Wanted to touch base with everyone... since going back to work at my day job on Monday May 11th... things have been hectic and overwhelming to say the least...

Basically, I work at my day job Monday through Friday 630 am to 3 pm most days (at home of course)... Plus we are in the countdown for homeschooling (9 actual school days left).. woohoo... and after working at the day job, homeschooling I am working on my private practice which entails clients, research, social media etc-
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I am hoping to pick things up on everything concerning my private practice along with the social media part soon ... especially now that I am getting into a groove again..

Okay... so what is the purpose of this post-- well I wanted to let you know where I have been and what I have been up to...along with how I would like to get things rolling again.. I like to be transparent and open because that is who I am and the vision I see my practice being open and transparent-- can't expect this from my clients if I am not willing to do the same.. So this is me putting myself out there in my true form ... I really want to meet you where you are in your own unique journeys in a non-judgmental way...

So as I am moving forward with my groove -- and continuing to work on building a community with connections the best way possible while we still deal with the COVID pandemic...

I have been redefining my social media outlets and the breakdown is below: 

Website Blog (here)-- hoping this will be a compiled area of all of the below and beyond information.. so it's in one place.. even adjusting the main blog to incorporate the healthy recipe blog soon so there is only one blog  on this website..

Facebook -- 5 Elements Coaching Page -- "Live" Blogs Wednesday called Mid Week Virtual Cafe Check Ins-- right now they are at 6 pm... changing them to 4 pm starting June 3.. 

Facebook-- COPD Page-- Hoping to start a "Live" blog but haven't formulated the whole concept yet.. so if you have any ideas and anything that you need-- please share... just may pick a day and post ... see what happens.. hoping to get more interaction??

LinkedIn-- sharing articles and information that I find interesting and/or important...

Instagram-- looking at starting a podcast on Sunday's at 10 am (??) about nutrition and health/wellness aspects..

Twitter-- opening this to the public shortly as a means to ask questions about nutrition, health and wellness etc.... using this as a forum like a free clinic or Q&A place.. 

YouTube-- trying to figure out how to share Facebook live videos and Instagram live podcast videos there??  Also looking at uploading a video a week or monthly-- still in the works....

Newsletter-- bimonthly -- there is a sign up on my website-- it has tidbits about what is going on, recipes etc.. so don't forget to sign up today!!

As I have always said-- I am here... and I am working to support you and meet you where you are.. and by making that happen is through social media right now..

So that is some of what is going on via social media... I have a few other things in the works-- hoping to add some other fun and exciting things soon.. 

Hoping all is well with you.. and again I would love to hear from you..

With Gratitude,

Linnette ​

Have you ever wondered what it means to live in the present?

Well, the actual term used for this state of mind of "living in the present" is referred to as "mindfulness". Some of you may have heard of this??

The clinical definition of mindfulness is-

• a mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, used as a therapeutic technique.
  

Okay, the clinical definition is informative but do we really have the ability to live a life of mindfulness?? 

Yes, we do because everyone has the natural ability for being fully present of where they are and what they are doing while not being overly reactive or overwhelmed with what is going on around them. However, the question is a matter of wanting to and allowing our natural abilities to be present is what it truly boils down to. 

So how do we allow for living in the present or obtaining this mindfulness?

While mindfulness is something we all naturally possess, it’s more readily available to us when we practice on a daily basis. Yes, this is a form of living that has to be practiced because in general life doesn't foster these natural abilities with the "always on the go" lifestyles most of us live.

YOU have to decide to bring awareness to what you are directly experiencing via your senses, thoughts and emotions. YOU have to decide to change your state of mind to being mindful or not. Plus there's various research that when you train your brain to the natural state of being mindful, you are actually remodeling the physical structure of your brain. Something to think about..

So how do you practice Mindfulness??

Well, again that depends on you but below are a few ways to include Mindfulness in your daily life-

1. Eat mindfully and enjoy the the taste, the texture and nourishment being given..
   
2. Walk mindfully and see where you are actually going while enjoying the process
   
3. Observe your breathing and just be..
   
4. Connect with your senses and just feel...
   
5. Pause in between action and breathe...
   
6. Listen wholeheartedly and with an open heart..
   
7. Get lost in the flow of doing things you love and resonate with you...
   
8. Mediate daily and replenish yourself...
   
9. Change up your routine and dare to be different...
   
10. Acknowledge your thoughts and emotions..they are apart of you...
    

Remember YOU decide on your state of being and how you live...

Great quote that I am trying to incorporate not only in my personal daily life but also in my private practice--

“Mindfulness is awareness that arises through paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgementally,” says Kabat-Zinn. “And then I sometimes add, in the service of self-understanding and wisdom.”

Video below by Jon Kabat-Zinn: