FOCUSED ON THE NEGATIVE
Our brains are naturally wired to protect our bodies by focusing on the negative. This evolutionary trait helped us to make choices based on avoiding danger. In modern life, this translates to more time focused on negatives even when there’s no inherent threat (more on that here). We may find ourselves complaining about things that aren’t important – chores we don’t like doing, things we don’t like about ourselves, or an unpleasant interaction we had with a stranger. This negativity affects our mood, our relationships, and our energy. Rather than protecting our bodies, our pessimistic thoughts actually cause weight gain, disease and inflammation (C-reactive protein article).
POSITIVITY FOR HEALTH
I used to get embarrassed whenever someone gave me a compliment. I thought that being proud of myself and focusing on positives was being conceited, but brushing off my accomplishments made them unimportant, and made me feel anxious and unsure of myself. Focusing on positivity is hard work, but it’s worth it. I’ve been helping my clients to hone in on the good things that happen each day and the things they love about who they are, and I’ve witnessed some remarkable transformations! According to Dr. Rick Hanson, “Taking in the good is a brain-science savvy and psychologically skillful way to improve how you feel, get things done, and treat others.” By changing their perspective, my clients not only lose physical weight, but they lose some emotional heaviness as well.
WITH GRATITUDE
I received the following testimonial from a client and I am honored to have worked with her over the past few months. This praise is for me and my work, but it is also for her and the work that she has put in to making these changes. I couldn’t have asked for a better coaching experience. She was open to my guidance and ready to commit to a change and that makes a huge difference. I think she even surprised herself with the transformation! I am so thankful that she trusted me with her health, and I am beyond proud of her and all that she has accomplished.
I AM FOREVER GRATEFUL
Working with Jamie has changed my lifestyle in a more positive way than I ever could have imagined. I had always considered myself someone who was mindful of nutrition, who made conscious choices of an organic, locally-sourced, fresh, whole-foods diet. Yet, I still did not feel great, and I didn’t understand why. Jamie helped me to take a step back from focusing just on the food, and look at my health on a broader and more holistic level. I began to see how stress impacted my health, my weight, my food choices, and my emotions. Where I had always believed that putting self-care last on my list was the right and compassionate thing to do, I soon realized that this was only leaving me deficient and depleted, unable to give my best self to those I loved and cared for.
Using nutritional guidance, meditation, and exercise, Jamie guided me onto a path of healthier choices and overall well being. While my food choices were mostly healthy before, Jamie helped me find some ways that unnecessary amounts of sugar and carbohydrates were sneaking their way into my everyday diet. She helped me see that exercise didn’t always have to mean carving out an hour of my day to get sweaty in a fast-paced workout, but simple walks and stretching each day (even in small increments) could have measurable and lasting impact on my fitness and even my emotional health.
I came to Jamie wanting to lose a certain number of pounds (which I did!), but I come away with far greater benefits than just weight loss. I feel healthier and stronger than ever; more resilient and energetic. I have found a way to balance caring for myself and for others, which helps me feel centered and satisfied. Jamie helped me develop an awareness of what my body needs nutritionally, physically, and emotionally to function at its best, and I am forever grateful for her help in finding that path.
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