If you weren’t able to join us live, you can access the archived audio on Blog Talk Radio or listen online by clicking on the player in the sidebar on this page.

I’d love to hear what a-has or insights you gained as a result of listening.  Please leave a comment below to share.

If you weren’t able to join us live, you can access the archived audio on Blog Talk Radio or listen online by clicking on the player in the sidebar on this page.

I’d love to hear what a-has you get after listening. Please leave a comment below to share.

If you weren’t able to join us live, you can access the archived audio on Blog Talk Radio or listen online by clicking on the player in the sidebar.

I’d love to hear how friendship has impacted your own life.  Please leave a comment below to share.

On today’s episode of the Encouraging Health Series on Blog Talk Radio, I interview Julie S. Ong from http://www.EverythingMacrobiotics.com.  You’ll definitely want to tune in to learn more about this approach to eating and nurturing your body. 

After listening to the audio, please leave a comment to share one or two take-aways that you received from the show.

Your perspective on your life and the challenges you may be experiencing will be shifted after listening to this show.  I encourage you to make the time to listen to the call as soon as possible.

I encourage you to listen to the audio of today’s show, as Julie shared some great tips as well as some fresh perspectives on the topics of healthy eating, weight loss, and self-care.

After listening to the show, let me know what insights you gained from the call by leaving a comment below.

You can  access the download at Encouraging Health Series on Blog Talk Radio.

I’d love to hear what you thought of this first episode in my new series and all of the amazing insights that Robin shared with us.  Please leave your comments below.

     I am also making a point now to change my language from “I have to,” to “I get to,” as Denise suggests in her response to question #5 below.   This has certainly shifted my energy on more than one occasion and allows me to come from a place of greater power.   

1.  What is the name of your business, and what do you offer?

    I’m an inspirational speaker and the author of "Heavenly Birth". I offer a message of hope and encouragement, sharing the lessons I learned through my daughter’s bout with leukemia. Her life began with me teaching her and ended in June of ’08 with her teaching me. Perspective is everything! We always have the choice to see things from a positive perspective. It’s a matter of learning how and Jonnae was a wonderful teacher. 

2.  Is there a specific group of people that you serve through your work?

    I have spoken to audiences of every age, gender, race, denomination and walk of life. From sporting events to builder’s associations, from business conferences to church retreats, this is a message that impacts the perspective and lives of everyone. "Heavenly Birth – A Mother’s Journey. A Daughter’s Legacy" is read primarily by mothers. They have embraced the book more than any other group. However, several teens and few men have emailed me their words of thanks after reading the book.

3.  What are some of the health challenges that you see in women/women entrepreneurs today? 

    Women are fatigued, worn out from being overworked. That affects the physical body. There seems to not be enough energy to do what’s best for our body – physical, emotional, and spiritual.

4.  From your perspective, what prevents women/women entrepreneurs from taking better care of themselves?

    Women are over-stressed. The tendency is to worry, stress, and get hung up on what must be accomplished or done. That stress affects the physical health. There is a balance that needs to be acquired and habits that can become second nature to free us from the power of that negative energy. I’ve experienced it! I’ve been told how my message has helped others experience it also. It’s quite powerful.

5.  What has your own journey with self-care been like?

    Before Leukemia, I was a stress/binge eater. When tired or overwhelmed I turned to food. It fed the problem, didn’t solve it. It was through my daughter’s bout with blood cancer that I learned there is so much I cannot control, but I can control what I put in my mouth and how I choose to treat my body. Self care became a priority. Taking care of myself first resulted in my being able to take better care of my family.  There’s a time when "me first" makes the most sense and is the absolute best thing you can do to be a better mother, wife, and business owner. 

6.  What 3 tips can you share with our readers for encouraging greater health and well-being in their own lives? 

1) Learn to focus on the positive even when it’s seemingly outweighed by negative. Replace your "I HAVE to’s" with I GET TO’s" The harder it is to replace the complaint or burden with the perspective that comes with an attitude of gratitude the more powerful it is. It’s doable, I promise! (Jonnae replaced "I have to get chemo" with "I GET TO have chemo")

2) Begin your day with YOU as a priority. Get up early and take care of yourself before you begin taking care of everyone and everything else, be it 15 minutes in silence, a workout, or reading. Whatever it is that feeds your spirit, do it first and set yourself up for a GREAT day!

3) LAUGH! Create opportunities for laughter and happiness. I keep a "happy book". When something results in me having a good laugh, I make a brief note of it in my book that I carry in my purse. When I need a ‘pick me up’ it’s an instant dose of joy – a great shift in perspective and always available. 

7.  Where can our readers go to learn more about your offerings?  http://www.wegetto.com

1. What is the name of your business, and what do you offer?

   Nannies4hire.com is one of the largest, most successful online nanny and family databases serving the United States and Canada.  As part of this database, you can conveniently search full-time, part-time, temporary, summer, babysitting, live-in and live-out nannies by zip code 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

   The Nannies4hire.com database is designed to easily assist families in finding a quality nanny for their specific needs and requirements. Registered families may search by detailed characteristics to help pinpoint the perfect nanny for their family. In addition, helpful tools are available, including sample interview questions, a sample reference form and a sample contract. Nannies4hire.com also gives you advice, tips and information that will help you and your nanny connect on a social and personal level.

   Babysitters4hire.com/Care4hire.com is an online database for families and caregivers to search babysitters, housekeepers, tutors, elder/companion care, pet sitters and other miscellaneous service.   A free preview of available caregivers is available to families. Whether you need a caregiver for a few hours to a few days, you will find it at Care4hire.com. Once you are a registered member, you will be given immediate access to caregiver through email and phone.

1.  

2. Is there a specific group of people that you serve through your work?  Families in need of nannies, babysitters, pet sitters, elderly companions, tutors, housekeepers and other misc. services.

3. What are some of the health challenges that you see in women/women entrepreneurs today?  Trying to balance work, home, kids, etc. 

   Busy moms have a lot in common with circus performers.  We have to juggle many balls in the air – and we worry that it’s all going to come crashing down at any moment!  Additionally, we strive to perfect our balancing act, some days feeling more surefooted than others.  Add some crying babies, toddlers melting down and kids needing help with homework, rides to soccer practice, a Band Aid or a snack, and your life often feels like a three-ring circus!

   Many moms are looking for that “perfect” balance between family, chores, work, “me time” and time with their partner and friends.  But since there are only 24 hours in a day, how are we supposed to fit it all in? Rely on a nanny for help with childcare, shuttling kids to school and other activities, as well as errands and housework.  Delegate some responsibilities so you can spend your limited time on things you want to do – like playing with your kids.  Don’t forget to take care of yourself.  Our inclination as mothers is to care for our children, husband, friends and colleagues…which leaves no time to take care of ourselves!  Eat right, exercise, get plenty of sleep and drink lots of water.  When you feel good, you’ll be better equipped to deal with your hectic schedule.  And when you’re not feeling your best, you’re much more likely to feel overwhelmed.  Say “no” to the less important things.  Sure, it would be nice to have a spotless house, be the president of the PTA, bake homemade bread, volunteer at the local hospital, get a raise and promotion at work, and spend time helping in your child’s classroom.  But, of course, it’s not realistic to accomplish all of these things.  Decide what’s most important and do that.  Delegate what you can to a nanny or a spouse.  And don’t worry about the rest.

4. From your perspective, what prevents women/women entrepreneurs from taking better care of themselves? 

   You work long hours and come home to a family who deserves your attention as well.  Your family means the world to you, but sometimes you feel like you aren’t spending enough time with them because you are too committed elsewhere (primarily, your full-time-and-then-some job).  Additionally, your job is stressful, and you need time to decompress before you can enjoy your family each evening and where does that time come from when your time with them is already limited?

   Here are eight tips for de-stressing your life.

   1. Become comfortable saying “no” to non-essential task requests from others. If spending more quality time with your family is your goal, then taking time away from them to raise funds for a non-profit organization (while a very worthy undertaking) may need to wait for another time in your life.

   2. Learn to delegate effectively. Do you have a secretary at work who can absorb some of your excess work? Can you hire a nanny or babysitter to spend time with your children while you and your spouse are at work and have her pick up some of the extra slack at home? Are your children old enough that they can be tasked with cleaning their own rooms?

   3. Use time management techniques. Is there a more efficient way to handle your tasks? (For example, do you really need to get a few groceries every day, or can you make a list and shop once a week?) Can tasks be more effectively performed at a different time? (For example, perhaps there is benefit in having the children choose their Tuesday school clothes on Monday evening.)

   4. Find humor in things that don’t quite go right. If you can take lightly both your successes and your failures, life will be less stressful.

   5. Participate in shared activities that focus on someone else. If you and your family spend time working in a local soup kitchen, helping those less fortunate than yourselves, perhaps you would achieve less stress (forgetting your own stressors), quality family time (worthwhile, shared activity), and you will expose the children to the value of caring for their fellow human beings as well.

   6. Listen to relaxing music, select a relaxing color palette, and use relaxing scents throughout your home.

   7. Exercise with your family.

   8. Count your blessings. Look for the positives.

5. What has your own journey with self-care been like?  As a mother of 2 busy boys I tend to simplify my life by hiring a nanny.  With running 3 businesses I find great success with my nanny being an extra set of hands.  Besides childcare, she also helps with laundry, grocery shopping, homework and meal preparation.  I can’t imagine my life without a nanny. When I return home after work, the house is in order, the meal is in the oven, the homework is done and I can spend more time with the children.

6. Where can our readers go to learn more about your offerings?                           http://www.nannies4hire.com ; http://www.care4hire.com;  http://www.facebook.com/#!/candi.wingate?ref=profile;  http://twitter.com/Care4Hire;  http://twitter.com/Nannies4Hire

I’m excited to introduce to you Robin Stephens, for a very inspiring and informative interview in the Encouraging Health Series.  I know that you will take away lots of golden nuggets from Robin’s interview, just as I did.  Enjoy!

1.  What is the name of your business, and what do you offer? YourLifeinOrder.com – Life Design for Women Professionals, Entrepreneurs and Business Owners Organizing your life and your business by making YOU your #1 priority

2.  Is there a specific group of people that you serve through your work? Women professionals and business owners – especially over 40.

3.  What are some of the health challenges that you see in women/women entrepreneurs today? Stress and burnout from trying to do too much. Not putting their own self-care as their #1 priority. 70% of women when asked to name their top 5 priorities put themselves at or near the bottom of their list. 30% don’t put themselves on the list at all! These are sad statistics and we must do all we can to change them.

4.  From your perspective, what prevents women/women entrepreneurs from taking better care of themselves? Our tendency to nurture and take care of everyone before we take care of ourselves puts us at a greater risk for health problems. Stress and "obligation overload" as I like to call it. We want to do it all and be all for everyone.

5.  What has your own journey with self-care been like? After age 45, I recognized I could no longer impose the same stress on my body as I had in my 20′s and 30′s. I’ve always enjoyed excellent health, but as is often the case, took that for granted. In my late 40′s I got the wake up call and took that opportunity to begin a new relationship with my body, mind and spirit. And as it happens, what I teach now is what I’ve most needed to learn.

6.  What 3 tips can you share with our readers for encouraging greater health and well-being in their own lives?

1. Assume there will be obstacles and challenges to your self-care. You will fall off the wagon – life happens while you’re busy making other plans. Don’t beat yourself up and above all don’t quit! Use the obstacles as a learning tool and keep moving forward.

2. Your body is unique. As Dr. Oz puts it you have your own "unique factory settings." One size fits all wellness doesn’t work. Learn what your body needs to be healthy. Love the skin you are in.

3. Accept yourself right where you are. No excuses or stories. That’s a victim mentality and it will keep you stuck and stressed. Your total fitness and wellness begins first with your mind – then your body will follow, not the other way around.

7.  Where can our readers go to learn more about your offerings?  http://www.yourlifeinorder.com – sign up for my free weekly audio energy tip and visit my Resources page for lots of free articles and self-care tips!