Life at its Best: thankful

Showing posts with label thankful. Show all posts

I know I always write and talk about showing gratitude and being thankful but after traveling this past week I realize I take so many things for granted!! My own bed, easy access to fresh, organic food/green juice and filtered water, quiet house, nature out my front door, a car (I had to take a cab most places- made me feel trapped!) And I am typing this as I sit at the Cincinnati Airport since my flight has been delayed....

Overall, I am tired, grumpy and just want to go home but I'm CHOOSING to make the most of my down-time here and reminiscing about everything I enjoyed about my paid work trip! I was able to spend two more days here exploring after the health and wellness festival I worked for a natural company I do promotions for. I haven't had the opportunity to travel much so saying yes was a no-brainer to venture off to a new place I'd never been!

Always remember: Complaining is being at war against something that has already happened!

Try to go one day without complaining even once and see how your day turns around!

*Please request to join my private Facebook group: Wellness Warriors This is where I post all my most valuable content and upcoming classes and events!

Copyright, 2018, Jackie Mart. For further information about this blog, or Optimum Wellness LLC, contact Jackie Mart at 712.790.5883 or Jackie@OptimumWellnessMN.com. As a holistic nutritionist and lifestyle coach, I will support you in taking steps to a healthier and happier you. My goal is to help you create an art of balance in your life. You will also learn how important balance between primary foods (relationships, physical activity, sleep, career and spirituality) and secondary foods (organic food and whole food) is.

www.OptimumWellnessMN.com

Thankful Thursday! What are you grateful for?

As I drive back home to Iowa each week from Minneapolis I reflect on all the reasons why make the decisions I do. I’ve always been one to follow my heart instead of my head. The older I get the more I live in the present moment. What was important to me in previous years means nothing now.

I’ve been living a life I thought I was supposed to live instead of a life I wanted. What I really want is more freedom, love and hugs from my family, a full nights sleep, and to not have to push myself to DO more and prove to the world I’m worthy and successful. Life is slower paced and it’s exactly what I needed. The best compliment came from my mom a few weeks ago: “Jackie, you are much more calm, actually listen, seem less stressed, and act like a person again! ” That’s when you know you made the correct choice.

Takeaway- Stop trying to be what the world tells you to be and start living on your own terms! Design a life YOU love and don’t take grief from all the people who want you to fail. They were never true supporters of you anyway!!

Jackie XOXO

Copyright, 2018, Jackie Mart. For further information about this blog, or Optimum Wellness LLC, contact Jackie Mart at 712.790.5883 or Jackie@OptimumWellnessMN.com. As a holistic nutritionist and lifestyle coach, I will support you in taking steps to a healthier and happier you. My goal is to help you create an art of balance in your life. You will also learn how important balance between primary foods (relationships, physical activity, sleep, career and spirituality) and secondary foods (organic food and whole food) is.

www.OptimumWellnessMN.com

"The world needs you, but it is up to you to figure out in what capacity that will be. Be
bold and humble so that you can share your experiences — your failures and your
triumphs — with others in a way that will encourage and transform them. Your voice is
needed as much as mine. Your story can change lives if you let it. Your passions have a
purpose if you spend some time in introspection to find exactly where and how to
combine what brings you joy, what you are good at, and what the world needs you to
share.

Be thankful for your past, for it is a story that can and will change lives if only you let it."
-Trish Blackwell

Copyright, 2017, Jackie Mart. For further information about this blog, or Optimum Wellness LLC, contact Jackie Mart at 712.790.5883 or Jackie@OptimumWellnessMN.com. As a holistic nutritionist and lifestyle coach, I will support you in taking steps to a healthier and happier you. My goal is to help you create an art of balance in your life. You will also learn how important balance between primary foods (relationships, physical activity, sleep, career and spirituality) and secondary foods (organic food and whole food) is.

www.OptimumWellnessMN.com

If the statement above is in your vocabulary, we need to talk!! If you have been following me for awhile you have probably noticed me mention the term, "self-love."

Self-love by definition is the belief you hold that you are a valuable and worthy person.

When you truly love yourself you are able to excel in all areas of our life. There is massive energy shift when you move from a state of self-hate to self-love. If you continually put off living your life because you feel unworthy, ugly, fat, or incompetent you are not fulfilling your purpose here on this Earth. If you are stuck in this place here are a few questions to ask yourself that may spark a little flame inside you:

If you could do anything for the rest of your life regardless of how much money you make, what would you do? (life purpose and passion)

What is your greatest accomplishment in life so far? (increase your self-esteem)

What are you grateful for? (negative to positive mindset shift)

Who is your role model? (try to be more like this person; take action!)

What made you happy when you were seven years old? (this is key to discovering what sets your soul on fire)

Spend time with those who you look up to and do something TODAY that brings you happiness!

Please CONTACT ME if you could use some support, encouragement, accountability, and positivity in your life!

Copyright, 2017, Jackie Mart. For further information about this blog, or Optimum Wellness LLC, contact Jackie Mart at 712.790.5883 or Jackie@OptimumWellnessMN.com. As a holistic nutritionist and lifestyle coach, I will support you in taking steps to a healthier and happier you. My goal is to help you create an art of balance in your life. You will also learn how important balance between primary foods (relationships, physical activity, sleep, career and spirituality) and secondary foods (organic food and whole food) is.

www.OptimumWellnessMN.com

Today is my 34th birthday! WOW! Has time flown by or what?! I may not be near where I pictured myself at this age but I know I am exactly where I need to be!! Thank you for all of your support, love, and encouragement along the way! <3

www.OptimumWellnessMN.com

When I first wake up in the morning I write in my Five-Minute Journal. It uses the science of positive psychology to improve happiness and focuses your attention on the good in your life. As we all know gratitude is one of the keys to happiness! You don't need a specific journal, phone app, or anything fancy to focus on what you are thankful for. An old notebook or scratch paper will do! Wake up each day and write down at least three things you are grateful for and a positive affirmation about yourself. The words "I AM" and what you put behind it determines the path of your life!

If you want to learn more about gratitude, goal setting, affirmations and the Law of Attraction check out my upcoming Inspiration/ Dream Board Workshop in January. CLICK HERE for more details!

Copyright, 2016, Jackie Mart. For further information about this blog, or Optimum Wellness LLC, contact Jackie Mart at 712.790.5883 or Jackie@OptimumWellnessMN.com. As a holistic nutritionist and lifestyle coach, I will support you in taking steps to a healthier and happier you. My goal is to help you create an art of balance in your life. You will also learn how important balance between primary foods (relationships, physical activity, sleep, career and spirituality) and secondary foods (organic food and whole food) is.

www.OptimumWellnessMN.com

1. Wake up and choose to be happy. (Sometimes I struggle with this myself. March was not a great month for me. I've found out it helps to keep a gratitude journal daily. I use an app on my phone and write in it right before I go to sleep) Gratitude 365 App

2. Exercise. create a schedule each week. Stick to it. Ask your friend to join you. Try a new class. Get outside in the sunshine!

3. Eat. Healthy foods. Every 3 hours so you are not starving and end up binge eating at night when you get home from work. Eat clean, unprocessed foods that give you energy and fuel your body. Break the sugar addiction. There are people that can help! Ask.

4. Set Boundaries. Just because someone wants you to do something doesn't mean you have to do it. Think about how it makes you feel. Self love is about honoring yourself, listening to your body, and knowing what is best for you. It's not being selfish; there is a big difference!

5. Sleep. get 8 hours every night. I know I am an emotional wreck when I'm overly tired and life just seems so much harder! Try to go to sleep at 10:00 PM and wake up at 6:00 AM. Those hours are ideal and allow our body to repair itself both physically and psychologically.

6. Say Affirmations. Here are a few of mine. You can easily make up your own that are more prevalent to you.

"I listen to by body and its needs. I eat foods that are healthy and nourishing to my body and soul. I seek the perfect amount of food to keep my life force high."

"I love myself. I am happy, healthy, and whole."

"I forgive myself. I am made for more. ED (Eating Disorder) no longer rules my life."

"I am enough. I have enough. I do enough. I have everything I need in this moment."

7. Do what you love. You spend most of your life working. Make sure you love what you do! Find out what you life purpose is and roll with it! Your strengths and interests are key!

8. Rest. I've always been a go-getter, perfectionist, over-achiever. I need to constantly remind myself that it's okay to take breaks and do nothing. Life is all about BALANCE.

9. Use a Self Care Planner: http://kriscarr.com/wp-content/uploads/SelfCarePlanner.pdf

10. Fill your life with positive, encouraging people!

Please follow me on Facebook for more inspiration and tips. I have 3 powerful, positive pages:

Jackie Mart

Optimum Wellness LLC

Self Love Sisters

Copyright, 2015, Jackie Mart. For further information about this blog, or Optimum Wellness LLC, contact Jackie Mart at 712.790.5883 or Jackie@OptimumWellnessMN.com. As a holistic nutritionist and lifestyle coach, I will support you in taking steps to a healthier and happier you. My goal is to help you create an art of balance in your life. You will also learn how important balance between primary foods (relationships, physical activity, sleep, career and spirituality) and secondary foods (organic food and whole food) is.

www.optimumwellnessmn.com

This past week I've been focusing on celebrating the "little things" in my life! Practicing gratitude has been the most important part of my recovery and transition from a divorce, eating disorder, depression, and loneliness to a life full of joy. When you have something to look forward to it makes life worth living! Every day wake up and be thankful you actually woke up! Each breath you take fuels your very existence.

This week I celebrated many things. Here are a few examples: went snowshoeing in the sun last Sunday, spent time with my parents, booked two Lunch and Learn Corporate Health Talks, bought fresh yellow daisies to brighten up my apartment, received a bonus from a promotional company I work for, paid off my credit card balance, tried a new recipe, got a free car wash with my oil change, scheduled dates with friends, took a nap when I needed to rest and didn't feel guilty about it!

Start keeping a daily list of your celebrations and your mindset will shift from negative to embracing the positive!

Copyright, 2015, Jackie Mart. For further information about this blog, or Optimum Wellness LLC, contact Jackie Mart at 712.790.5883 or Jackie@OptimumWellnessMN.com. As a holistic nutrition and lifestyle coach, I will support you in taking steps to a healthier and happier you. My goal is to help you create an art of balance in your life. You will also learn how important balance between primary foods (relationships, physical activity, sleep, career and spirituality) and secondary foods (organic food and whole food) is.

www.optimumwellnessmn.com

My family asks me what I want for Christmas every year like most do. I've honestly never really had a wish list the last 4 years. My list is just the essentials.. you know, like food, clothes, gas for my car.. LOL! I like living a simple life. My laptop is 6 years old, (it still works!) yet it's reliable. I live in a one room studio apartment I think is absolutely adorable and I have zero complaints besides the little noise from my neighbors!

There is something to be said about waking up, being thankful for being alive, and just "living." I've taken the time to be more in the moment, listen, and do what I can to help those around me and it feels GOOD! I think the holidays have gotten out of hand for the most part. People are spending money on things they really don't need that distract them from spending quality time and "being" with their families and friends. Everyone I've talked to lately is depressed and stressed to the max! What happened to "happy holidays?" Take a step back and think for a few minutes about what you can do this year to get that happiness and joy back!

Start a new tradition!! Volunteer together, take a family trip, or adopt a local family in need to buy gifts for this year instead of spending hundreds of dollars on things you "want" and do not really "need." If you look at the wish lists of the lower income families this is what you will see:

-snow pants
-boots
-socks
-winter coats
-winter gloves
-underwear

It really puts things into perspective. Maybe after reading this your wish list will change?

Be grateful and thankful for the little things and your heart will always be full!! <3

Copyright, 2014, Jackie Mart. For further information about this blog, or Optimum Wellness LLC, contact Jackie Mart at 712.790.5883 or Jackie@OptimumWellnessMN.com. As a holistic nutrition and lifestyle coach, I will support you in taking steps to a healthier and happier you. My goal is to help you create an art of balance in your life. You will also learn how important balance between primary foods (relationships, physical activity, sleep, career and spirituality) and secondary foods (organic food and whole food) is.

www.optimumwellnessmn.com

I may seem strong but sometimes I am not. I crashed and burned... But that's what happens when you work too much, don't relax, sleep, or take time for yourself! This past week has definitely not gone as planned and I am very thankful for the friends, clients, and my mom for checking up on me! It's the start of a new week-no matter what happens know there are always people who care and love you!

www.optimumwellnessmn.com

"Nature always wears the colors of the spirit."

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Such a beautiful weekend weather-wise! I was able to get out and enjoy it a little bit even though I worked most of the weekend. Took a bike ride Saturday evening and a long walk tonight. Feeling pretty grateful for this amazing scenery only 1 mile from my new home!

www.optimumwellnessmn.com

I'm a true believer in the statement that "things happen for a reason." I look at my past and current life and can pinpoint exactly why people, opportunities, and setbacks have been placed in front of me. It's crazy to think I'm 30 years old and living in my parent's basement, but I know I am back here in Iowa to serve a predestined purpose and it's just part of my journey. I went on a few dates with a guy last week and when I told him I lived with my parents and why, he responded, "That is very responsible of you." I was a tad shocked but it's exactly what I needed to hear! I'd never thought of it that way.

Sometimes we have to take a few steps back before we can move forward in life. Numerous people have crossed my path who have shaped and molded my very being. I think and reflect continuously on experiences and the woman I have become. Friends have filtered through the years and I know the majority will never forget me as I will never forget them! Human connection and love are tied to our energy flow.

I am so grateful for all the friends both young and old I've had over the past 12 years. From high school, to college, to Carroll, Minneapolis, and now back around my hometown. They have taught me lessons and reminded me time and time again to love and believe in myself. They loved me when I was negative, crabby, and at my lowest weight ready to give up altogether. I've visited friends in my pajamas multiple times just for a hug and therapeutic crying session...

Real friends are non-judgmental, honest, accepting, and show unconditional love. Here are a few photos of friends who have impacted me tremendously! If your are not pictured please do not hold it against me, I just couldn't find a decent photo of us together on my Facebook! LOL!! ;-) Some I haven't talked to in years but wanted you to know I think of you often. Thank you for everything!! You know who you are!! LOVE YOU!! HUGS!

Copyright, 2013, Jackie Mart. For further information about this blog, or Optimum Wellness LLC, contact Jackie Mart at 712.790.5883 or Jackie@OptimumWellnessMN.com. As a holistic nutrition and lifestyle coach, I will support you in taking steps to a healthier and happier you. My goal is to help you create an art of balance in your life. You will also learn how important balance between primary foods (relationships, physical activity, sleep, career and spirituality) and secondary foods (organic food and whole food) is.

www.optimumwellnessmn.com

1. Start planning early. Set the menu ahead of time and be sure to stock up the pantry and remember snacks for the guest to munch on before hand. (Order your free-range, antibiotic, and hormone free turkey in advance! Check out your local food coop or natural food store) This prevents last minute shopping and "freak-outs" LOL!

2. Map out a calendar with the days you need to grocery shop, clean the house (or hire a Norwex-chemical free cleaning lady; my friend Kristi could help! 712.209.0873) and begin cooking! Enlist family members to help with these tasks! I'm all about delegating!!! Or you could even have a relative make the pie, bring a salad or other dish, booze, etc! Don't be afraid to ask for help.

3. Clear off coffee table so guests will have extra space to put down their snacks and drinks. Rent or borrow extra tables and chairs if needed.

4. Have guests commit to an arrival time. If they're vague about attending (people are so non-committal these days I've noticed..) you may end up with too much food-or worse- too little! Stress to guests they must RSVP!

5. If unexpected guests leave you scrambling for something else to serve, try roasting root vegetables. Peel and chop your choice of vegetables. Toss with extra virgin olive oil, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Roast at 350 degrees for 30 minutes, or until veggies are tender when pierced with a fork. Garnish with fresh herbs. (see recipe below)

6. Try not to stress about FAMILY. So you are not a fan of your Aunt's rude comments and sick of them asking "when are you going to get married?!?!" Remember it is just one day and relax... it's all about how you react to the situation. Arrive with a good attitude and be grateful that you HAVE a family and a place to go on Thanksgiving Day! Or, just plan a Thanksgiving with friends and neighbors if your family is difficult! :-)

Balsamic Rosemary Beets

Ingredients:

4 medium beets, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 Tbsp minced fresh rosemary
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp sea salt

Directions:

-Preheat oven 400 degrees.
-In medium bowl, combine beets, olive oil, vinegar, rosemary, pepper, sea salt.
-Transfer beets to a 9x13 glass baking dish and cover with foil.
-Bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake, uncovered, for 10-20 more minutes, until the beets are tender when pierced with a fork. Serve.

Copyright, 2013, Jackie Mart. For further information about this blog, or Optimum Wellness LLC, contact Jackie Mart at 712.790.5883 or Jackie@OptimumWellnessMN.com. As a holistic nutrition and lifestyle coach, I will support you in taking steps to a healthier and happier you. My goal is to help you create an art of balance in your life. You will also learn how important balance between primary foods (relationships, physical activity, sleep, career and spirituality) and secondary foods (organic food and whole food) is.

www.optimumwellnessmn.com

Today I am feeling very overwhelmed with emotions! So many wonderful things have been happening and I am so grateful! I just got hired to work part-time a few days a week at Wilder Thymes, the natural food store in Spirit Lake. I will be able to help people who are new to natural foods and show them around the store! This will allow me to branch out and meet more people who are looking to incorporate more natural and organic foods into their diet! This is just one of the many things I am thankful for today! Much more to come! :-) I cannot wait to see what else is in store with the seeds I am planting. Things are coming into fruition!

I hope you have a great weekend! I'm off to Minneapolis again to work some modeling promos. Cheers to working hard and paying off debt!

Stay tuned for more exciting news and updates for Optimum Wellness LLC!!

Sneak Peak:

-Health Educator for Cigna Health
-Monthly Cooking Classes
-NYC Radio Show
-Traveling Speaker and Presenter
-Online Nutrition Training

Be Well-
Jackie

Life at its Best

At War

Thankful Thursday

The World Needs You

I Feel Ugly Today

Real Talk With Jackie About Thoughts

Day of Love

Jackie's Health Tip of the Week 12/11/16

10 Ways to Love Yourself

Live a Life Full of Joy

Holiday Hassles?

Need a Lift?

Nature Fills the Soul

Human Connection-One Thing I am Thankful For

Hosting Thanksgiving This Year? A Few Tips for Organizing the Feast

Endless Possibilities

Jackie Mart

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