HELP IS ALWAYS AT HAND

    Every day we encounter situations that are challenging. Sometimes we don't know which way to turn. My advice is to always turn inward. Every piece of sound advice that you could ever wish for, is already there for you.

    But you will only hear it when you quiet the busy mind and connect to your heart space, your soul chamber.

    As humans, we are inclined to turn to others for advice, believing that they know better than us. We figure that they are older, wiser or more experienced. But no one else can ever know what you truly need. Only YOU know!

    At a deep level, that you can learn to access, you always know. The answers are there. This is your truth, your purpose, your integrity.

    Nothing can feel better than tapping into this, hearing your own wisdom, and then pursuing a path that feels so right. For our feelings, our emotions are indeed our compass in this life. And feelings, unlike thoughts, will never lead us astray.

    Do not be afraid to feel. In fact, allow yourself to FEEL fully, and let this guide you forward, as you trust your inner wisdom and embrace your future with ease and grace.

                                                                                                    - Carol Kretschmer -

My Life, Your Life

                                            MY LIFE, your life. We are all in the same boat!

    Sometimes I feel very 'alone', as if I'm the only one going through whatever is happening in my life. I know in essence that this is never true, but it is a disturbing feeling of isolation - that it's not worth discussing with anyone else, because it's just ME!



    This raises two issues:

    Firstly, that it is always a good idea to discuss your worries and emotions with others. Did you know that all emotions we experience are universal, and any thought you ever have, has been thought by others as well?

    The sense of community when you know someone cares - when they are prepared to listen, or offer a shoulder to cry on, is uplifting and invaluable to our self worth. We can feel quite vulnerable when we reach out and show our true self to others, but it is always worthwhile, and we often find that they have felt this way too. They may not have solutions, but they understand what you are going through, and they do not judge you - even though you thought that they might see you as weak, or your issues trivial!

    Being able to voice your concerns, even write them down if you don't have someone to confide in, will remove that heavy energy that you have been carrying around inside you. 'Thinking out loud' can make you feel lighter and happier.

                                                                          

    Secondly, the most important relationship we have, is the one with ourselves. So if we are feeling lost, overwhelmed or stuck, we need to get out of our heads - quiet the mind and the ego thoughts, and connect with our true self, that resides in the heart, our wise old soul.

    To facilitate this, I like to be in nature or play soothing music, close my eyes, breathe deeply and feel the connection. Just allowing myself to BE. Letting go for a short while, of any busyness. No doing or trying, just stillness.

    Often insights will come forth. Answers to unspoken questions, that help me to move forward. Sometimes I sense colours, that I allow myself to absorb and enjoy. At times like this, I can feel like I am ONE with my soul - the inner me who does not judge, and loves unconditionally.

    And if I am lucky, I may also feel my team in spirit around me, supporting and guiding. Ancestors, angels and spirit guides - I have deep love and gratitude for them all.

                                                 

    Today's message/mantra is this:

    Today I tune in to the flow of life. I surrender and allow myself to step into what is needed. I release any urge to  push or force, I let go of 'shoulds' and 'musts' and move forward with hope in my heart. I am patient with myself and trust that healing will occur on all levels.

Getting Back to Good Habits

Today I am starting a reset! For the past few weeks I have been feeling frustrated with myself, as my usual commitment to looking after myself and leading by example had taken a big hit.

It was all very logical really - for many months my own life was largely taken over by caring for my elderly parents. And I didn't mind, but my own needs slid well down the list of priorities and it eventually took it's toll.

There were many aspects to this. Food was a big one. I was having to stay away from home a lot, so I no longer had such tight control of what went on my plate. There were lots of cafe stops while visiting dad in hospital, and eating on the run. I thought I was making the best choices I could, but the menus weren't  always geared to healthy choices.

The mental strain was also exhausting. So even when I had the time and means to choose well, I didn't always have the energy or resolve.

While dad was in hospital, and fighting so hard to stay with us, nothing actually felt too difficult. I surprised myself with how well I coped with the grueling schedule and emotional roller coaster. I was grateful for the skills I had acquired, that served me so well, and I just kept putting one foot in front of the other.

But when dad passed away, it was a big game changer, and suddenly everything felt too hard. I held it together long enough to honour him with a fitting farewell, but after the funeral I felt completely adrift. I was unable to tackle my every day tasks - in fact, I didn't even want to!

I knew what I needed in order to get back on track - meditation, walks on the beach and clean eating. But I know that grieving doesn't wait for anyone, so I have tried to just allow it to unfold. It's only been 6 weeks after all.

However I have been beating myself up about what wasn't getting done. And of course that was making me feel worse! So I have let all of that go now, and started to be more kind to myself. And with the support of wonderful family and friends, I am gradually regaining the strength to embrace again the life that I want for myself.

Having recently witnessed a lot of hospital procedures and medical interventions, has made me even more determined to spread the word about taking responsibility for our own health, and getting back to basics. And today feels like a new start for me :)

I have been out for an early walk, and started the day with a delicious green juice. I need to restock the fridge but this one is just what I had - spinach, parsley and mint from our garden, with an apple, cucumber and small piece of young ginger. I was craving a juice and it really hit the spot.

I have also been aware how caffeinated tea has crept right back into my repertoire. Often this was all that was available during our long stints at the hospital, but now I intend to get back to mostly herbal teas, which luckily, I do enjoy . . .

Fortunately, I have kept up my nutritional supplements, so I have been able to remain well, but I have certainly lost my equilibrium. So now I will endeavor to put all of the pieces back together. I will carry raw nuts and vegetable sticks with me everywhere, so that I am not tempted by gluten or sugar filled snacks. And I will continue to drink adequate clean (spring) water every day, between meals. I will nourish my body and soul with what I know that I need, and not what my head may be telling me is an 'easier' option. It is of course not worth it, if it makes you feel poorly.

LIFE is GOOD

I LOVE my life! I haven't always been able to say this but it is certainly true now.

Life is never dull. Change is inevitable and welcome. There is so much to experience, to learn and grow from. Relationships teach us a lot about ourselves. How you react to people is always about what is going on inside of YOU! What a fascinating concept.

It is very empowering to know that we have complete control over ourselves (and of course NONE over anyone else!). I don't mean control in any manipulative, OCD/control freak sort of way. I mean that we are responsible for our own thoughts, words and actions. There is no-one else to blame, it is all up to you.

If that sounds scary, don't let it be. It is actually a very good thing. Once you realize that your health and happiness is not in anyone else's hands, you begin to step into your authentic life. There is no point in judgement or blame or excuses. There is only you and your CHOICES. You choose what to think, what to say and how to behave.

There may be deep seated beliefs and patterns of behaviour that you have inherited or absorbed, but it is still your choice whether you activate them. How cool is that? You really are the creator of your own destiny, a master manifester! You can choose to steer your life in a more positive direction, by focusing on what you truly desire, and using your emotions as a barometer.

Now, there are many and varied emotions of course, but they really fall into one of two categories. Either they make you feel GOOD or they make you feel BAD. Choose to engage with 'good feeling' thoughts as often as possible.

There are interesting similarities with Epigenetics - a topic within the field of health that intrigues me. People with health challenges are often diagnosed with 'damaged genes' and told that this predisposes them to a myriad of symptoms and disease. But most modern day disease is metabolic - related to our diet and lifestyle choices, so this is very good news.

Research has shown that our diet and lifestyle choices actually regulate our genes ie activate (switch on) or de-activate (switch off). So, it is possible to have 'damaged genes' but choose not to switch them on! You have the power to be well.

Similarly,we don't have to erase old memories or beliefs. We can simply learn how to not have them active. Try to remember the best of things from your life, and not give too much attention to things that may not be going well. This takes practice but is worth the effort, as it aligns your energy in a very beneficial way.

Keep track of how you are feeling and trust your emotions to guide you. Work at feeling GOOD about the things that really matter to you, as much as you possibly can, and watch as your dreams unfold and you step into the life that YOU love.

The Wellness Universe

Last year I was given an opportunity to join an amazing online community - a group that is innovative and caring and changing the world. I had to step out of my comfort zone but I'm so glad that I did. I was inspired to learn new skills, creating original posters, and sharing my blogs. Wellness Universe has connected me with hundreds of like hearted souls from all around the globe. I am blessed to be a part of it . . .

HEAL YOUR GUT . . . and here's WHY!

In the 21st century, we are chronically sicker than ever before! Despite all of the education and research and modern treatment facilities . . .  we don't seem to be winning!!

Modern metabolic diseases are on the rise, and they all have common links to nutrition and lifestyle choices. What on earth are we doing to ourselves? Have you ever noticed that wild animals do not die from human diseases? . . but our domesticated animals do!!

MENTAL ILLNESS is also becoming epidemic. Are there really any scientific tests to diagnose this? Is 'chemical imbalance' in the brain really a myth? Perhaps pharmaceuticals are just covering up symptoms - and what about their side effects!

Let's get back to basics, and give the body what it needs to heal the underlying cause. Of all the body systems, DIGESTION seems have the biggest influence on Mental Health. In fact, the connection between the gut and mental health is astonishing. The body uses up nutrients at a greater rate when we are under emotional STRESS, so topping up with minerals etc and learning how to best manage our stress is very helpful. If you have never made a link between nutrition and mental health before, this could be a focus to consider. Happy hormones and mood regulators are made in the gut. If your gut is populated with the wrong bacteria, you won't be able to make the 'feel good' chemicals.

The GUT-BRAIN CONNECTION is now backed up by studies, but the best understanding is of course gained through your experience. It is now evident that the connection is a two way street ie they influence one another! The nerve cells in the gut communicate with the brain - when they sense that all is well, the brain is signaled that there is no need for concern. But if there is anything amiss - like infection, inflammation or altered microbial population (dysbiosis) - the nerves signal the brain that there is trouble! This can result in pain, stress and other chronic Gastrointestinal issues like Irritable Bowel Syndrome or gastric reflux.

There is an inner ecosystem in the gastro-intestinal tract, called the MICROBIOME. It consists of a complex web of bacteria, yeast, enzymes, neuro-chemicals, gut lining and cells belonging to the immune system. It is crucial to maintain health and balance here. The integrity of the gut is vital, in order to absorb and utilize necessary nutrients.

Even with a good diet, we can have malnutrition if the digestive health is poor. Many of us are overfed and under nourished!

LEAKY GUT - occurs when there is a damaged gut lining, creating increased permeability of the intestinal wall. This allows macro-molecules and foreign bodies through to the bloodstream causing oxidative stress and an autoimmune response that creates chronic inflammation throughout the body, often leading to joint pains, thyroid problems etc.
Leaky gut is often implicated in an array of autoimmune and mental health issues. It starts in the small intestine but affects the whole body.
How do you know if you have Leaky Gut? The first clue is - food intolerances. Another would be vitamin or mineral deficiencies - such as Magnesium, Iron or B12. These appear to be so common now! Later consequences can be Thyroid dysfunction, Rheumatoid Arthritis and other Autoimmune diseases like Fibromyalgia.

So what do we do? We need to eat REAL  FOOD, not the vast array of highly processed commercial materials in our supermarkets, that are actually fake food. Drink clean water, hydrating with at least 30mls/kg body weight per day. Ideally spring water, and certainly fluoride and chlorine free (as these can contribute to thyroid issues)

Use whole SALT - pink Himalayan rock salt is my favorite, delicious and nutritious.

Remove processed SUGAR (and flour) from your diet, as it creates an insulin roller coaster. Keep your blood sugars more stable with clean eating and whole foods (single ingredient), and you will also notice more emotional stability ie less pronounced mood swings. Sugar suppresses the immune system and it feeds yeast - and yeast overgrowth attacks the gut wall.

Modern WHEAT is very high in gluten, which is known to damage the integrity of the bowel. There is no nutrition in gluten and you may feel a great deal better without it. Bread today is very high in gluten which not only contributes to Leaky Gut but is known to destroy the myelin sheath (the protective coating on nerves). This showed up on my own MRI brain scan ie scarring in my brain! It's also interesting that when I stopped eating bread, my heart palpitations ceased. Gluten is also GMO and highly addictive and contributing to obesity. Why not research options within gluten free grains, and find some that you enjoy.

My advice is - EAT to keep the body alkaline, hormones balanced, and reduce systemic inflammation which underpins all chronic disease. Inflammatory foods to be aware of are - sugars, artificial sweeteners, cooking oils, trans fats, dairy products, pork and processed meats, alcohol, all wheat and gluten grains, and artificial food additives.

If you are consuming DAIRY products help your bones, consider that the UK, USA and Australia consume more dairy than anywhere else in the world, and yet these countries have the highest rates of Osteoporosis! Unfortunately dairy products of today are often highly processed and difficult to digest, and are likely to contain antibiotics which we know are damaging to the digestive tract. Many people are also lactose and cassein intolerant.

Food is information for the body, so treat it with respect. Choose organic where possible, as chemicals kill off beneficial microbes.

Some beneficial foods are - Bone Broth, a perfect food full of amino acids.
                                             Coconut Oil, Sauerkraut (sulphur rich) and other fermented foods and kefirs.
                                             Blueberries,green tea and other foods high in antioxidants.
                                             Brightly colored vegetables.

Other factors to consider are

 - SUPPLEMENTS: Probiotic - Bacterial dysbiosis is problematic and there is now overwhelming evidence that we need to promote the growth of helpful over harmful bugs. Choose a quality supplement of practitioner strength. This will offer protection for the gut lining, improve digestion, and boost the production of the B vitamins.
                                  Minerals - The human body cannot manufacture minerals, yet we need them in order the make the vitamins and enzymes we require. There are now insufficient minerals in even the freshest of foods, due to over farmed and depleted soils, and fruit and vegetables being harvested before ripening, or stored for long periods of time.
                                  Digestive Enzymes - may be a helpful supplement at certain times, like when a heavy meal has been consumed. One that you know is not ideal, like meat and starches together. They give your gut a rest by helping to break down the food, gluten and other compounds.
                                  Colostrum - when Leaky Gut exists, I have found that colostrum works synergistically with the probiotic, to effectively heal and seal the gut wall. This works toward a long term solution, not just reducing symptoms.

 - EXERCISE: move the body to release hormones and remove waste. The lymph system has no pump of it's own. Keep it simple and do what you enjoy, so that it's not a chore.

 - Chemical DETOX: it takes less than 30 seconds for chemicals to get into the bloodstream and have an adverse effect on the gut and other major organs. Be especially vigilant about toothpaste, mouthwash and shampoos etc that are absorbed near the brain. Insect repelant and fly sprays are likely to contain DEET which is a neurotoxin. I even know of one baby who developed seizures when her mum was using these products above the cot - she thought she was protecting her baby from mosquitoes, but the consequence was dire! Recovery was full on the removal of the sprays I am happy to report :) So be aware of the possible impact of exposure to harmful chemicals, including pollutants, toxic additives, artificial colours and flavorings and fragrances.

Who knows just what percentage of getting well, is about removing toxins from our homes? I know that it was an important piece of the puzzle in my own case. Once the physical 'irritants' are gone, we feel stronger and more positive and upbeat.

We are seeing high levels of toxicity (and malnutrition) on live and dried blood tests, even in children, and large numbers of toxins are showing up in the cord blood of newborn babies - most of which are completely avoidable once we realize they are in products that we are buying in. I  now know that the massage cream I used to use on pregnant women is a petrochemical product. But of course, when we know better, we do better. Choose ethical brands - companies that are doing the right thing and producing safe products. More of them will no doubt get on board and do this when they realize that's what we want to purchase!

Whatever your predicament, there is no magic bullet - but diet and lifestyle choices make a huge difference. There is no doubt that nutritional support along with avoidance of harmful chemicals, is always a valuable adjunct to other self help strategies. I have seen many astounding turnarounds in health and well being with this approach - often with unexpected transformation in self esteem and zest for life.

A BRAND NEW DAY

Do you realize that each day is a clean slate - an opportunity to start over?
There is no point beating yourself up about yesterday!

Today is the first day of the rest of your life . . .
Are you striving to be the best YOU that you can be?
Well here is where it starts - with you, your willingness to learn and grow, and to be fully present in this moment - the only moment that we have.

If we are not moving forward, then we are stagnating, so embrace your opportunities as they appear.
Say YES and then work out how :)
No one was ever fully prepared for anything momentous (didn't someone famous once say that?), so don't let your doubts or fears hold you back.

What do you really want from life?
You DO know the answers to this . . you may have forgotten but they reside in your soul.
The path you forged before you came here - for a lifetime of living, loving and learning.

Our thoughts can hold us back. They crowd our heads and overwhelm us.
So STOP, breathe and listen.
Connect to the wisdom of your heart, and FEEL your way forward.

And now I am reminded that any advice we give is always meant for ourselves as well.
Words that I may write or speak for others, I need to hear also.
So thank you for the opportunity to recall the need to lead by example, and stay true to myself.

                                                                                                         - Carol Kretschmer