Archives for July 2013

Where is Your Breathing Space?

2013-07-29 By Monica 5 Comments

When I was in Montana last week, I was reminded of a section that used to be in the Oprah magazine called “Breathing Space”. Breathing Space featured a relaxing photograph and a reminder to readers to take time to relax and just breathe. Like the photos in the magazine, many of us have our own “breathing spaces” or places in nature that are so awe inspiring that one can’t help but feel at peace.

One of my favorite breathing spaces is Holland Lake in beautiful western Montana. It’s in between the stunning Mission Mountains and the wild and natural Bob Marshall Wilderness, just east of the town of Seeley Lake.

8 Ways to Conquer Your Fear of Public Speaking

2013-07-24 By Monica 3 Comments

When I was 29, I had a harrowing experience shortly after starting in my first executive-level position. I was working many long hours on complex but exciting projects, and had just finished leading a series of small group meetings in preparation for writing the next year’s corporate strategic plan. My boss had been on vacation for the past week and returned just in time for the annual company-wide meeting.

As we drove to the meeting, he turned to me and said, “Oh Monica, I was planning on having you talk briefly about the strategic planning process, if you don’t mind.”

My worst nightmare had come true. I was expected to speak on stage, alone, in front of more than 200 people with no time to prepare. I had taken a college speech class and was on the debate team in high school, but I had never presented in front of a large audience. Needless to say, I panicked.

Are Your Spending Habits in Harmony with Your Values?

2013-07-18 By Monica 8 Comments

“But what is happiness except the simple harmony between
a man and the life he leads?” ~ Albert Camus

Are Your Spending Habits in Harmony with Your Values?

I thought my money habits were in harmony with my values. That is, until I encountered a monster sale at the Coach outlet store last week and almost forgot everything. I’m not really a “shopper,” fortunately. I dislike the crowds and bustle of shopping malls. Like most people, I have a limited amount of discretionary income and try to spend wisely. I love a good bargain and am usually willing to wait for a sale or to spend time comparison shopping until I find the best deal on something I need.

This time though, I was at the outlet mall to look for a dress for an upcoming event when I saw the huge SALE! signs at the Coach outlet store. I’m not really a fan of Coach products but stepped inside to see what they had. It was a feeding frenzy. They had a huge clearance section with bags for 50% off and were giving each person a coupon for an additional 40% off. Wow!

12 Ways Essential Oil Can Help You Live a Healthier Life

2013-07-14 By Monica 10 Comments

“The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease.” -Thomas Edison

A good friend of mine in Montana introduced me to essential oils in 2008 I’ve been in love with them every since. I wanted to share with you why I love them and how you can use them in your life too.

First, a quick overview of essential oils. Essential Oils are the natural oils that come from plants through a distillation process. An oil is “essential” in the sense that it carries a distinctive scent, or essence, of the plant. Humans have used essential oils since before record keeping and they are even referenced in the Bible more than 12 times.

Studies have shown that odors have a significant impact on emotional states and that individual scents affect different parts of the brain. For instance, lavender affects the part of the brain commonly associated with relaxation while jasmine affects the part of the brain that affects alertness.

Archives for July 2013

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