Tag: Life Coach

Posted in Uncategorized

Genetic and environmental factors in autoimmune dis-EASE

Posted on by HOLLY STEVENS

Genetics and Autoimmune Susceptibility

Autoimmune dis-eases are complex and influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Immunogenetics has advanced our understanding of the genetic roots of these disorders. It has shown how specific genetic variations can lead to an overactive immune response.

Research has identified key genes associated with increased risk for autoimmune conditions, particularly human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes, which are crucial for recognizing self-antigens. Additionally, genes involved in immune regulation and inflammation further contribute to susceptibility.

Epigenetic factors, such as DNA methylation and histone modifications, also play a significant role, as they can affect gene expression and be influenced by environmental stressors.

Understanding these genetic and epigenetic factors has improved both scientific knowledge and clinical practice. This progress allows for the development of tailored diagnostic tools. These strategies cater to individual patient needs.

Environmental Triggers for Autoimmune Responses

Genetic predisposition is a significant factor in susceptibility to autoimmune diseases, but environmental elements also play a crucial role. Infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites can trigger immune responses. These responses mistakenly target the body’s own tissues. This phenomenon is known as molecular mimicry. This can lead to disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and type 1 diabetes.

Exposure to chemicals, toxins, and pollutants is linked to the development of autoimmune diseases. These exposures can disrupt immune balance and result in harmful immune responses. For instance, silica dust consists of tiny particles of crystalline silica. These particles are found in materials like sand, stone, and concrete. Silica dust has been linked to systemic lupus erythematosus. Moreover, certain pesticides and heavy metals are connected to autoimmune thyroid disorders.

Lifestyle factors, including diet and exercise, are also important. Diets high in pro-inflammatory foods can worsen symptoms. A balanced diet and regular physical activity can help modulate the immune system.

Understanding the interplay between genetic and environmental factors is essential. It helps in developing effective prevention and management strategies. This ultimately improves the lives of those affected by autoimmune conditions.

Role of the Epigenome in Autoimmune Diseases

The field of epigenetics is crucial in understanding autoimmune diseases. It reveals how gene expression and immune function can be altered without changing DNA sequences. The epigenome, which includes various chemical modifications of DNA and histone proteins, regulates gene expression patterns.

Specific epigenetic changes, particularly in DNA methylation, have been linked to immune-related genes. These changes are associated with conditions like systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis. Histone modifications also influence gene expression and immune cell function.

The dynamic nature of the epigenome means it can be affected by environmental factors. These include diet, stress, and exposure to toxins. Such influences can potentially increase the risk of autoimmune diseases.

Research into the epigenome has sparked new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Identifying unique epigenetic signatures may lead to better biomarkers and personalized treatments. Modulating the epigenome through lifestyle or pharmacological methods is a possibility. This generates interest in developing therapies for these complex diseases. This evolving field holds promise for improving the lives of those affected by autoimmune disorders.

www.cdc.gov

www.lung.org

www.osha.gov

Posted in Autoimmune the dis-EASE, Key Causes and Symptoms, Understanding Autoimmune dis-EASE

Understanding Autoimmune dis-EASE: Key Causes and Symptoms

Posted on by HOLLY STEVENS

Autoimmune Diseases Explained

The human immune system is a remarkable and complex network. It consists of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body from harmful pathogens. These include viruses, bacteria, and infections. Yet, sometimes the immune system malfunctions. It begins to attack the body’s own healthy cells and tissues. This leads to a condition known as autoimmune disease.

Autoimmune diseases are a diverse group of disorders. The body’s immune system mistakenly identifies its own healthy cells as foreign invaders. It then launches an attack against them. This can lead to a wide range of symptoms. These include inflammation, tissue damage, and organ dysfunction. The symptoms vary depending on the specific autoimmune condition and the target of the immune system’s assault.

Rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, and multiple sclerosis are some of the most common autoimmune diseases. Lupus, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and Crohn’s disease are also included. The exact causes of autoimmune disorders are not fully understood. Researchers believe genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors can contribute to their development.

Genetic predisposition plays a significant role in susceptibility to autoimmune diseases. Certain genetic variations can make individuals more prone to developing specific autoimmune conditions. Environmental factors include viral infections, exposure to certain chemicals or toxins, and even psychological stress. These factors have also been linked to the onset of autoimmune disorders.

Understanding the underlying mechanisms of autoimmune diseases is crucial for developing effective treatment strategies. Researchers continue to explore the intricate workings of the immune system. They study the factors that lead to its dysfunction. Their ultimate goal is to find ways to restore the delicate balance and prevent or manage autoimmune conditions.

Causes of Autoimmune Disorders

The development of autoimmune disorders is a complex process influenced by genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Although the exact causes are not fully understood, several key contributors have been identified.

Genetic predisposition is crucial. Certain genetic variations can make individuals more susceptible to specific autoimmune diseases. These variations affect immune system function. Environmental triggers can disrupt immune balance. They include viral infections, chemical exposure, and psychological stress. These factors provoke an abnormal immune response.

In some cases, the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own cells, viewing them as foreign antigens. Additionally, lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, and stress management can impact the risk and progression of autoimmune disorders. A balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory nutrients, regular physical activity, and effective stress management can support immune health.

Understanding the interplay of these factors is essential for identifying and managing autoimmune disorders. This knowledge can help healthcare professionals develop better prevention and treatment strategies, improving the quality of life for those affected.

Symptoms and Diagnosis of Autoimmune Conditions

Autoimmune disorders can present a variety of symptoms based on the specific condition and the immune system’s target. Common symptoms include inflammation, joint pain, swelling, chronic fatigue, fever, and unexplained weight loss.

These disorders can affect various organs. Rheumatoid arthritis targets the joints, causing pain and stiffness. Multiple sclerosis affects the nerves, leading to symptoms like numbness and muscle weakness.

Diagnosing autoimmune disorders can be challenging due to their symptoms overlapping with other conditions. Healthcare professionals typically use medical history, physical examinations, laboratory tests, and imaging studies to diagnose them. Detecting autoantibodies in the blood is a key diagnostic tool. This detection can confirm the presence of an autoimmune disorder.

Additional tests, like blood counts and inflammatory markers, help evaluate disease extent. Imaging studies detect structural changes in affected organs. Precise diagnosis is essential for effective management. It allows healthcare providers to create personalized treatment plans. These plans can include medications, lifestyle changes, and, if necessary, surgical interventions.

 

Posted in Autoimmune the dis-EASE, The Role of the Immune System, Understanding Autoimmune dis-EASE

Understanding Autoimmune dis-EASE: The Role of the Immune System

Posted on by HOLLY STEVENS

The Importance of the Immune System

The immune system is a remarkable network of cells, organs, and processes that protect our bodies from harm. It is our front line defense against viruses, bacteria, parasites, and toxins, ensuring we don’t constantly battle illness.

Its significance goes beyond defense; it recognizes threats, mobilizes resources, and remembers past encounters to strengthen future responses. Understanding its workings helps us appreciate the balance that keeps us healthy.

The immune system is not just a static defense mechanism. It is a dynamic and highly adaptable system. It evolves to face new threats. It regulates inflammation and influences chronic conditions like cancer and autoimmune disorders. By exploring its components and functions, we gain insights into how our immune system interacts with other systems. This exploration leads to exciting advancements in medical research. Let’s celebrate and nurture our immune system for a healthier future!

Components of the Immune System.

The immune system comprises diverse specialized cells, tissues, and organs that work together to defend the body against harmful agents. White blood cells, also known as leukocytes, are at the heart of this intricate network. They are the primary actors in the immune response. Understanding their roles and functions is crucial in comprehending the immune system’s operations. 

There are several key types of white blood cells, each with its unique role and job. Lymphocytes, like T and B cells, recognize and respond to specific threats. Phagocytes, including macrophages and neutrophils, engulf and destroy foreign invaders. Other immune cells, like natural killer and dendritic cells, play crucial roles in the immune response. 

These immune cells are found throughout the body. They circulate in the bloodstream and lymphatic system. They live in specialized organs like the spleen, thymus, and lymph nodes. These organs serve as hubs for immune activity. They offer the necessary infrastructure for the coordination and execution of the body’s defense mechanisms. 

Besides the cellular components, the immune system relies on a complex network of chemical signals and regulatory pathways. Cytokines are signaling molecules. They help orchestrate the immune response. Antibodies are specialized proteins. They neutralize or mark specific threats for destruction. 

We can gain a deeper appreciation for the remarkable ways our bodies work to protect us. We achieve this by understanding the diverse and intricate components of the immune system. This knowledge empowers us to take control of our health. It can enhance our understanding of how the immune system interacts with other physiological systems. This leads to new medical research and treatment avenues. 

Immune System Functions

The immune system is an incredible network of functions vital in protecting our bodies and enhancing our overall health! Its primary mission is to identify and remove potential threats. These threats can disrupt our well-being, like harmful pathogens, abnormal cells, and other foreign invaders.

A fascinating aspect of the immune system is its ability to recognize these dangers. This recognition occurs through a process known as the immune response. When a potential threat is detected, the immune system enthusiastically mobilizes specialized cells and chemicals to combat the intruder. This dynamic response involves various strategies. It activates phagocytes that engulf and remove pathogens. It produces antibodies to mark threats for destruction. Additionally, it recruits more immune cells to strengthen the defense.

Beyond its crucial role in fighting infections and illnesses, the immune system contributes significantly to our general health and vitality. It helps regulate inflammation, a natural reaction to injury or infection. It plays a role in the onset and progression of chronic health conditions like cancer, autoimmune disorders, and cardiovascular diseases.

One of the immune system’s most remarkable abilities is its capacity for learning and memory. This ability helps the body to respond more effectively and target familiar threats. This phenomenon is known as immunological memory. This fascinating ability is the foundation of vaccinations, which harnesses the immune system’s learning to protect against specific diseases.

Exploring our immune system’s diverse and intricate functions can help us better appreciate our body’s efforts. Our bodies work diligently to keep us healthy and secure. This understanding can lead to exciting new medical research. It can also inspire confidence in our journey toward better health.

Up and coming to you soon:

Understanding Autoimmune dis-EASE:

The Role of the Immune System: Autoimmune disorders and immune system dysfunction 

Posted in Confidence

Building Confidence #3: Embracing Failure for Growth

Posted on by HOLLY STEVENS

Hold up your head! You were not made for failure. You were made for VICTORY! Go forward with a joyful confidence.

George Eliot

Are you feeling ready to befriend the fears that are holding you back? Are you prepared to let those fears become stepping stones? Will they guide your journey of passion and purpose in your life now?

We have all had failures in our journey this far in life, and if you haven’t, well… I’m afraid life is passing you by. Those failures we’ve had do not make any of us failures! On the contrary, we can actually use our failures. All the obstacles that have been in our way have helped to BUILD our Self-Confidence. We need to find the gift of growth each failure has blessed us with.

Each of us has a POWER within that is GREATER than ANYTHING we have gone through. It is also GREATER than anything we will ever go through. As we’ve discovered, we have ALL experienced failure, that my friend, is what allows us to be HUMAN. We don’t get it ‘right’ every time. That is impossible. When we do fail, we can see and use the OPPORTUNITY to gain wisdom, understanding, growth and strength.

From the moment we were born into this life, we have faced and overcame obstacles! As I mentioned in Confidence #2 post, we relied on the infinite to overcome one of our very first obstacles. This was about communicating our basic needs. Being fed, diaper changed, letting our caregiver know that we are uncomfortable. We learned to fall asleep on our own, learning to sit up, crawl, walk, talk, to tying our shoes. We’ve all put our shirt on backwards, or inside out while learning to dress ourselves. We’ve all put our shoes on the wrong feet. For a young adult, learning to read a map involves challenges. They take the wrong turn. Running out of gas can happen when becoming a responsible {Response-Able} adult. Generally there was never a second thought that these were failures or that we were a failure because of them. It’s OKAY that we made mistakes along the way.

Nobody ever likes to “get it wrong.” Messing up is not fun, it can cause headaches, heartaches, and stress. There have been a mistake so painful that we choose not to ever think about it again. Yet it replays in our minds repeatedly. Sometimes even unconsciously. Over time, sometimes days, sometimes years, our self-confidence dissipates. We give up because we feel as though we will never “get it right.” We think, what’s the use? There is indeed a useful part of failure – every perceived failure has a seed of success planted within it. We MUST be willing to look for it. We have to understand one crucial thing. We must trust that it is okay to get it wrong on the path to getting it right.

We have experienced many small failures accumulating over time. Alternatively, we feel we have encountered a significant failure. We have had failures, but we are NOT a failure. “Failure” is just simply a meaning that we have placed on a situation that we have had. We have the POWER within us to re-frame any experience. This serves us and grants us self-confidence. It does this instead of tearing us down. Every time something doesn’t work out or goes differently than we envisioned, we try it again another way. We do this until it works. That, my friend, is simply the BLESSING and GIFT OF GROWTH! This is another part of gaining wisdom.

The expansive feeling comes from growing and expanding through failure. It also involves understanding that we do NOT ALWAYS have to “get it right” or be perfect. We can think about a particular circumstance that did not turn out the way we had hoped. Through reflection, we can see that we are MORE than that event. We are MORE than that circumstance. We have gained wisdom…

OK, now, take a deep breath and hear what I am about to say… you feel discouraged and even worried that thinking about failures will only cause more feelings of failure. We DON’T stay there, we DON’T focus on the failure, we acknowledge it and we set it aside. Remember, this is about BUILDING SELF-CONFIDENCE. Learn how the Power within us is greater than ANYTHING we have gone through. It is greater than anything we will ever go through.

Be GRATEFUL for this (failure) experience to learn, for it is the seed that was planted. Now, just be still, see, and even listen all while being open to the growth of your Self-Confidence.

Here is a recap of what I have learned, utilizing myself and furthermore want to share with you:

  • I have had failure, that does NOT make me a failure, failure does NOT have me. I AM more than ANY failure I have ever had!
  • EVERY failure has within it, a seed of greater advantage.
  • I can set down any ideas I’ve had about failure. I am GRATEFUL for yet another learning, growing, strengthening day in my life.
  • Failure is simply another opportunity for me to learn.
  • Learning is done through trial and error. I started learning that way from day one of my life. It is still the same today. I get it right and get it wrong, figuring it out as I go.
  • The learning through success is EQUAL to learning from failure. BOTH inform us. BOTH guide us. BOTH make us MORE of who we are capable of being!
  • NO ONE is exempt from failure. Everyone of us has experienced it in one form or another. It is simply part of being HUMAN!
  • As children, it was taken for granted that we should make mistakes. As adults, we have adopted the thinking that we should get it right all the time.
  • Some of the most accomplished individuals, had some of the most massive failures, yet, they DID NOT GIVE UP!

Here are three things that have been suggested I do on a continual basis, reminding me that obstacles are opportunities:

  1. Writing out in my journal at least 10 successes that I have had in life. I start with early achievements like learning to walk and tying my shoes.
  2. Remember this affirmation: “it is OKAY to get it wrong.” You will find the right way eventually.
  3. Whenever something does not go as I had planned, I can neutralize it. I realize that it is simply something that happened.

The next step I will share with you in Confidence #4 post is Clear, Confident Decision Maker. We have connected with the part of us that puts fear and failure into its proper perspective. Now, we are moving into Clear, Confident Decision Making. Here, we will offer a simple strategy. This strategy is powerful for making decisions. These decisions are in service to the highest good. We have used this skill many times without even realizing it. The good news is, we will now know what it really is. We will also know how to develop and strengthen it. Just a little secret I want to share with you… it only takes practice!

Here’s to GROWING and STRENGTHENING our AUTHENTIC Self-Confidence, with wisdom, power, passion, and purpose!!

Holly

Posted in Confidence

Discover the Power of Authentic Confidence #1

Posted on by HOLLY STEVENS

If one advances Confidently in the direction of his dreams, he will meet with success. By endeavoring to live the life he has imagined, he’ll meet with a success unexpected in common hours.

~Henry David Thoreau

Connecting with your TRUE SELF, this is your internal power connecting with the Infinite. The Infinite gives us Confidence, because it IS Confidence. When open to this connection with the Infinite, we can expand our personal awareness. We experience our TRUE SELF. This allows us to live a life of TRUE LOVE.

Knowing that Authentic Self-Confidence is our birthright, because we are alive and breathing, creates a deserving of Confidence. We deserve to be empowered to speak and act on our TRUE SELF. Having trust in ourselves. Doubts come up, we recognize them and let them go. We can take a deep breath and stay in our calm, and open state of mind. When we trust the Infinite, we trust ourselves.

Something to remember: We do NOT generate our Self-Confidence, we draw from our Authentic Self-Confidence.

Thinking back to your childhood, what did you want to be when you grew up? Do you recall what it was? How about after graduating from high school – was there a passion for career plans? Did you ever pursue that dream? Or as for many of us grown-ups, did your confidence in those ideas just fade away as did the time? As the time goes by, it seems our ability to dream and have belief in ourselves can just dwindle away. Outside forces often stop us from doing what we would love to do. They prevent us from being who we would love to be. We must choose to awaken our TRUE SELF. In doing so, we discover that we have unshakable confidence inside ourselves. This confidence is in our very DNA. So, you ask, if confidence is IN us, how do we access it?

Let’s start here, with another common questions: What exactly is self-confidence and self-image?

For many of us, self-confidence and our self-image are formed by outside influences. Our parents and school teachers train us to “think” we must live a particular way. Even people in popular culture influence us to behave, act, or try to look a certain way. Maybe unskilled people made insensitive comments when we went out on our own or tried something different. They did the best they knew at the time. These comments harmed our confidence, allowing us to settle. We went on feeling unworthy to live the life we were dreaming of and meant to live. We need to know in our minds and hearts that there is MORE IN US deep down! Something GREATER, something that IS full of the confidence we’ve been freely given and we deserve. Our SPIRIT is calling us, desiring us to realize that WE ARE CAPABLE of MORE, simply because WE ARE MORE!

Whatever you choose to call it – Spirit, Source, Being, or simply Self. Whatever its name, the internal power is in connection with the Infinite. The Infinite breathes us and beats our hearts. The Infinite provides our unending supply of confidence because it IS CONFIDENCE. We need to be open to connecting with the Infinite. This openness will expand our awareness. Then, we experience the life we desire.

We are DESERVING of Authentic Self-Confidence, it is our BIRTHRIGHT! simply by virtue of being born and alive. When we draw from this self-confidence, we feel safe to speak and act on OUR truth. No one is entitled to override this. Not even ourselves. This is a deep sense of trust in our SELF, then by extension, the world. Restoring the trust in ourselves allows us to be still within our self. We can listen from within our self. We give our self permission to be quiet and be connected with the Infinite. This connection helps us to know and share our TRUE SELF.

Something to remember: We are ALL brought into this world in the same way, we are each a blessing born! We had only the Infinite to trust to “interpret” our communication to our caregiver getting our basic needs met… when we were hungry, “I am hungry” cry. When we were wet, “My diaper needs changed” cry, something is uncomfortable, “I’m not feeling good” cry. We trusted, as we knew no other way, it was our only option. As we’ve grown, we received grace from our caregivers as we learned to crawl. Then, we learned to walk. We began to talk with many ups and downs. Then as we got older, that trust was channeled to our earthly ways and our earthly understandings. We became molded to our earthly mind, generating our confidence. We did not draw from the confidence we have already been given.

Here is a recap of what I have learned, utilizing myself and in addition want to share with you:

Confidence is NOT based in our behavior, past, talents or IQ!

Confidence IS based in knowing and trusting there IS a power within US that gives us life!

We are human, and we are NOT able to feel 100% confident 100% of the time!

Everyone of us feels less confident at times than we want to.

So this is when we need to “borrow” confidence and strength from another. I have been so blessed and fortunate. There are people in my life whose confidence I have borrowed. This confidence has provided the strength to reconnect to my Infinite. I LOVE to pay-it-forward, giving to others what has been given to me!

Our Spiritual DNA is PERFECT, and inside of that spiritual DNA is PERFECT CONFIDENCE!

We have to CHOOSE to re-access the confidence we were born with. Confidence has already been GIVEN to us, as our BIRTHRIGHT. In the unconscious detour in life, we were NOT meant to “generate” confidence. Creating an ego gets in our way and creates a dead end on our detour.

Our longing for a greater confidence is actually the echo of the very Power breathing us, and beating our hearts.

Confidence comes from a source INSIDE us. This source is GREATER than any opinion. It is much STRONGER than any circumstance or situation.

Knowing and trusting your AUTHENTIC self that YOU are doing YOUR BEST in ANY moment, circumstance, or situation. I know and trust that I can consciously check in with myself, accepting that I am not perfect. However, this perfect moment is here to be, and to do my best!

No one else is you. No one else cares exactly the way you care. No one else is wired exactly the way you are wired. YOU ARE UNIQUE!

Unshackling an unshakable confidence helps us to overcome difficulties and master fears!

Our body is a GIFT. This is true regardless of our opinions about its size, shape, color, or being. It also holds true regardless of the opinions others have had.

Opinion is NOT truth!

Most of the time, everyone has an opinion—that is just what it is—an opinion. We only need to be concerned with our own opinions. They come from within our core, authentic, true self.

There are three things that have been asked of me to do on a continual basis, reminding me of MY AUTHENTIC TRUE SELF, that NO ONE else can do FOR ME:

  1. Make a list of my successes and recall the feelings I FELT with each of the achievements.
  2. Look myself in the mirror. I remind myself WHO I AM. I acknowledge the POWER that is IN ME. I have been blessed with this power as MY BIRTHRIGHT.
  3. Use the words “up until now” when recalling negative comments and opinions. These include situations and circumstances that I or others have related to ME.

The next step I will share with you in Confidence #2 post is Feeling the Fear and Doing it Anyway. Realizing when we feel afraid of something, we are NOT alone. The Power inside of us is willing to empower, participate, and encourage us EVERY STEP OF THE WAY! As we face that fear and befriend it. We MUST remember that it was ONLY UP UNTIL NOW that it tried to hold us back. Exposing the symptoms of fear, makes it loose its effectiveness. I have learned one very significant step that I have taken to redirect my fear into my personal power. I am so blessed to share with you my journey to Authentic Self-Confidence.

To Your Authentic Core Self, having Authentic Self-Confidence,

Holly

Posted in Confidence

Unlocking Your Potential: The George Danzig Story

Posted on by HOLLY STEVENS

I came across this powerful true story and wanted to share it with you…

George Danzig was a grad student in the mathematics department. He informed the grad students about an exciting opportunity. Whoever got the best grade on the final could be hired as his research assistant for the following year.

That job was a plum job. Everybody wanted the job. George said that he studied so hard for that test. He was up until the middle of the night. Then he overslept and was actually late to the test.

He got there in time to take the test. He was handed the test and went to the back of the room. As he was answering the eight math questions, he got through the eight math questions fairly easily. When he looked on the blackboard and there were two problems on the board. He copied them down and he began to work on those two problems and he couldn’t solve them.

He began to think that somebody in this room is going to solve these problems. What’s wrong with me? He kept working and working and working on the problems. He couldn’t get them solved. By the end of the time that was allowed, some of the students asked for additional time to work.

The professor said they could take the test home and bring it back by Friday. George, too, asked for more time. He said just to bring the test back by Friday.

He went home and sat up night after night. This was Monday. All day Tuesday. Tuesday night. Wednesday and Wednesday night.

He just kept thinking somebody is going to get these solved. Why not me? Why not me? Finally by Thursday morning he had one of them solved. Then he kept working, working, working late into Thursday night and on Friday morning he solved the second one.

He took the test back and got it turned in by eleven am, which was the deadline. He went home wondering what would happen. Sunday morning at seven am there was a knock, knock, knock at his door.

He jumps out of bed. It’s his professor. His professor says ‘George, you’ve make mathematical history! I was thinking on the way over here, you were late to the test right?’

George said ‘Well yeah, did I do something wrong?’

‘No,’ the professor said, ‘it’s just that the eight questions were the test. I told everybody who was gathered that I’ve had such a great time teaching all of you. If you want to have fun for the rest of your life, solve these two questions. They are unsolved math questions that even Einstein himself went to his grave unable to solve. How did you do this, George?’

George recounted his thoughts. If he had approached the problem differently, he might have succeeded. If he had known ahead of time that no one had solved those problems, he would have changed his strategy. This change meant he might not have accessed the solution within himself.

That same access is within everyone of us!

Now, I don’t know what it is that you are facing. But, I know this is about YOU. YOU are in the art of becoming. You are a son or a daughter of the Infinite. You are of the Most High… to be EVERYTHING YOU want to be, EVERYTHING YOU are created to be, to give EVERYTHING YOU want to give… even to build YOUR DREAM LIFE!

Know there is ALWAYS a solution available for ANY problem you are facing.

Your job is to stay open to that possibility…

Believing In You!

Holly

P.S. Would you like support unshackling your passion and building your dreams? If you would like a complimentary no-obligation strategy session, shoot me an email at hollystevenswlc@gmail.com

I am a Heart Centered Life Coach.

With heart centered life coaching, I believe that everyone has infinite potential to be, do, give and have whatever they desire.

I know that my clients are connected to a power that’s greater than any circumstance or problem they are currently facing, no matter how big those problems may seem, or how long the problem has existed.

I have a fundamental belief in the goodness of people, and I help my clients to get in touch with that goodness, and work with it, to bring forth a life they love living.

I will help you to tap into the wisdom, greatness and infinite potential that is already inside of you. I will do this instead of telling you what you can do and be, who you are, and what you should do.

In our coaching session, you will learn about yourself (as I will learn about you too) and what you want to be, do and give. You will realize that you are more empowered than you’ve ever realized you were and are liberated and set free to live a life you love living.

I have a purpose that inspires me to make the world better.

I believe that people deserve to have the life of their dreams, and that they can create that life.

I believe that everyone is placed on this earth with a divine purpose, and they have a burning passion within them that they may or may not be aware of.

I believe that no matter where we are in our life’s process, we have been given the stepping stones to discover our full potential and purpose, with pure passion.

I understand and believe that there is a power in all of us that is far greater than any circumstance, situation or condition!

I will give you the gift of committing to your vision regardless of conditions, regardless of how impossible it may seem to achieve, giving and empowering you the ability to create the life of your dreams.

I will empower you to open up to infinite possibilities.

I will empower you to tune to the wavelength of possibilities.

I will empower you to make your dream come true.

I will open you up to the possibility of the infinite ways you many not even realize yet. Giving you the gift of brave thinking, which is how extraordinary results are created with unprecedented ease and speed.

YOU inspire me, to EMPOWER YOU, to move forward and towards the results YOU WANT to create YOUR LIFE of unshackled happiness and freedom. To grow where YOU are planted and to BLOOM BEAUTIFULLY!

Empower Your Dreams: Heart Centered Life Coaching Benefits

Quote• Posted on by HOLLY STEVENS
Posted in Life Coaching

Empowering Others: Why I Became a Life Coach

Posted on by HOLLY STEVENS

Life Coach my why for becoming a certified life coach

I’ve clarified  what is a life coach?

I’ve shared a general prospective about Life Coaching… How does the process work?

Now, I want to share with you MY WHY of becoming a Certified Life Coach.

When I was in high school I had thoughts of being a mental health practitioner, however they were only fleeting thoughts. I began cosmetology school, to be ended by an ATV accident leaving me with medical advice that long hours on my feet and my arms elevated it would not be the career that I would physically be able to do. My heart was shattered in a million pieces. I loved the idea of helping others feel good about themselves and everyone loves getting their hair cut, colored, or done up for a special occasion. It just gives you that little “boost” and I was going to be able to do that for others.

A few years later, I became an advanced EMT and certified fire fighter, continuing on to paramedic school. This was a very fulfilling “duty”. I was helping others, and in some cases, after our job was done could only pray for these individuals not always knowing their final out come. After having my two daughters, choosing to not put myself in harms way, so I could be there for my girls. I was offered an opportunity to continue my education further, becoming a certified Whole Health Counselor. Providing me the ability to be of greater help in understanding and caring for my girls, and extended family members with chronic illnesses.

In 2004 I choose to leave my marriage that I had fought long and hard to keep, and believed in my heart could be made to work for our family’s sake. Ending up with a significant hospital stay due to stress related issues in 2003, marriage counseling, individual counseling, etc. I had to accept that “letting go” was the best and only option. One of the hardest things in life sometimes is letting go of what you feel and believe was the “dream” come true for your family.

I finished my schooling and graduated as a single mom. I spent the next 11 years focused on my priority of raising and advocating for my girls. Working in the health and human services field, and in an agriculture based job as my primary employments and several part-time jobs a long side to make ends meet. I continued keeping up with my whole health research, and continuing education to stay current not to loose what I’d worked hard to accomplish as I felt it was an answer to a prayer. I just wasn’t always sure what I was to do with it, knowing I needed to wait until my girls were graduated from high school before perusing a career change.

I consciously choose to challenge myself to always be the best me/mom I could be in any given moment, in any given circumstance or situation. To always try to be a better me/mom today, than I was yesterday. If that didn’t work out for me on any given day, I knew in my heart that I was doing my best! At the end of the day I “let go”, praying for forgiveness, and the grace to have the opportunity to give it my best shot tomorrow.

NOW! Now is when that answered prayer from many years back, has became VERY CLEAR to me! 15+ years I have had the time to “see” what my life’s journey to this day has been preparing me for, and a moment sooner would have been, a major life detour. During these years of learning and struggle, there has been an intense discovery of my life and purpose. Looking back, all the tears, struggles, doubt, literally screaming “WHY ME”?, hearing and saying “when there is a will, there is a way”, crying myself to sleep at night and more days than not feeling as though I was a failure to myself and my girls. The relationships that didn’t work out, the friendships I’ve been hurt by, the friendships that I have been blessed with, and the knowledge and experience is more than any text book can or ever will provide.

I discovered the Who, What, When, Where, and HOW of ME! I discovered my family of origin issues, faced them, dealt with them for ME, learning it wasn’t because of me it was what they knew best in dealing with situations and it wasn’t my place to take it on and/or fix it. This in turn allowed me to discover the why to my relationship issues, and that I could not rescue, enable, love others to their happiness, nor save them. I discovered that I was more than capable of taking care of myself physically, emotionally, environmentally, and spiritually. I was (am) a good mom and that my choices may not always of been the right ones, but they were the best ones I could make in the given moment. I have raised two amazing daughters, who are very authentic, strong willed, independently interdependent, and successful. They are full of Love, Compassion, Empathy, Care, and capable of conquering anything they set their mind to.

In 2016 post my second daughters high school graduation, I enrolled in my CE classes for whole health counseling. I was offered the opportunity to apply to Life Mastery Institute and was accepted into the Life Coach certification program. I can say I have literally traveled coast to coast to get the signed papers stating that I am educated, qualified, and accredited to provide professional services to and for others. However, the true education comes from the life experience that has been laid before me now behind me to fulfill a God given mission. I take on this mission with much passion, as I have spent my life HELPING others, and I will be the first to admit, it has not always been in the healthy means of helping.

I have learned through my life education, verified through my academic education, that I am here on this earth with a deep passion to EMPOWER others. Providing others with the knowledge, resources, belief and empowerment to be the best they can be in any given moment, circumstance or situation. Resting assured that there is no circumstance nor situation that is greater than themselves!

We can label, name, blame our situations and circumstances that have put us where we are today in this very moment. However, labels can possibly create some understanding as to the how we got here and why we are where we are. Naming can possibly give some clarification. Blaming, truly isn’t an option. Blaming is only displacing the issue that WE HAVE, and in reality we are the ONLY one who has control over the issue. The ONLY reason we Label, Name and Blame, is because we are HURT and uncertain how else to attempt to overcome, get rid of, or move on from an these issues that comes from dealing with others. Weather family, partner, co-workers or friends.

My Life Coaching mission and passion is to EMPOWER others to live A SPLENDID LIFE NOW! Teaching others how to UNSHACKLE their happiness, being happy who they are right now! Utilizing what they have went through or are going through to know they have been planted in the garden of grace and they will bloom! Living from the inside out.

When we live from the inside out, we can live with grace and peace no matter what we face. We allow ourselves to be all that we can be and allow others to do/be the same (in their own garden). We will learn that just because they may have weeds in their garden doesn’t mean they are/can/will plant weeds in ours, nor is it our responsibility to keep the weeds out of theirs. We know we will always have enough grace and peace for ourselves, we will know how to take care of our garden, harvest our supply when we need it, and know there is always more growing. When we take care of what we sow, we will always have a bountiful harvest when we need it.

It is when we become unshackled, we are free to pursue who we really are, what we are truly passionate about, and fulfill our purpose here on earth. After we unshackle ourselves from allowing others to hold the key, we are not always clear what or how we should “move on”. What we are truly capable of. What that looks like, with or without the support of our spouse or family.

I would love to share my garden harvest and my belief in YOU! Teaching and guiding you, empowering you, supporting you, and walking beside you in this journey of discovery. It is with great honor that I have been gifted this journey in life, and it would be of great honor to walk along side of you guiding you in your unleashing/unshackling process. Email me I would love to hear from you!!

If you would like, I would love to share 30 minutes with you unshackling, shoot me an email and we will set up a time that works for you!!

Here’s to UNSHACKLED HAPPINESS!!

Holly

Posted in Life Coaching

Top Life Coaching Methods Explained

Posted on by HOLLY STEVENS

Life coaching how does the coaching processing work

My previous post Life Coach? what is a life coach? provides understanding of what a life coach is, now I will share some of the different methods that Life Coaches use to help their clients. I’ll briefly explain a few of them here.

  • One-on-One Coaching

In this method, a life coach and client connect one-on-one, either in person, through phones, or over the internet (Skype, face-time, etc.), usually for 60-90 minutes each week.

Together, they discuss where the client is in their process, what results they’ve gotten from their efforts so far, and how to fine-tune those efforts and take the next step so they can continue to make progress in the coming week.

Life Coaches also teach their clients how to understand and apply the principles of success so that their efforts bear fruit more quickly than they could without that knowledge.

This method is useful for diving deep into a client’s life and mindset.

  • Group Coaching

This style of life coaching takes place on a conference call with a group of clients, spending a portion of the call teaching the clients about the Principles of Success, and then taking time to have open discussion with answering any questions.

This method is a bit less in depth than one-on-one coaching, but it allows the clients to learn from each others’ questions and journeys, and to network with each other. It increases the energy that everyone receives through the calls, because they’re gathering in a community of passionate, like-minded people.

Group coaching allows a life coach to serve more individuals, create a passionate community for their clients.

  • Live Events

Live events allow Life Coaches who enjoy interacting in person, wanting to help a lot of people get a fast start and learn a great deal in a short period of time, a live, on-stage event is an incredible way to do this.

These events can be one, two, even three days. This type of event gives a room full of individuals detailed guidance on how to create the life of their dreams, as well as assignments, action steps, and group exercises as needed, so that they can learn the material as quickly as possible in the time together.

  • Pre-Recorded Curricula

Pre-Recorded Curricula is another way Life Coaches help their clients, this allows the client to consume the material at their own pace. The Life Coach will generally pair this type of coaching with group coaching calls to ensure that their clients are never left wondering how to  use your teaching or what to do next.

  • Combinations of the Above

Many Coaches combine two or more of the above methods in order to give their clients the best possible results.

Regardless of which system a Life Coach uses, it should include all four of these elements:

  1. Teaching the Universal Principles of Success. Without this element, the clients will never be able to create the results and transformations that they are looking for, so the Life Coach must be able to give them the training they need in this area.
  2. The system should help the client get clarity on what they truly desire, on their purpose in life, and on who they are at their core.
  3. The system should help the client form a practical, actionable, step-by-step plan to reach their goals. It should also teach them how to formulate future plans, so they can create success over and over again in every area of their life.
  4. The system should give the client ongoing support, so they never have to handle the changes they’re creating, or the obstacles they encounter, alone.

 

In my next post I’m excited to share my ‘why’ to becoming a Certified Whole Health Counselor and Certified Life Coach.

SMILZ2U!!

Holly

A Splendid Life NOW! LLC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted in Life Coaching

Understanding Life Coaching: What a Life Coach Does

Posted on by HOLLY STEVENS

life coaching what is a life coach

Life Coaching… What is a Life Coach?

A life coach is a professional mentor who helps you to:

  • Identify the dreams and desires that are aligned with your soul’s purpose, and that will make you feel authentically happy and fulfilled.
  • Remove the mindsets, habits and other obstacles that hold you back from activating and realizing those dreams.
  • Create a plan to turn your dreams into reality.
  • Take consistent, productive action on that plan, improve the plan when necessary, and overcome any setbacks or obstacles that appear along the way.
  • Master Invisible Laws of Success, so that reaching your goals becomes practically inevitable.

A life coach is someone who finds joy in using their gifts to help people create the lives of their dreams. Your life coach is the light that helps you see the answers you already have inside yourself and find the courage to pursue those answers, even when your circumstances tell you to just give up.

Life Coaching… What it is NOT!

  • A life coach is NOT like a Self-Help Book!

Self-help books often offer a one-size-fits-all solution. Even if they do allow some wiggle room for people to implement their teachings in a way that fits their personality and life, very few of them effectively help their readers implement the process in a way that creates real change. Self-help books become ‘shelf-help’: things that people read, are impressed by, use just a little bit, and them put away on the shelf without ever fully applying the tactic or strategies to their lives.

Even if people DO use their teachings, many books also fail to guide their readers through the process of coping with the old wounds and new obstacles that inevitably arise when a person attempts to change the status quo.

The ego and mind seldom allows the familiar to change without a fight, so life coaches provide their clients with ongoing support and tools to prevent them from slipping back into their old patterns, and to help them through the sometimes frightening transition from who they are right now to who they want to be.

  • A life coach is NOT a Therapist!

Therapy emphasizes getting people to talk about their problems, repeatedly bringing their focus back to their wounds, and trying to heal them. It doesn’t usually teach them how to stop the behavior that leads to those wounds, and to attract the life they want to live instead.

Life coaches help people understand why they went through the pain that they did, why they’re still  suffering, and why the same bad things keep showing up in their lives, but they DON’T focus on the wounds. Instead, they help their clients heal their emotional scars, regain faith in themselves, in the world, and change the habits and mindsets that have continued to attract that pain over and over again.

  • A life coach is NOT a Psychologist!

While both professions help people understand the human mind, life coaches go far beyond that. We use our understanding of the mind to unleash our clients’ inner power and creativity, to help them tap into wisdom that they didn’t know they had, and to turn their minds into powerful magnets that attract the people and circumstances they want, with far less time and effort on their part than conventional thinking would believe possible.

As Henry David Thoreau once wrote:

“If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.”

We understand that the human mind works in conjunction with powerful and universal laws, and these laws govern whether you’ll succeed in any area of your life. Because of this, it is vital to know how to make your mind work in your favor, and life coaches show their clients how.