I don't even like to use the term "self-care."  I mean, why should taking care of yourself have its own special term when taking care of others isn't classified in the same way? Would you go around saying Parent-care, or children-care, spouse-care or dog-care when talking about all the other people you may be taking care of in life? Using the term self-care makes it seem like it's a special thing and therefore makes it feel self-indulgent.  But the truth is, without caring for yourself, there's no possible way to care for everyone else around you. You can't pour from an empty cup. Read More

FUN - it's a word that's been coming up a lot for me lately.  First, me questioning where all the fun has gone...then thinking about what fun things we could do with the last few weeks of summer, me trying to find ways to have fun in the little moments and everyday things.  Realizing that fun doesn't have to mean irresponsible (you can still be a responsible human and have fun)...and bringing more fun into my work as well!     Read More

Since when did parenthood become a life sentence of boredom?  I know that sounds a bit dramatic, but lately, I've been really feeling it.  Ever since we moved to the suburbs a year ago, my social life has gone from having a ton of friends in close proximity to a big, fat ZERO.  Read More

Today I dropped my daughter off at a new summer camp for the day, and would you believe me if I told you that I was up for 2 hours in the middle of the night because my brain wouldn't stop? I was thinking about a million things - did I get everything on her camp checklist? Did I remember to write her name on her goggles? I better wake up early so I can make her lunch and get both the kids ready - did I set my alarm? What's the car line protocol? Will they let me park and take her inside myself since it's her first day?  Will she be ok not knowing the other kids or the routine?  Why am I going crazy? 

 

Then I figured it out - I had a million butterflies in my stomach because I was nervous for her.  She was going into an unknown situation and I was worried about my oldest baby.  I was worried about the CHANGE.  So I calmed myself down and thought logically about it all:

- Yes, we all get nervous about the unknown or about Change - it's human nature to stick to what we know and the familiar

- But if we never push ourselves out of our comfort zones, we never grow - and we never get to explore new and exciting things.  We never know what we are missing out on - what could be a zillion times better that what we know now.

- I had to let go and push her a bit - just like I do for myself. I push myself to try new things all the time - like starting a new business, or trying out new recipes with completely new ingredients, or new workout classes - WHY? Because I want to know more. I want to see if there's something out there that's better.  I want to continue to grow and change and get better in my life.  So why shouldn't I do the same for my child?  

- Furthermore, I am always talking about how, as parents, we set the most important examples for our children - right?  They look up to us to know what's ok and what's not ok.  So I have to show her that change is GOOD.  It's how we learn, it's how we move forward in life.  It's how we can make things better for ourselves and for others around us.  

 

So this morning, when she said to me, "Mommy, I'm nervous."  I put on my bravest face and said, "It's totally OK to be nervous honey. It happens to everyone.  But it's going to be great. You are going to try new things and meet new people and open up a whole new world."  With that, she smiled at me and simply said, "OK."  And I knew that she was going to be fine, and better for the new experiences.  

 

As sign-ups for my new coaching group close out this week, I hope you also consider this if the fear of change or the unknown has been holding you back -- you'll never know what you're missing until you give something new a try.  Don't let the opportunity door close before you even get a chance to stick a toe in.  Trust me, I don't think you will be disappointed for trying.

 

 

It's August.  That's right, summer is almost over.  WHAT? Yup, it's crazy how fast time flies when you are having fun in the sun.  But that means that fall is just around the corner and for many of us - that also means it's almost time to get back into the daily routine...early mornings, balancing work, the kids, homework, soccer, ballet, swim practice, meals, early bedtime...you know, the daily grind. 

 

But guess what? I'm here to remind you that we all have a super power.  Did you know that you have the ability to slow down time?  Yes, you heard me - you can SLOW DOWN TIME.  Here's the secret -- you have to stop, and breathe.  Inhale, hold, exhale.  We are all capable of slowing down time if we are more present.  In the moment.  Here. Now. Thinking about what's right in front of you and right around you, rather than all those things on your to-do list.  So hear me, mama, take a deep breath and let it out.  

 

A new month for me means setting new intentions and renewing the ones I already have that still serve me.  I was inspired this month to create a "What if I feel/am Better Than Ever" list by something I saw on social media.  I wanted to share my list, because I think we all should create a list like this.  Not later, but now.  Because right now is your life.  Yes, you can always say - oh I don't have time for that.  I have little kids and a job and dinner to get on the table. Yes, you do.  But you also have your life to live.  Not later, but now.  Time will keep passing you by if you don't intentionally make some of it and slow it down.  If you don't work your magic and use your super power.  You can do it...slow down.

 

So in the spirit of sharing and hopefully inspiring, here's my list of "What If I feel/Am Better Than Ever":

- Laughter & Joy EVERY. SINGLE. DAY

- Practice of Gratitude strong and consistent

- Meditation daily to ground & strengthen me, strengthening my connection with the Universe

- Exercise in ways that feel good and challenge me. No Guilt.

- Presence with both my kids and my husband

- A Marriage that is strong, fun, filled with love, romance and laughter

- Home cooked meals with fresh ingredients

- Identity as Payal - a whole person.  Not wife/mom/entrepreneur/coach

- Sleep that is consistent & restorative

- Food that nourishes & uplifts

- Helping other women live their best lives through coaching

- Creating/writing - always

- Friendships that are fun, supportive, easy

- Generous with time, money & heart

- Always giving & receiving with heart.

- Loving myself

- Strong

 

 

It's up - and my intentions are set. To work on my list, every day.  What are your intentions this month?  How will you exercise your superpower?  I'm launching my next coaching group for women who want to work on living a healthier life.  It's starting in a couple weeks.  Check out the group coaching page for info on how to join today.

 

Always in health,

Payal