is because the right brain is better at pattern recognition. By doing this brain exercise regularly you can train yourself to tap into the power of the right brain. This will make you a more effective problem-solver.

20. Avoid too much stress. Neuropsychiastrist Richard Restak, M.D., form the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Services, sums up the research thus: “Stress causes brain damage.” Long term stress has repeated been shown to hurt the brain, not to mention the rest of the body. Learn a few stress reduction techniques if you get stressed out often.

21. Eat breakfast. When kids who didn’t eat breakfast started to eat it, researchers found that their math scores went up a whole grade on average.
 
 
Simply try 1-5 of the Brain Power Boosters and experience how much sharper you are and better you feel.
 
Blessings!
 
Iris Fanning
Fanning Success Systems 
 
 
Summer Coaching Special! Remember that summer is a great time for you to spend some time on yourself.  The normal coaching fee is $350 for four 45 minute sessions.  When you join during the summer you can benefit from coaching for $200 for four 30 minute sessions.  The discounted rate is offered for a maximum of 3 months.  Call or e-mail Now!  505-821-6018 or coachiris@hotmail.com
 
 
Offer Expires: August 2008
 

Summer time is a great time to stop, reflect and grow! by Iris Fanning

June 15th, 2008

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For a free complimentary coaching session, go to www.irisfanning.com

Greetings!
 
I am always interested in ways for people to enhance their lives. You can’t learn about happiness by focusing on depression just as you don’t learn about health by studying illness. I found this research from C. Robert Clonigner who is the director of the Sansone Center for Well-Being. We’ve been corresponding and I’ve asked his permission to share this with as many people as are interested. I hope you enjoy!
 
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Why Focus on Well-Being?
  

* Well being is a universal wish of human beings. We all want happiness, love and meaning that is greater than our individual self.
 
* People can learn how to be happier ~ assisting with this helps prevent major depression, alcohol and substance abuse.
 
* Well being tools reduce reoccurrence risks for depression and anxiety disorders.
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 
 
What influences well-being?
 
* Unrelated to age, gender, race, education or increases in income.
* Associated with marriage, friendship, close religious affiliation and heritable personality traits.
 
What gives us a happy life?
 

* Not money or material security, although this can be helpful.
* Not medication, although this can also be helpful acutely.
* Only growth in self-awareness leads to a happy life.
 
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What tools of living help increase well-being and decrease relapse of substance abuse and episodes of mood disorders?
 
MINDFULNESS
Mindfulness focuses on living in the present moment and being aware of God infused in everything.  These are the lessons that Ekhart Tolle discussed on Oprah’s webcast.
 
Mindfulness increases meta-cognitive awareness so negative thoughts were experienced as a mental event, not the Self.
 
 
EXISTENTIAL ISSUES
Existential questions are those questions about the meaning of life. The questions can include: Why am I here? What is my life’s purpose? What role does God or spirituality play in my life? Is this all there is?  What is my legacy? What difference does my life make? We all grapple with these issues in our lifetime. Typically mid-life is a time to either reflect or run from these questions. I also have found that gifted teens & pre-teens reflect on these issues without the life experience that adults have. This can lead to a sense of existential depression. It’s important that we tune into young people at this time.

Addressing existential issues reduces demoralization (less helpless and inadequate)
~ Letting go of control
~ Finding Meaning
~ Increasing Connectedness

Spiritually Augmented Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) 
~ Problem solving enhances mastery (hope & self direction)
~ Encourage social connections (love, cooperation)
~ Finding meaning greater than oneself (faith, redeeming self transcendent values)
 
POSITIVE TOOLS
~ Designed to build positive emotions, engagement/awareness and meaning.
~ Acts of Hope - Counting blessings, gratitude, sense of master, autonomy and  acceptance.
~ Acts of kindness
~ Increasing awareness/mindfulness, especially with sense of participation in something greater than oneself
 
TWELVE STEP FACILITATION

Increases alcohol and drug recovery and decreases relapse.
 
MEDICATION AND CBT
Can be helpful in acute stages of depression, anxiety and stabilization of bipolar mood disorders as well as stabilizing serious mental illness. Response to antidepressants is predicted by personality.
~ Low Harm predicts improvement.
~ High self-directedness predicts improvement

Response to psychotherapy by character traits
~ High self directedness predicts rapid and stable response to CBT
 
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Blessings!
 
Iris Fanning
Fanning Success Systems
 
 
*** Correction! In my last newsletter on strengths I attributed the research and book to the wrong author. Please note that the research and book Now Discover Your Strengths was written by Marcus Buckingham & Donald O. Clifton. My apologies.  

www.irisfanning.com                                                 

21 POWER POINTS TO REDUCE STRESS by Jewel Diamond Taylor

June 15th, 2008

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How are you coping with your stress issues? Do your best to keep your head up, your mind clear, your faith strong and your sense of humor, especially when things don’t seem to make sense.  Yes, gas prices are soaring, the economy is crazy and the atmosphere is heavy with political and weather changes — yet you must hold on.  Only the strong survive. Make up your mind to stay in the game.  Give notice to the enemy that in the midst of your battle, you are covered by God’s love and power. Make up your mind to stay prayerful, optimistic and connected to your circle of family and friends. One of the many tools of the enemy is the lure of depression. Feelings of defeat, shame and exhaustion can kill your faith, purpose, health, self-esteem and opportunities. 
 
When you feel exhausted or confused, please be careful not to escape into a cave of isolation or excessive/compulsive eating or spending.
 
You are more than a conqueror. Plug into your spiritual electricity to empower your faith and victory in prayer. You were not born with the spirit of fear. (2 Timothy 1:7 “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”)
 

1. Don’t try to control the uncontrollable. Many things in life are beyond our control- particularly the behavior of other people. Rather than stressing out over them, focus on the things you can control such as the way you choose to react to problems.  
 
2. Change your perspective.   When facing major challenges, try to look at them as opportunities for personal growth. Don’t always feel you are being punished, maybe it is a “divine push” toward new experiences, new faith, new strength and new opportunities.  Remember, this, too, shall pass.
 
3. Ask for help.  Delegate tasks and dump what is unnecessary or a low priority.  Caregivers and those in high demand positions get burned out and very ill unless they learn how to ask for help and stop trying to do it ALL.
 
4. Look at the big picture. Take perspective of the stressful situation. Ask yourself how important it will be in the long run. Will it matter in a month? A year? Is it really worth getting upset over? If the answer is no, focus your time and energy elsewhere.
 
5. Life and people are not perfect. Stop setting yourself up for failure by demanding perfection. Life is up and down, bitter and sweet, precious and mysterious.  Nothing in life is guaranteed. Nothing and no one is perfect. Shift happens. Be flexible, adapt and allow for the “oops” and “mistakes” that will happen in life. 
 
6. Accept and adapt to what you cannot change. We will not always be delivered from our dilemmas and drama.  Talk to a trusted friend or make an appointment with a counselor. Expressing what you’re going through can be very cathartic, even if there’s nothing you can do to alter the stressful situation.  
 
7. Focus on the positive. When stress is getting you down, take a moment to reflect on all the things you appreciate in your life, including your own positive qualities and gifts. Tap into your feelings of gratitude and faith.
 
8. Exercise regularly.  If you don’t manage your stress well, it doesn’t go away. Instead it stores up in your knees, back, neck, stomach, skin, etc.  Physical activity and deep breathing play a key role in reducing and preventing the effects of stress. If you are not sexually active - move, exercise and stretch your body to release all the pent up stress and toxins that block your energy.
 
9. Eat healthy foods. Well-nourished bodies are better prepared to cope with stress, so be mindful of what you eat.  Start your day right with breakfast, and keep your energy up and your mind clear with balanced, nutritious meals throughout the day. Your mind can’t think clearly when it is dehydrated.  Hydrate your brain by drinking lots of water.
 
10. Reduce caffeine and sugar. The temporary “highs” caffeine and sugar provide often end in with a crash in mood and energy. By reducing the amount of coffee, soft drinks, chocolate, and sugar snacks in your diet, you’ll feel more relaxed and you’ll sleep better.
 
11. Avoid alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs. Self-medicating with alcohol or drugs may provide an easy escape from stress, but the relief is only temporary. Don’t avoid or mask the issue at hand. Feel, heal and deal with your problems head on and with a clear mind.
 
12. Speak life into your life. Life and death are in the power of your words. To receive your free affirmation cards, send a self-addressed stamped envelope to:Jewel Diamond Taylor, 4195 Chino Hills Pkwy, Chino Hills, CA 91709
 
13. People are like escalators that take you up or take you down. Share and seek solutions from people who care and who can encourage and edify you. 
 
14. Do something different.  Break your routine.  Enjoy nature. Get outside.  Enjoy your pet.  Get your hands busy with some creativity.  Get out of town. Go on a retreat.
 
15. Get enough sleep. Adequate sleep fuels your mind, as well as your body. Feeling tired will increase your stress because it may cause you to think irrationally.  Worry doesn’t change anything.  Go to bed, turn off the TV and computer.  Invest in a quality mattress.
 
16. Read the word of God daily to keep your spiritual electricity plugged in for His strength, protection and guidance for your life.
 
17. Read more tips in the e-book “Shift Happens - How to Cope with Change” or “You are Too Blessed to Be Stressed.”
 
 
18. Watch a good comedy DVD or go to a comedy show and get your laugh on.  Lighten up and enjoy life. Watching too much news is too draining and overwhelming.
 
19. Do something helpful for others. Take your attention off yourself and practice random acts of kindness.
 
20. Listen to this week’s inspirational song pick.
 
21. Hear Jewel Diamond Taylor’s thought for the day, call 310-943-9237
                                                                                ~ by Jewel Diamond Taylor

Jennifer Kushell’s 5 Ways to Revise Your Personal Brand

May 25th, 2008

jennifer kushellCo-author of the NY Times Bestseller Secrets of the Young & Successful and co-founder of YSN.com.

Remember the last time you cringed when you heard the way someone described who you are or what you do? Maybe you’ve found yourself sweating over how to describe yourself or your latest project. How about those business cards of yours, that bio, your website or that promotional reel you created? Those giving you any stress? All of these issues are part of a process called Branding, and it has a lot more to do with you and your success than you might think.

Companies focus on branding when marketing new products or businesses to consumers because they know that public perception can make or break their success.  In your career, it’s helpful to consider yourself as a product that you have to sell or promote to clients, employers, admissions boards and colleagues. What’s your personal branding? What do you want other people to think of when you pop into their minds?

The way you are perceived by others is directly proportional to your success. Here are a few tips for developing a solid personal brand:

1. Think about the things you want to promote about yourself, not the stuff you want to hide.
2. Create a branding statement: Who am I? What am I proud of? What am I good at? How am I unique or different?
3. Leave a lasting impression on everyone you come in contact with - even the ones you don’t see. Pay attention to grammar and tone in your e-mails and phone calls. (One of our favorite tips for very important calls or phone interviews: Look in a mirror when you are speaking and smile. Your smile can translate into a positive impression to the person on the other end!)
4. In person, make sure to smile, look the other person in the eye and give a confident handshake. Pay attention to the way you dress.
5. Speak loudly, confidently and with certainty.

For more information, go to www.ysn.com.

Men and Women speak different “Emotional Languages” by Jewel Diamond Taylor

May 19th, 2008

jewelradiophoto.jpg Many women, like myself, never experienced positive role models or emotional ties from a father.  When a woman has been uninformed, needy, naive and her trust was broken or stolen in her childhood or from past relationships — then even the smartest women can make mistakes when it comes to relationships. I know I have made my share of foolish and desperate choices.

We give away our hearts, only to realize he’s not willing or ready to commit. Or we try to keep a relationship alive, sacrificing our power and our self-respect, refusing to acknowledge the flaws that everyone else can see.  We deserve more. YOU deserve more.

We were born to need each other, but we still haven’t learned how to live with each other. We want love to be magical and romantic. We want love to rescue us from all our problems. We get confused and think sex = love. Women are searching for love on the internet and under tremendous stress from media pressure, struggling as single parents, living with AIDs,and bouncing from one relationship to the next or staying in an abusive and drama filled relationship or the “other woman” so she can at least say she has a “boo.”

When a woman is uncertain about a relationship, she will either start asking questions about where the relationship is going or she will try to win him over, fix him, rescue him, change him or challenge him.  When this happens men are either like a genie in a bottle and disappear or they are like a turtle moving slow in the relationship. Generally speaking, women are like a microwave.  We heat up emotionally quickly and cool down emotionally quickly. Generally speaking, men are like a rubberband.  They go back and forth with their emotions.

All these factors can keep you in a destructive cycle of unloving, unfulfilling, painful and costly relationships. Through the powerful insights and life lessons in my new book, women everywhere are learning how to raise their relationship IQ and stop wearing the perfume called “desperation” so they can make smart love choices.  Because our feelings are our worst and best enemy, it’s important to improve our emotional intelligence..

I am honored to be a vessel and a voice for many years now to help women overcome self-defeating behavior, insecurity, desperation, low self-esteem and loneliness.

Men and women speak two different “emotional languages.”  Gaining information, spiritual discernment and fellowship with other women of wisdom can really shorten your learning curve when it comes to breaking the code and understanding the many blessings and mysteries of building a healthy self-esteem and a healthy relationship. 

Whether you are married, single and searching, single and satisfied, divorced or widowed, you will gain some tremendous insights and encouragement when you attend my upcoming “Heart and Soul” seminar. Go to www.jeweldiamondtaylor.com for more information.

May is a popular month to move. Why? Ask Jennifer Kushell from Your Success Network.com

May 4th, 2008

jennifer kushellDo you know that May is one of the most popular months to move? It’s probably because millions of students move back home or into their own places at the end of the school year… and also because no one wants to move in the dead heat of summer. Whatever the reason, take it from me: Moving is tough work!

Last week, I went to New York on a family emergency: My mother was moving from a big house into an apartment in the city; she was sick and frozen emotionally. She couldn’t bring herself to pack a single box. The days were ticking and during my weekend rescue trip, I was quickly sequestered (or maybe you could say suckered) into staying an entire week to finish the deed. It was definitely one of the most stressful weeks of my life, but a successful one at that… and I definitely earned some serious brownie points with mom. 

After my experience, I felt compelled to share 11 of my best take-away tips, since moves like this are inevitable for all of us (and our beloved families) at some time or another:

Buy the good packing tape! Cheap tape continuously gets stuck to the roll. You’ll spend more time gnawing it with your teeth and nails then you will sealing boxes closed!
Buy different boxes for different things if you can. It costs more, but it will make things so much easier and safer! Book boxes are small so they’re easier to lift. Wardrobe boxes are huge with a bar to hang your clothes and coats on. You can even throw your shoes or bedding in the bottom to maximize space.

Use a big thick black marker to clearly label what’s in each box and exactly where it’s going. For example: “Jan’s Bedroom Closet - Athletic Shoes.” Think about the mover (or a lucky friend or relative) standing with the box at the front door of your new place wondering what the heck to do with it. Make sure it ends up as close to its final destination as possible so you don’t have to move things twice, or worse case, not find what you need with you’re buried in boxes.

Keep a list of all boxes so you have a full accounting of what you packed. Mark a handful of boxes “Open First” or “Open Immediately.” Pack all the stuff you need every day, like toiletries, underwear, utensils, current bills, pet food, etc.

Separate things into 3 piles: Trash, Donate and Pack. Think about what might be helpful, useful or inspirational to others. We gave silk flowers, plants and medical books to a senior center, books to the library and old sewing equipment to my mom’s tailor (who was thrilled!).

Take a shot at selling anything you can on Craigslist or eBay. Just take good heed of the scam warnings. And know upfront that people who apparently really want to buy your stuff can be really flakey so implement the “first come WITH CASH or DEPOSIT wins” rule. I tried to be nice and offered people first shot, second, third… and got screwed for being so thoughtful. Also consider posting signs up around your neighborhood promoting a little “moving sale” with whatever you have at the end on your last two or three days to clear out the final stuff. Many local charities will also arrange delivery of anything from furniture, TVs, computers, clothes, or if you’re really feeling generous, cars.

Resist the urge to just throw stuff in boxes. Be thoughtful. Throw the junk and stuff you don’t need or won’t ever use out. The worst thing is transporting more boxes than you need to your new place, only to keep those boxes hermetically sealed for years because you just don’t have the energy to go through them or deal with them.

About a week or two before your move, fill out all of your “change of address” calls and forms. Remember it might take some time to get your phone, cable, or other essentials reinstalled or set up so get those requests in early. Also make sure that your utilities and creditors know your new address before your billing cycle ends, or be sure to write the new address on the back of your bills when you send them in. (Something like that!)

Leave a nice note to the new people moving into your old place welcoming them. Then leave them your contact info in case they need to reach you or end up with any unexpected packages… or visitors! Thank them in advance.

If you’re moving out of an apartment or condo with a landlord, be sure to leave a good final impression. You may end up needing them for references in the future!

Jennifer Kushell
Co-author of the NY Times Bestseller - Secrets of the Young & Successful
YSN.com

Overcoming Depression ~ A Real Motivation Thief by Iris Fanning

April 28th, 2008
Hello Everyone,
Did you know that the health care cost to employers who have employees with depressive episodes is about $5,415 per person each year?  The average cost per employee without either depression or major medical concerns is $949 annually. Additionally the employee with depression took about 10 days or 2 weeks sick leave for their condition. This is according to: Health and Disability Costs of Depressive Illness in a Major U.S. Corporation 
by Benjamin G. Druss, M.D., M.P.H., Robert A. Rosenheck, M.D. and William H. Sledge, M.D.The American Journal of Psychiatry, Volume 157, No. 8, August 2000:1229-1235. 

Depression not only has economic costs to business, but relationships, health, spiritual and emotional costs to the person with depression and the loved ones and colleagues who care about the person who is depressed.

Who Gets Depressed?  Nature, Nurture & The Furniture!

 

 I wish that was my cleaver statement.  It actually comes from Mark Myers.  He wrote a book Thinkfrom the perspective of being a person who suffered major depressive episodes beginning in early adolescence through adulthood.   The book is Up Without Meds. He now has had 5 years depression free. NATURE ~ Mental Health professionals know that there seems to be a genetic predisposition to mood disorders.  Check any depressed persons family tree and you’ll find an array of family members with depression, anxiety, bipolar and addictions (i.e. self medication). 

NURTURE ~Next, everyone experiences some pain and suffering in life.  Yet, not everyone experiences depression.  It seems that if people with a genetic load of depression ALSO experience major trauma as a child, it seems to set the depressive episodes in motion. 

THE FURNITURE ~Finally, Mark talks about major lifestyle choices that trigger and keep a depressed person in depression.  These include: sitting on the couch or chair watching TV or on the computer ignoring exercise, the social isolation that comes with staying stuck to the furniture, the dinner table where you may eat too much and the bar stool you may visit to have more than a drink. 

How to Help Yourself Get Well

 

smile Medical Disclaimer:  This is not intended as medical treatment or to replace your current medication or therapy.  You must check with your medical and therapeutic providers.  Do not attempt to stop medication or therapy without working with your providers. Mark Myers focuses on five lifestyle changes that for him, have cured his depression.  He embarked on these changes not as mandates, but as organic, natural interests without goal setting or time frames.  He does state that after about 18 months he experienced not only freedom from depression, but dropped 35 pounds, was literally happy and wanted to tell others about his ideas. Here are the 5 key points. * MOVE!  Get outside if possible daily and walk.  If you prefer dance, go to the gym, bicycle etc. * SLEEP WELL!  Get 8 hours of sleep regularly.  Turn off the electronics, get some fresh air in the room prior to sleeping.  Learn to let go of repetitive distorted thinking.  (Your therapist can help with this). * EAT WELL! Whole, nutritious food free of sugar, high fructose corn syrup and bad fats are the best.  The closer it looks to it’s actual state, the better i.e. a sweet potato not fries. * BE SOCIAL!  We have become an increasingly isolated nation.  The protective factors of being engaged with others in non work situations are phenomenal. * LET GO OF ADDICTIONS! It’s hard to know what comes first the depression or: the alcohol, cigarettes, food etc.  We do know that addictions make depression worse. 

 

TiredWhat if This Doesn’t Work?

 

First, as I mentioned Mike Myers did all of these changes for a year and a half to have complete results. Be sure you don’t give up to soon.  Second, keep working with your health professionals and perhaps try some additional avenues in the area of energy psychology and spiritual practices.  Every BODY is different. I do know that if you do these lifestyle changes you’ll have unintended benefits of : sleeping better, normalized weight, healthier lungs, heart and liver, better relationships, greater social support.  That’s a pretty good payoff on it’s own!

Blessings,
Iris Fanning
Fanning Success Systems

Need something to do with your life… Read a Newspaper by Jennifer Kushell

April 20th, 2008


It sounds too simple, and waaay too easy for such a loaded, complicated question… but picking up the newspaper might just be the trick you need to figure out what you want to do. When I was growing up, my ideal career changed more than I changed outfits. Interior designing one day, a veterinarian the next, a week after that I was certain I wanted to be a food critic, and then I’d swear I was destined to be an actress… oh wait, or maybe a psychologist! This change of heart was fine for my middle school and early high school days, and but as the time to graduate and go to college crept closer, I was worried about my future and couldn’t pick a major, much less career, for the life of me!

One day after school, I was whining to my mom about my indecisiveness and complete lack of direction, and she just tossed The New York Times in my lap. She told me to read the paper for a week and cut out the articles I found most interesting. My mom went on to tell me that she never would have chosen to be an art history major if it hadn’t been for one of her English professors who had given her this same exact assignment. He told her the most successful and happy people are truly interested in their work, so why not pick a career or industry you enjoy learning and reading about?

For a week straight, I read The New York Times thoroughly and, after everyone had read the paper, I would cut out the articles that interested me. At the end of the week, I had collected a wide range of articles, but the majority was from the Arts and Leisure section. Granted, I’m sure a lot of young girls would have very similar results, but this little exercise definitely helped me realize what careers and majors weren’t for me. I ended up attending a well-rounded liberal arts college and decided on majoring in English… a far cry from the biology major I had been contemplating just a few months before.

 If you are confused about what to study, or maybe you’ve picked a major and you just aren’t sure what to do with your degree… try reading the newspaper and noting what articles you are drawn to. You might be very surprised at the results!

Jennifer Kushell
www.ysn.com

The two emotions of resistance and denial by Jewel Diamond Taylor

April 15th, 2008

jewelradiophoto.jpg  There are two emotions which are close relatives, like brother and sister.  These two emotions are resistance and denial.  Their cousins are stubbornness and anger.  Their parents are fear and procrastination.
    
We are creatures of habit.  We want what is familiar, comfortable, controllable and predictable.  But life is a great teacher.  We either learn the lessons or we repeat them.  We either grow in the flow of change or we lose our energy and our way by trying to swim upstream fighting the flow of life.  If we have no role models to show us that we can endure change, we fear it.  If we feel inadequate and incompetent, we fear and resist change.  Skepticism and doubt about a new idea or habit can keep us in fear and denial.  If we feel we are losing control or that our lifestyle will be impacted in a bad way, we will resist change.  Lack of information and inspiration can keep you in a counter productive state of mind.
    
You could be resisting new changes on your job, in your body or in your family.   Closing your eyes and avoiding what is affecting your health, finances, career, self-esteem, safety, spiritual growth or relationships can be very costly and dangerous.   
    
Do you need to start exercising, taking your medication/vitamins or eat healthier foods?  Do you need to stop certain money habits?  Do you need to return to school to upgrade your education?  Do you need to communicate some concerns you have with a loved one or with your supervisor?  Do you need to complete your taxes, resume, paperwork, class assignment, etc.  Do you need to stop poor habits in regards to addictions, clutter, time management, temper, shyness or depression?
   
Of course, all changes can bring rewards or risks.  Open your eyes to the consequences you will pay from lack of action.  Open your rational and emotional mind to begin making good decisions to take positive actions.  Strengthen your faith and courage to face your fears.  Don’t isolate yourself, connect with others who can offer you support.  You cannot control every thing and every one, but you can learn to control how you respond to life changes.  Whether you are seeking change or change is seeking you, grow in your ability to cope, adapt and achieve peace and progress.”  ~ by Jewel Diamond Taylor

Intuition Your Personal, Spiritual GPS by Coach Iris Fanning

April 7th, 2008

Iris Fanning
As a young person, I was highly intuitive.  Then my life became busier with work, raising a family, having a loving marriage and building a business.  With the whirlwind of commitments and activities I really tuned out those subtle inner messages.  Now, as I have purposefully eliminated many commitments I find that intuition is blissfully coming to me on a regular basis.  I call intuition my Spiritual GPS.
 
I’ve asked many professional intuitives how to have more intuition.  It’s interesting because the answers include a mixture of regular meditation, regular spiritual practice and sitting in silence.  They also often mention eating lightly, movement and detoxifying the body.  These professionals earn a living being intuitive, so I suppose that spending 30 minutes to 2 hours daily in these practices are essential.  I support those choices and practices.  I know I feel more in touch and in tune when I include these options in my life.
 
I have to smile, however, because I’ve found myself increasingly intuitive by just slowing down.  I love what Michele Avanti said about intuition.  She said it’s like a friend who calls you on the phone.  When you answer the phone more, they call more.  If you don’t answer the phone and refuse to call back, they stop calling!  She said the same is true for intuition. 
 
So, when you “hear” the guidance, do what the guidance is telling you.  If you have a feeling that you shouldn’t be on a certain street, go the other way.  If you have the sense you need to call a friend, pick up the phone.  If you get the feeling that you really shouldn’t go to a certain party, call and respectfully cancel.
 
Intuition Guidance is: Always positive and will keep you or others out of harms way; Subtle; Can occur as a feeling, hunch, sense, inner voice, brief vision, or tingling body sensations.
 
Intuition Guidance will NEVER: Have you hurt yourself or someone else; or give you instructions to be destructive.
 
Let’s get started ~ Here are a few simple tools and ideas to get started.
• Purchase a small pocket or purse size notebook to write down your experiences.
• Tune in a few times a day and ask your higher self or God, “What do I need to do now for the most productive, peaceful and happy outcome? 
• Listen to the answers and act upon the answers.
• Jot down information that you receive and just note time of day, how you were feeling etc.
• Ask others what they think of intuition.  This may surprise you and help you feel supported in your journey.
 

The Iris Fanning Show
My new show features business owner, author and speaker Barbara Winter.  We focus on Barbara’s theme of Joyfully Jobless ~ Earning a Living without a Job!   If you’ve ever had an idea to begin a new business, if you have ideas of being a Solopreneur this show is for you!  We focus on the adventure, hidden gifts, obstacles and framework of being your own boss.  Come join us on Quiet Time Radio.  When you listen in, please be sure to rate the show.  We love your feedback.
 
Click on the blue link & click schedule to listen in:
The Iris Fanning Show  QT World Radio~Feed Your Mind, Body & Soul
Schedule Your Coaching Time Now!
Don’t just sit on the sidelines.  If you have a dream that you want to make real, then contact me to schedule your complimentary collaborative interview.  I look forward to hearing from you! coachiris@hotmail.com  505-821-6018
 
www.irisfanning.com