Author Archives: Megan Antlfinger

Holiday Color Harmony

As the holidays draw closer, it is important to make sure you find ways to support and nurture you. With the holiday frenzy it is natural for your emotions and anxiety to be in a heightened state. This coupled with holiday celebrations that encourage an extra peppermint martini, scrumptious cheese buff or decadent chocolate cake have an impact on your waist line and psychological state. Your home environment plays a key role in supporting you during stressful times, or it can further deplete you on all levels.

Let’s look at ways to have your home help you during the holidays…

Colors have a tremendous influence on your psychological and physical state. Research has shown that color impacts your body chemistry including heart rate, hormone production and cortisol levels. These control your mood, energy level and weight. Psychological studies have demonstrated that color has an effect on your mental state. This has a direct bearing on your level of happiness and satisfaction in life. Understanding color and utilizing it to support you is important during every season but can be even more critical during the holidays.

During the holidays there is a palpable frenetic energy of excitement and anticipation. This can be, in part, attributed to the colors that surround us during this season of celebration. When I think of the holidays, pictures of red and green or silver and cobalt blue come to mind.

Now let’s look at the psychological & physiological impact of these colors…

Red: Red ribbons, ornaments and packages ‘deck the halls’. The question is how does red influence your overall mental and physical state. Research has shown that red is associated with power, passion and aggression. Power images that come to mind are the red power tie or the red carpet. Psychological studies have determined that red increases aggressive behavior and anxiety. Physiological studies have shown that red increases heart rate and hunger. Restaurants understand this phenomenon and use it to encourage their patrons to order and consume more than they might typically. It is no wonder that we tend to eat more and feel anxiety during the Christmas Season when we are surrounded by the color red.

Cobalt Blue: Blue candles, gifts and ornaments shimmer and shine. Blue tones have a variety of effects on your psychological or physiological state. Depending on the shade of blue you choose determines the impact on you. For this article let’s specifically look at the bright shade of cobalt blue that is displayed this time of year. Cobalt blue is associated with strength, power and superiority. These can be empowering colors if they are in alignment with your inner being. They can also have the reverse effect and be dis-empowering if you have negative associations to power or don’t truly own your own personal power. It also has a physiological impact on the body and the hormones associated with hunger. The good news (unless you are hosting a party where you are hoping your guests will eat your delicious dishes) is that blue sends messages to the brain to refrain from eating. This is a great color to incorporate if you are hoping to lose weight. Blue can also create feelings of aloofness, sadness, loneliness and depression. This is not a great color to use if you tend to become melancholy during the holidays. Becoming aware of the impact of blue can help you navigate this season.

One simple strategy to help you find harmony during the holidays is to have one or two spaces in your home that do not have holiday trimmings. This allows you to have a serene sanctuary to nurture your soul, and uplift your spirit during this beautiful but sometimes overwhelming season. Your bedroom might be a great space to ditch the holiday decorations so that they aren’t the first thing you see when you wake in the morning and last thing you are thinking about before you nod off to sleep. Creating soothing spaces will help you to create inner calm & peace and allow you to shine your magnificent light during this season of celebration.

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Happy Soaring!

XOXO

Success & Inspiration

Recently I have been asked on a variety of occasions to share my insights on building a business, becoming an expert in my field and the explaining how the book publishing world works. I was even approached to write a chapter in a book geared towards entrepreneurs that would help them find the passion and purpose in their life and relate it to their business endeavors. My observation is that successful people, whether in the personal or professional realm, have similar characteristics and behaviors that lead them along their path and help to catapult them to the next level. In my experience these traits and attitudes make the difference between someone realizing their goals and dreams or not. The article ahead will give you a few insights that can help you begin to walk along the path towards your ultimate life. These insights can be utilized both professionally and in your personal life.

There was a time, as I traveled my life’s path that it didn’t completely make sense to me and it seemed to meander in irrelevant directions. What I came to realize as I look back at my route is that it was filled with light posts that illuminated the way. It is my belief that these light posts illumine the synchronistic events in one’s life, and ultimately lead one along their course, guiding and revealing the infinite potential of possibilities. These light posts help guide you at pivotal moments to help create the life and business of your dreams. If we are tuned into the guideposts they light the way. I look back along my journey and see the string of beautiful glowing lamp posts that helped me to navigate the crossroads, listen to the whispers of inspired insight, be open to the possibilities, and take inspired action that allowed me to create each successful business that was realized and a dream life that was encouraged to unfold and grow.

The first time light posts begin to twinkle and draw me towards the world of entrepreneurship I almost ignored the whisper or nudge. It was a rainy, grey cold New England fall day when even the vibrant fall foliage seemed to be dreary. I was supposed to go golfing with a new friend, but as a fair weather golfer, looking outside, it didn’t look like my kind of golf day. Something inside me nudged me to move from my warm, cozy bed in that early morning hour.

When we made it to the country club the caddies grabbed our bags, and we went inside to find some hot beverages to warm our fingers. As we began to make our way out to the golf carts we realized that our clubs had inadvertently been placed in different carts. The two of us, new found friends, were both disappointed because we were excited to play together and get to know each other better. The caddies had placed us in the same foursome so we decided to keep things as they were and stay with our respective partners so not to be rude.

I jumped in the cart beside a lovely older woman with silver hair, funky glasses and a dynamic demeanor who, I learned, was a successful business owner of an interior-furnishings boutique in one of the nearby bustling communities. She asked me to drive which was a small price to pay for what I later would realize was a wealth of knowledge she would imbue. As we bounced along the cart path I curiously asked questions about her business, “What it was like being a business owner?” “How best to start a business?” and “How do you know it is the right business for you?” For nearly five hours her enthusiastic words, seasoned perspective, and strong opinions made the wheels inside my head begin to spin. Looking back, I see the golf cart adjustment as a divine interference. It was a light post that twinkled and began to move me along my path on that wet, grey New England day. The gift of this conversation inspired me to think outside my comfort zone, allowed me to imagine the infinite possibilities, investigate how to make it happen, and motivated me to take action. I was so thankful that the whisper of my soul moved me out of bed in the wee hours of that cold morning.

Many successful people in a variety of situations hear a tiny voice inside their head that provides a suggestion, or hints at something that will move them along their path to success. The majority of people ignore this call. Most rationalize it as a fanciful thought that could never be brought to fruition. The mark of a successful individual is that they hear the whisper and pay attention to the message. It is as if a switch is turned on and the light post is able to illuminate the path ahead. It is a person’s willingness to listen to the call and move through the illusion of self-doubt that will allow them to cast light on the shadows and reveal the clear passageway to fulfilling their ultimate purpose and destiny.

Happy Soaring!

XOXO

Overcome the Holiday Overwhelm

It is only a few days after Halloween and the Christmas decorations have already hit the shelves and front displays of stores. Seeing a Christmas tree in a store window this Halloween made me think of how easy it is to live our lives in full-throttle future mode. The, “What am I going to do next”, instead of enjoying and marinating in the current moment of now. As the leaves fall, the days get shorter and the temperature begins to drop we begin to anticipate the holiday season ahead and all that means emotionally, mentally and physically. Overwhelm created by a growing to-do list can leave you frazzled and stressed. Thanksgiving flows into a whirlwind of holiday festivities, which can pack on the pounds from unhealthy party fare. Late nights, holiday shopping, decorations and cards that need to be sent, can leave you exhausted and weary. It is important to look at ways to tame tension, overcome overwhelm, and put perspective back into a season that was designed to celebrate love, hope and joy.

After a long run last week I was enjoying contemplative time on my back deck. I noticed that there was an unusual cacophony of sound all around me. Typically in the early morning hours it is a quiet and serene space where you can hear the rustle of squirrels in the leaves, and the symphony of birds calling to one another. But, on this particular morning, I could hear a variety of construction sounds from heavy trucks buzzing, jackhammers drumming and voices shouting to one another. Initially I was annoyed that my peaceful morning ritual was disturbed from the intrusion of harsh sounds. Then I realized; this situation was similar to the reality of life in today’s day and age. We are constantly bombarded by influences outside of ourselves vying for our attention. One minute we are doing one thing, and in the next moment we are distracted by something else. This scattered energy leads to overwhelm and anxiety. As I sat contemplating the sounds around me, I realized that I could place my attention on the singing of one or two lovely birds, and my centered concentration allowed the other sounds to dissipate into the background. This dissolved my frustration and angst and brought me back into a grounded state of harmony. The next time you are feeling overcome by overwhelm remove the superfluous distractions and focus in on what is really important. This will help you move with ease and grace during this season of over-stimulation, to-dos, and anxiety.

One way to overcome overwhelm is to prioritize the tasks ahead. The most effective way to do this is to take a moment and put pen to paper and create a list of all the to-dos that need to be accomplished in the days to come. Prioritize and create deadlines for each task. This will help you to focus and stay on track. It will also ease the worry associated with not knowing whether you have enough time or days to complete what needs to be done. You will be able to see what is essential to be done, when to do it and have the ability to cross it off the list when it is completed. This will motivate you to stay on course and eliminate the anxiety and overwhelm.

If the anxiety and stress don’t have you running to the cookie drawer, holiday gatherings filled with fat laden hors d’oeuvres and calorie dense cocktails can have the button pop off your pants or the cute little dress feel a bit too snug. It is important to balance those fun festivities with healthy, nutrient dense eating during the less social times. Everything in moderation is key. But, when you do overindulge (and we all do it from time to time) give yourself a break and jump back on the healthy eating train.

Speaking of jumping, it helps to balance out the extra calories with more movement. A college friend and I met for dinner on a recent excursion to New York City. She is an avid fitness guru and over dinner we were discussing different types of exercises that benefit the body. She was trying to convince me that I should take up jumping rope because it gives you the most benefit in the least amount of time. Between giggles we both came to the conclusion that I might need to leave the jump rope aside and stick to running, paddle boards and yoga after our memories were prodded and we remembered a time when I fell off a step in a step class (I admit that I am not the most fleet of foot).

Regardless, as long as you are moving in some way, this will stimulate your metabolism, sweat out toxins and help to avoid some of the weight gain that can accompany the holiday season. If all else fails, you are welcome to join me for my January Fresh Start Wellness & Detox Program where I will help you Remove toxins and inflammation from overindulgence, Restore your body to its optimal vitality, Release extra weight naturally, and Rejuvenate your body, mind & spirit that can become easily depleted during the holiday frenzy!

I know that you have just put away the orange and black decorations, and it is hard to fathom a discussion related to the red, green, silver & blue decorations to come. But, as you will see when you head to the mall, or go online to an Internet retailer the holidays are just around the corner and it is better to be prepared to meet the challenges that this season can bring with a plan of prepared action which will help to tame the tension, overcome the overwhelm and enjoy the splendor of this season of love.

**Special Note: “Thank you to the Joene’s Garden Blog for the Holly Berry picture in Fall!”

Happy Soaring!

XOXO

Halloween Harmony Hints

This week ghosts, goblins, and other creatures eagerly anticipate the yearly opportunity to expand their creative power, and allow themselves to express their inner vision. These imaginative expressions venture out ringing doorbells, excited for the treats and treasures on the other side of the door. For many, the two-fold question is: How does one make sure that the candy and sugary treats make their way out the door instead of being consumed before the first doorbell rings? And, how do you ensure that the little ones who have collected bucket loads of candy don’t actually consume their bounty, or at least not all of it. Let’s look at 7 simple steps to help manage the hunger habits associated with sugar, and bring harmony and balance back home!

It is important to create a plan when you know a situation is about to unfold that can leave you frazzled and off-balance. Halloween is one of those holidays that can create psychological and physical disturbances due to the side effects of sugar and candy that impact the mind and body.

Here are 7 simple solutions to navigate the sugary slope of the days ahead…

1. Buy at the Last Minute

The first simple, simple solution is to buy the candy at the last minute. That means, wait until Halloween day! This will ensure that the temptation won’t be lurking behind your cabinet door. I know, I know… you are probably saying that there won’t be a good selection at that point. Well, that brings me to my next tip.

2. Buy Things You Don’t Like

Buy candy you don’t like. It is for them after all, right? Choosing candy that won’t tempt you is a great way to ensure that you won’t sneak a treat especially at points in the day where you might be tempted more than at other times.

3. Super-size ?

I will often hear my kids say, “Oh, we have to go to that house or neighborhood because they have King Size candy bars.” As a parent who tries to instill in my kids an appreciation for healthy choices and appropriate portion size, I find this practice frustrating. It reminds me of how our culture has bought into the idea that super-sizing is better and that more is always best. This is especially challenging in the days after Halloween when kids are asking to have something from their bag of goodies. It is much easier to say yes to a small treat instead of saying you can only have a half of a regular size bar. Moderation is key! This can be hard to achieve when the Super-size phenomena takes hold.

4. Make it a Game

In our house we try to foster an atmosphere of learning. There are opportunities around every corner to teach everything from social skills and good manners to mathematics and creativity. Making the candy collection into a game has been a fun activity for the kids that they created. It is also great that the end result isn’t just about consumption. One of the favorite parts of Halloween for the kids is when they return home from their trick-or-treating adventure and dump out their bag load of candy on the kitchen floor. They sort, count, and trade. (The added bonus is that I get to see what is in their bags and scope out if any packages have been tampered with or opened.)

5. Sugar Boundaries

With the excessive amount of candy that is being consumed each Halloween, it is important to set up boundaries around what is allowed and what isn’t. How much candy are your children allowed to consume each day? Two treats each day or ten? How long do you want them consuming the candy? Will you allow your kids to eat it until the Easter Bunny comes with a basket load of goodies, or is fourteen days of extra sugar an ample amount of time? Thinking about these questions ahead of time will help you to clearly communicate, remove confusion, and set clear boundaries. This will circumvent the turbulent tantrums that sugar highs and lows can bring.

6. Choose What to Keep

Determining the answers to the above questions before Halloween night has the added benefit of helping you assess what should stay and what can go. Additionally, setting the level of expectations and the attachment to the candy that is collected. After the counting, sorting and trading, my crew chooses their favorite items to keep that they can consume at will for the next two weeks. There are many programs out there that collect extra candy to send to shelters, children’s homes, and to soldiers overseas. It has been my experience that the kids feel best about giving their candy away when they know there is a recipient on the other end.

7. Swap Out Sugar

It has been scientifically proven that sugar is linked to a whole host of maladies in our society. Research has shown that cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and obesity all have a direct link to sugar consumption. Similarly, sugar is known to exacerbate behavioral issues. During the festivities of Halloween, limiting the ingestion of other sugary items can help decrease the amount of overall sugar. Swap juice for water, graham crackers for carrot sticks and cookies for apples.

Holidays (and the big business of candy manufacturers) can encourage harmful habits that throw off the equilibrium of one’s mind and body. Putting a plan in place before the annual trick-or-treat fun begins will promote a sense of balance and harmony for you and your ghouls and goblins.

P.S. Did you schedule your FREE Success Strategy Session so that I can help you design the home and life of your dreams? Click here and let’s get started. If not now, when?

Happy Soaring!

XOXO

Photo credit: http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/

Organize the Clutter

As we start to move into the colder months we begin the tendency to naturally spend more time indoors. The idea of more time inside might be hard to fathom as you enjoy the crisp air, inspiring autumnal colors and the opportunity to go apple or pumpkin picking to celebrate the season. However, as the leaves begin their descent and cool nights become cold days our instincts take hold and we begin our migration indoors. Knowing that this experience is on the horizon is your opening to begin creating an indoor space that you will love to occupy. Consciously creating a space that can nurture and support your well-being. One simple way to optimize your nest is to remove clutter and organize your belongings. Taking time now to make your space great, before you are stuck inside from a snow storm or freezing temperatures, will help you savor those moments of sipping mulled cider or hot chocolate by the fire, that are on the horizon.

This article will give you simple solutions to help you clear the clutter and begin enjoying your space.

Clutter brings low energy to your home and depletes your vitality. When you have a cluttered space it bogs down your personal energy due to the innate mechanisms in the subconscious part of the brain that unconsciously keep you focused on the instinctual need to clear the clutter. So, whether you are walking by the piles of clutter or engaged in an activity miles away, part of you is tuned- in to the need to let you and your space breath easy. Begin to remove the clutter and organize your stuff now so that you are able to truly enjoy your home in the coming months when you will be spending more time inside.

1. Organize Your Strategy

Breaking the process of clutter clearing down into manageable pieces takes out the overwhelm. Don’t try to tackle everything all at once this can be defeating. Put a strategy in place so that you know exactly what needs to be done and when. Make a list of the rooms that need to be revitalized and the areas within each room that need your attention. Something like…

Bedroom: Fri-Sun

Drawer next to bed: Fri

Closet: Sat

Dresser: Sun

Mudroom: Mon-Wed

Key drawer: Mon

Closet: Tues & Wed

Realistically assess how much time each space will take you to purge and organize. Give yourself ample time to complete each area so that you are able to accomplish your goals. This will leave you feeling satisfied and confident allowing you to tackle each new area. This is a much better feeling than being disappointed that you were unable to complete what you had set out on accomplishing.

2. What You Need: 4 categories

Throw out, Donate, Not Ready to Part With, & Find a Home

The process of clearing the clutter is simple. There are four categories: throw out, donate, not ready to part with but never use and find a home. You will need a big heavy-duty garbage bag, a large shopping bag and two boxes. In big bold marker label the boxes “Find a Spot” and “1 Year” with today’s date. Begin going through the first area on your list and put items that are garbage in the big garbage bag. Include anything worn, broken, chipped or in disrepair. Next, take your big shopping bag and go on a shopping spree in your closet or drawer for someone less fortunate than you. Plan to donate these items to an actual person or organization in need. You will benefit from the act of giving which will uplift your spirit. Find the things that are in good shape that you haven’t worn or used in you-can’t-remember-when and have lost their sparkle for you. Put these items in the shopping bag to donate. With the remaining items decipher items you truly love and use regularly (put these in the “Find a Spot” box) with the items that you like but never use (place these items in the “1-Year” with today’s date box).

3. Take Action Immediately

Take immediate action with the boxes and bags so that they don’t become unwanted clutter. Throw out the garbage, bring the donation bag to the person in need, tape up the “1 year” box and place it in an area where you can put the all the “1 year” boxes. (Did I mention that if you haven’t gone back to the box in a year you should donate or throw out the box?)

With the items in the “Find a Spot” box it is helpful to create a designated spot. This will help you know where items are and where to place items when you are finished using them… that way the area won’t get cluttered again.

4. Start in Your Bedroom

Begin with your bedroom. Make this a nest that nurtures you and an oasis away from clutter elsewhere. This room is incredibly important because you (hopefully) spend seven or so hours in it each day. It is the last room you see before you nod off for a sweet slumber and the first room you see upon waking. Creating an organized bedroom will help your sleep to be sweeter effecting your mind, body and spirit. It will also help you to begin your day in a more positive way. Allow your bedroom to give you the support you need and deserve. This will help you tackle the next cluttered area on your list.

As you clear your space, begin to notice the before and after difference in your overall sense of well-being. Do you and your space breath easy? Are you going to enjoy spending time watching the snowflakes fall outside your window?

Happy Soaring!

XOXO