In our ever increasing, fast paced world we are inundated with constant stressors. Including your 24/7 ability to be in constant contact through technology and media. Gone are the 9 to 5 work days, replaced by stressful jobs, parenthood & volunteering with ever increased responsibilities. It is time to incorporate some form of stress management, relaxation and grounding technique that will allow you to take that much needed deep breath.

Resolution or Confusion?

It is amazing that 2014 is coming to a close. As December winds down I begin to think about my hopes and dreams for the New Year ahead. There is something refreshing about a clean slate and the thought that one can begin again. The new possibilities ahead sparkle with potential and promise. However, this is when we most need a reality check. Taking a moment to look back at the past year and determining how you met the goals, resolutions or wishes that you had hoped to create at this time last year will help you break through the barricade to living the ideal vision you hold for your life. This simple solution will give you guidance or awareness into the patterns that either hold you back or help you break barriers and soar.

In this week’s vlog I explain why it is critical to your self-esteem, happiness and overall well being to commit and keep the resolutions that you set for yourself… otherwise you are setting yourself up for failure in all areas of your life. This will lead to disappointment, low self esteem and despair. Click on the image below!

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I want you to have the home, health and happiness you deserve in 2015!

Happy Soaring!

XOXO

Christa O'Leary

 

 

PS… 2015 is your year to make your dreams come true and live the ideal version of your life! Click here to schedule your strategy call to set up a plan to make your big vision for 2015 your reality!

PSS… If not now, when? Click here to schedule your strategy call.

 

 

1 Quick Tip to bring Harmony to Your Holidays

As we roll into the Season of Light I thought I would share a video and give you one Home in Harmony Simple Solution to bring harmony, health & happiness to your holidays. This one quick tool can help you determine what level of stress you are experiencing and how to help tame the tension and overwhelm. Click on the image below to watch!

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Once you have watched, I would love to hear from you.

Ask yourself…..do you have a way to add more ease and grace in your life and through stressful times?

May your holidays flow with ease and grace!

Happy Soaring!

XOXO

Christa O'Leary
 
 
P.S. If you are looking for presents this holiday season consider the International Best Selling book Home in Harmony: Designing an Inspired Life. It can be delivered to your door by  clicking here!

P.S.S. With the holidays upon us if you desire support to enjoy optimum health & vitality in an unhealthy world, or you want to find out what is causing your emotional roller coaster of overwhelm, frustration and disharmony click here to schedule your FREE Success Strategy Call with me personally!

 

 

 

Harried or Harmonious Holiday?

Tablescape Image 2As you begin to navigate your way through this season I thought I would share some insights on how to handle the holiday chaos and create harmony. In this week’s article we will explore simple solutions on creating holiday health & happiness for the home, body, mind and spirit.

For the Home…

After all of the guests have left it can sometimes feel overwhelming to put away every last dish. Or, maybe you were away and the travel has left you feeling exhausted. Either way, you probably just want to put your feet up and relax. Not so fast! It might feel counter-intuitive to unpack your suitcase or clean up the counters, but I am here to tell you that you will feel much better after you have completed those tedious tasks. When you have undone chores waiting for you to complete they weigh on your unconscious. Clear the clutter and you will feel the encumbrance of those duties float away, leaving you feeling lighter and brighter. It will also allow you to enjoy a deeper sense of rejuvenation.

For the Body…

It is easy to feel out of alignment with your body after each holiday gathering. Too much food, items that are laden with fat, salt and sugar or libations that leave you exhausted and bloated. Here are some quick tips to help you navigate the day after…

Eat This…

  • Water, water, water! Need I say more? This helps flush out the toxins you might have ingested at the holiday party. It will also help to stave off hunger and cravings.
  • Peppermint Tea eases nausea and cramps.
  • Potatoes are easy on the stomach and can help absorb fluids if you are having loose bowels.
  • Bananas have potassium and soluble fiber to help your system run smoothly.

Not this…

  • Salt makes your body retain fluid, which will leave you feeling bloated. This will make you feel worse than you did before.
  • Ingesting additional sugar will continue the cycle of craving creation. Hold off on sugar so that your body can move back into a balanced state.

For the Mind…

Take a walk!  Walking has multi-faceted benefits. The obvious benefit is it gets the blood pumping. It also helps to move you out of the lethargic post-holiday gathering state.  As Kierkegaard states, it is also a beautiful and important way to connect to health and happiness. He explains, “Above all, do not lose your desire to walk: every day I walk myself into a state of well-being and walk away from every illness; I have walked myself into my best thoughts and I know of no thought so burdensome that one cannot walk away from it.”

For the Spirit…

In the frenzy of the holiday whirlwind you can lose your connection to your inner guidance system that allows you to make choices that support you on all levels. It is easy to get caught up in the hype and hoopla when you don’t make it a priority to check in with this natural navigation equipment. Take some time each day to recharge the your proverbial batteries by becoming present to the here and now. Some simple ways to foster your connection to the present is by doing something creative, listening to music, meditating, walking in nature, or whatever makes your heart sing and your spirit soar.

I hope these simple solutions will help you find health and happiness for your home, body, mind and spirit this holiday season. You will find additional tips, menu suggestions, and healthy recipes that will help you plan your holiday party in Home in Harmony: Designing an Inspired Life. To order your copy click here!

Happy Soaring!

XOXO

Christa O'Leary

 

 

Is This Blocking You?

overwhelm imageHave you ever heard the saying, “How you do one thing is how you do everything?” When I first heard this mantra I questioned its validity but, as I looked closer, I began to see how this tenant is oh-so-true! It is often much easier to see these types of patterns in other people’s lives instead of our own. You know, the friend who never follows through or the aunt who is meticulous about everything.  Interestingly, when you began to look at the patterns or habits in one area of your life, it can help you move through blocks that are holding you back in all areas. I invite you to begin noticing the patterns of your life. Especially in your home environment!  Your home can shed light on these patterns because your outer world is a direct reflection of what is going on inside your head. Yes, really. The best part is when you begin to notice the connection and take action, miracles can happen! Let’s look at the patterns that may be holding you back from home in harmony and your best life!

Have you ever noticed that when you are feeling overwhelmed you misplace things, stuff begins to pile up, or you have trouble keeping items organized? Don’t beat yourself up, instead realize this is natural and it gives you a clue as to what is going on in your head. It also reminds us that the adage, “The way you do one thing is how you do everything” is sage words of wisdom. Many times your home environment will begin to hint at what is truly going on for you emotionally, psychologically or physically before you notice that things are out of balance or in disharmony in your internal world. Gaining an awareness of what your environment is sharing and the patterns it is reflecting can help you navigate the habits that have become obstacles in your life.

When overwhelm creeps in and begins to roar that mighty roar take a look around and assess your environment. Notice if this is a pattern that is showing up for you in more than one area? How to address the pattern is a whole other subject. But, noticing that they are there is the first step in unwinding their hold on you.

Do you have a tendency to have undone tasks in many areas of your life? Maybe you haven’t gotten around to choosing that new paint color for your family room for the last five years, the work project you know you should begin sits waiting for your attention on your desk, and you haven’t hit the reply button on the emails you need to respond to in your inbox… these are all a sign of procrastination.  Again, notice in your life where you are procrastinating and begin to take small steps to move through this block.

Perfectionism is the sister (or brother) of procrastination. They both reflect an unconscious need to control your environment. Again, this can be seen in your internal world (the mind) or your external world (the environment). Noticing that this is a pattern that comes up can help you navigate the hurdle and move through it.

Unfortunately, when you are not able to see the unconscious habits that have you moving along on life’s path unknowingly being swayed by your own routines your route can be bumpy. Taking the time to assess where you are, why you do things a certain way and where you want to be. This will help you begin to design the life of your dreams. Examining the clues in your environment can help you assess the patterns of your home and life. This will help you create home, health and happiness.

If you want help discovering the patterns that create overwhelm, frustration and disharmony in your life click here and schedule your Free Success Strategy Session.

Ps… I am so excited that the Home in Harmony Hay House radio show is just days away! The Premier airs on Monday, Oct 27, 6pm EST/3pm PST.

Pss…  And last but not least, the count down has begun for the release of Home in Harmony: Designing an Inspired Life! It is almost time for you to get your copy! We will let you know how to get your copy with special goodies on Nov 4th! Or, you can pre-order now.

Happy Soaring!

XOXO

Christa O'Leary

 

 

 

Nurturing Nest Secrets

Fall UrnsI love this time of year in New England! The colors shift from a vibrant crisp spectrum of blues, reds and pinks to the warm golden hues of yellow, orange and brown. It is as if nature knows we need to view cooler shades in the sweltering summer sun and the warmer tones of Fall as the air becomes crisp. It is a natural balancing system to help us with our equilibrium.  We can add this natural external rhythm to our interior environment to foster inner alignment. In today’s article we will look at a few simple solutions to bring the natural cadence of nature within to nurture you in your nest.

I still am thrilled and captivated by the Fall wind that makes the gold and amber leaves dance, twirl and float. It brings a smile to my face as I hear leaves crunch under foot as I take my morning run. My “Gramma” instilled this love of fall in me with her love of crackling fires, walks in the woods, large sweaters and the color orange. She was always thrilled when I would bring homemade chili and hearty soup to she and my “Gramps”. The nutrient-dense simmering suppers would fill their hearts and tummies.  Today I will share a few Home in Harmony secrets for tranquility and bliss during this sensational season that touches all of the senses.

1. PLAN OF ACTION

It amazes me that there are only 6 weeks until my book launch on November 3rd! Only 6 weeks! That means that there are only 9 weeks until the American Thanksgiving, 13 weeks until Hanukah and 14 weeks until Christmas! There is a lot to do between now and then. If you are like me, that means that along with the daily routine, preparing for Halloween, and all of the activities that are in full fall swing it is important to start thinking about what lays ahead. Putting a plan in place can help you not only successfully navigate this landscape, but can put you at ease so that you move gracefully along in a state of calm instead of chaos. Preparatory planning also allows you to decompress and stress-less because you have a plan. This also allows your unconscious to move out of a state of  anxiety, which can help you to live in the present moment… this creates bliss!

2. BASE DESIGN STRATEGY

In our house we love to decorate for each holiday! It adds energy and excitement to our home. But, with all of the holidays it can be stress-full to keep changing things. Who has time to take down a house-full of decorations and put new ones up? One thing that I have found helpful this time of year is to start with a “Base” design and build and remove extras. For example, in our home we have an assortment of fall pumpkins made of glass, pottery and metal. Some are painted, some have sparkles and some have beautiful silk accent flowers. I leave these beautiful pumpkins up for the entire season—all the way from September until Thanksgiving. As the holidays approach, I have accent pieces that we supplement or remove depending on the celebration. We bring out a few jack-o-lanterns, witches and caldrons as Halloween draws near. When the clock strikes mid-night on All-Hallows-Eve I am thrilled to remove the spooky bats and ghosts. When the Halloween decorations come down I am in a state of gratitude to bring out the plentiful cornucopias and Thanksgiving mementos from years past.  Having a Base design allows our family to effortlessly enjoy all of the special holidays with less stress and more ease.

3. HEARTY SOUP

Ahh, soup! As my family will tell you I love the start of soup season! Soup is so wonderful because it can be so easy to make AND so nutrient-dense! I especially like to make a soup on our over-scheduled days when people are coming and going. It allows everyone to have a hot & HEARTY meal! Here is a favorite recipe in our house:

Keilbasa Chick Pea Soup

  • 1 Turkey Kielbasa- cut into small pieces
  • 1 Yellow Onion- finely diced
  • 1 Elephant Garlic- finely chopped
  • 1 Large Jar Organic Roasted Red Peppers- strain & chop
  • 1 Tablespoon Organic Expeller Pressed Canola Oil
  • 3 Can Organic Chick Peas (Garbanzo Beans)
  • 1 -48oz Box of Organic Chicken Broth
  • 2 containers Organic Red Pepper Hummus
  • Season with Sea Salt & Pepper to your liking
  • Rice/Orzo/Quinoa
  • Saute Onion, Garlic & Kielbasa until brown
  • Add in Roasted Red Pepper & sauté
  • Add Chicken Broth
  • Add Chick Peas
  • When Chicken Broth is hot, put 2 cups in a bowl and stir in hummus until everything is liquid. Pour mixture back into soup. Let simmer.
  • While soup is simmering, in a separate pot make rice, orzo or quinoa based on package instructions. When done, add to soup. Let simmer a bit longer so that grain/pasta will be infused with the taste of the soup.

Enjoy this nutrient dense soup that will warm your home and spirit!

I hope your spirit will dance with the leaves as they glide and pirouette in the crisp air of the glorious golden glow of the fall season. Preparation can create bliss and tranquility. Allow your home to be your refuge that supports and nurtures your mind, body and spirit so that you can create the life of your dreams.

Happy Soaring!

XOXO

Christa O'Leary

 

 

P.S. I have a fabulous upcoming FREE LIVE EVENT that I am about to announce! To receive all the details that are coming soon be sure to join my newsletter at the right of this page, if you haven’t done so already, and you will be the first to hear!