A pervasive pattern has quietly invaded our culture—people-pleasing. Compliance and pleasing are woven into the very fabric of etiquette and social norms. Children quickly discover that pleasing their caregivers and keeping them happy pays off and prevents unpleasant consequences.

Children need to be loved and cared for to survive; their basic needs drive them to acquiesce in thousands of ways. Adults are bigger, faster, smarter, and stronger, so it’s often futile to go against the grain. This behavior is natural for children dependent on adults, yet, when this habit persists into adulthood, [...]

Overcoming is an oxymoron. We are in charge of our lives, so when we say we want to "overcome" a bad habit, we’re actually saying that we are giving our power to something that we don’t approve of. We can’t “overcome” ourselves. Real and lasting change comes from self-love and acceptance.

So why do we keep doing things that we know are detrimental to our health?

If you’re learning about mindfulness, perhaps you’re curious whether mindful living will improve the quality of your life. So why is mindfulness important, and does it make a difference? There still may be many misconceptions about mindfulness, such as it’s a Buddhist practice, or it requires sitting in a lotus position for hours. Regardless, it is becoming more widely accepted—and for good reason. Find out why it's becoming so popular!

Estimated reading time: 4.5 minutes

Our brains have about a hundred billion neurons with neuropathways longer than the earth's distance to the moon. That's a lot of pathways needing construction if we want to break bad habits!

Recently, road construction sparked a greater awareness of how our brain's neural pathways work. I was driving home across the Bozeman Pass on Interstate 90, and there was a string of construction signs for several miles. Initially, the signs signaled to reduce speed to 55. Next, the right lane would be closed in a half-mile; then, another speed reduction. All of the cars in front of me obediently [...]

Do you know what motivates you? Does it ever seem like some people are more motivated than others? And what's the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation anyway? 

Whether you're trying to motivate yourself to write a term paper, to lose weight, or you're an employer endeavoring to motivate an employee, it's critical knowing what turns on the green light in the brain. And motivation is unique depending on temperament, values, past experience, and goals.

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Emotions can inadvertently run our lives, can't they?

Does worry keep you awake at night? Do you ever say to yourself, "Why am I so emotional?" You even confess to your friends, "I'm very emotional. I don't know what's wrong with me." Or does your partner say to you, "Stop being so emotional!" or "Why do you have to be so sensitive?"

Common things I hear in coaching. Without emotional intelligence and emotional regulation, we can feel like we're traveling on a runaway train. And driving that train is usually an inner critic.

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

One of my favorite daily comforts and joys are essential oils. They are natural and healthy while also filling a room with nature's most magnificent fragrances. Many essential oils are also medicinal and have antiviral properties so they are a perfect gift for Mother's Day this year.

Aromatherapy and the natural remedies that support holistic health are a huge benefit to whoever you are giving to! We hope you enjoy how we've gathered our favorite oils for you.

Now, it's possible to give a bouquet in a bottle!

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

There is no avoiding the havoc that crises create in our lives, businesses, and the world. Whether it be hurricanes, droughts, or forest fires, they tug on our hearts, threaten our safety and well-being—and sometimes level our way of life. These unexpected events often challenge us in ways we've never known before.

Life is unpredictable. We may not be able to control circumstances, but one thing difficult times teach us is our need for resiliency! 

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes