Get Off the Crazy Cycle of Emotionally Eating

girlinfieldWe were sitting around the table enjoying a cup of coffee talking about how this is the year we will finally STOP. EMOTIONALLY. EATING.

My girlfriends and I have battled this just about our entire lives, so how in the world will we truly STOP. EMOTIONALLY. EATING this time? How will this year be any different than last? How can we honestly live a balanced healthy lifestyle?

Have you dealt with this struggle? Have you had the same conversations? Have you dreamed of the day you will not run to the pizza, soda, ice cream (fill in the blank with your favorite comfort foods) for relief?

Well I wish I could wave a magic wand for us and ZAP! emotional eating would disappear forever, but you and I know there’s no such thing. Boohoo 🙁

Over the last seven years (since cancer) I’ve learned a lot about myself, especially around my body, my emotions and my health. I tried every type of eating plan under the sun. From spiritual fast, 40 day juice fast, 14 day juice fast, diet programs such as the Hallelujah Diet, Isagenix, Weight Watchers, Whole30, Paleo, eating support groups …. gosh I know I’m forgetting some but you’ve got the picture. No matter how successful I was during any particular plan or program I participated in (often with the all or nothing mindset to boot!), I would eventually fall off the wagon at some point and go back to the same crazy cycle of emotionally eating.

Does this sound familiar to you?

Oh and forget the self-talk that would go on in my mind! “You’re never going to be good enough, you never follow through, just start over Monday, but I’m sure you’ll fail again.” Negative. Negative. Negative.

Well that wasn’t productive in the least! Beating myself up only tore me down more and caused me to be even more self-destructive.

Fast-forward to today, January 2017. How does a person STOP. EMOTIONALLY. EATING you might ask? While I don’t do it seamlessly I can honestly say it begins with 3 simple words: acceptance, accountability and action.

First by accepting I will not do everything perfectly has freed me from the all or nothing mentality. And secondly by receiving that I am accountable to God for how I take care of my health and that I was created to take action (to get moving!) for a greater purpose than just focusing on how I look has been the greatest revelation for my personal healthy lifestyle transformation. I now live within the ebbs and flows of life, not beating myself up anymore for lack of perfection. Each day is a new beginning and fresh start to love myself by nurturing the body God gave me. I really do love my life! And I love sharing this with my Healthy Lifestyle Coaching clients.

I would love to hear from you in the comments below. Have you ever struggled with emotionally eating? 

If you are ready to make this year be Your Year of Consistency with health, food, exercise, relationships or career sign up for my newly released Healthy Lifestyle Coaching package.

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A Mini Retreat Just For You! {FREE}

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Oh how I am getting so very excited about The Miracle Retreat, but sad that not everyone is able to make it. I wish more than anything I could blink my eyes and we would be sitting by the fire, relaxing together and soaking up complete bliss on this cold winter day in the North Carolina mountains. Since I’m not a miracle worker, I would like to offer something very special for YOU … A Mini Retreat over the phone! 

Join me this Saturday, January 14 at 9:00 am Eastern! 

I would love to take 30 minutes to pray, speak life and share a glimpse of how the Lord is ready to provide restoration in Your life this year! I’ll be available for Live Q & A at the end of the call.

To access the Mini Retreat and listen to my LIVE FREE CALL click here!

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EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION ENDS THIS SUNDAY! {Save $250} Sign Up Here!

If you are ready to make this year be Your Year of Consistency with health, food, exercise, relationships or career sign up for my newly released Healthy Lifestyle Coaching package.hlc

Click here to subscribe to my blog for future inspiration and exciting giveaways and receive Chapter 1 of Worthy of a Miracle FREE!

The 2017 Healthy Lifestyle Guarantee

 

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We’ve all said it, “This is the year. I will loose weight, start a workout routine, get up 30 minutes early to read my bible …. ” and then something happens about 2 weeks in and we fall off the wagon only to end up doing the same things we did last year. Guilt, shame, frustration haunt us and the “never good enough” thoughts consume us.

Over the last seven years I’ve tried everything (and I mean everything!) from diets to routines to programs to pure insanity! There was only one thing that worked for me  that radically transformed my life. And you know what the best part is? It was not through my efforts! It was simply through the power of God’s word. Because I know that this is 100% true and proven to work, I’m thrilled to share it with you.

Below is a covenant I wrote to God (using His words), and I wanted to share it with you today. This my friend is the beginning to a brand new you. I pray that you will print this and read it out loud EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. Marinate on it, and allow God to radically transform your life too! If you need more commitment and accountability to begin your consistent healthy lifestyle for 2017, click here to learn more about my coaching package. I would love to hear how this covenant speaks to your heart today, and how you will move forward this year! Comment below and share with a friend.

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I would love for you to kick off your year and join me at this exquisite once in a lifetime spiritual retreat. Come and RELAX …. REJUVENATE … RENEW with me this winter at the luxurious Miracle Retreat! Early bird registration ends this Sunday, January 15 for a $250 discount!

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So Much To Share! Retreats, Healthy Lifestyle Coaching & Love

Over the last year I took time to simply relax and receive. I realized through this restorative season in my life I accomplished so much more with much less striving. There’s something supernatural that happens when we earnestly seek the Lord with our whole heart, it opens up the door to fully rest and embrace our life. Through my incredible discoveries in 2016 I’m excited to share this freedom with you and how to accomplish it!

This year on my blog I will be diving deeper into prayer, spiritual, physical & emotional health along with my favorite Healthy Lifestyle shortcuts which include food, exercise & organization. My one word this year is CONSISTENCY. I’ve learned when I filter the day through the goal of consistency, life runs so much smoother, and I truly feel at peace. I achieve more than I ever dreamed possible and so can you.

First: I would love for you to kick off your year and join me at this exquisite once in a lifetime spiritual retreat. Come and RELAX …. REJUVENATERENEW with me this winter at the luxurious Miracle Retreat!

Second: If you’re unable to make the retreat and you are ready to make this year be Your Year of Consistency with health, food, exercise, relationships or career sign up for my newly release Healthy Lifestyle Coaching package.

Third: Last but not least, sweet friend, please take a moment to read this out loud, from my heart to yours. “This is a new year! I am expectant and excited for all God has in store for me. Thank you Lord for the plans you have for me to prosper in 2017. I will not look at the past and feel depressed and I will not look into the future and be anxious. I choose to live right here, right now with You in this very present moment full of gratitude. Thank you for all the fun, laughter, joy and light you will live through my life this year sweet Jesus.”

I love you friend. I’m sending you a virtual ((hug)) on this cold January day. I look forward to our year of growth together and lots of love! Please be sure to stay connected with me Facebook or Instagram.

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3 Questions to Ask at Your Christmas Dinner

As 2016 is winding down I encourage you to take a little time and reflect. While I know this year has not been “perfect” and there are some things you might want to permanently erase from your mind, I do believe without question that we can find much to be grateful for and celebrate. Here are 3 questions I’m pondering myself and asking my family as 2016 fades into 2017.

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For me this year has been a time of rest, renewal, healing and growth. I can honestly say 2016 has been one of my favorite years yet. Not because everything worked out the way I wanted it to, but mainly because I simply gave up striving and just let myself be. I found this year I took time to live with intention and enjoy the sweet simple moments with my loved ones. It was time well spent and I will carry that into next year.

I would love to hear from you in the comments below about what you learned from 2016.

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If you’d like to learn more about the once in a lifetime Luxurious Miracle Retreat I’m planning click here!

Are you tired of procrastinating and ready to get over that hurdle and accomplish your goals? Click here to be placed on my new client waiting list.

Click here to subscribe to my blog for future inspiration and exciting giveaways and receive Chapter 1 of Worthy of a Miracle free!

 

Election Day Prayer

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Feel free to leave a prayer in the comments below…

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If you’d like to learn more about the once in a lifetime Luxurious Miracle Retreat I’m planning click here!

Are you tired of procrastinating and ready to get over that hurdle and accomplish your goals? Click here to be placed on my new client waiting list.

Click here to subscribe to my blog for future inspiration and exciting giveaways and receive Chapter 1 of Worthy of a Miracle free!

A Prayer of Healing

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This prayer I wrote today is a tiny glimpse of healing the Lord has done in my life over the last six months. I can barely put into words the way God has touched my soul. I am falling in love with Jesus more than I ever thought possible. The more I seek Him the more I find Him.

I hope you dear reader will take time in the quiet to mediate on this prayer and worship the Lord.

Where is God calling you to dig deeper in your life?

ORDER YOUR SIGNED COPY OF WORTHY OF A MIRACLE HERE!

Are you tired of procrastinating and ready to get over that hurdle and accomplish your goals? Click here to be placed on my new client waiting list.

Click here to subscribe to my blog for future inspiration and exciting giveaways and receive Chapter 1 of Worthy of a Miracle free!

A Free Book, Bling and Blessings on Today’s Blog


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A free book, bling and blessings are what today’s guest blog post is all about! I’m sharing an excerpt from my friend Steph Fink’s newest book, The Blessed Juggle – From Cray to Okay in 30 Days, available at encouragedinheart.org and Amazon TODAY!

Have you ever gone to bed and thought, “I have no idea how I made it through today?” Or, “I’m so busy I need a break or I’m going to break!” Or, “I can’t juggle ONE. MORE. THING.” and you said it in Z-formation with three snaps and a neck twist?

I get it. I so get it.

I get it so much that I wrote this book for us. I know we juggle a lot of stuff and wear a lot of different hats. I wrote this book, because I know what busy feels like. Busy feels exhausting. Busy feels productive. Busy feels like I’m important because important people have “stuff” to do, right? But, when I’m too busy, I feel cray (my cool way to say crazy). And, being cray is not okay.

As I’ve examined some of my past “I’m so busy” statements, God illuminated that many of my “busy” thoughts were rooted in fear. I feared that I’m not enough – so I filled my time with “important stuff” – I feared if I said, “No!”, I’d let others down – I feared that I’d live an unimportant life – I feared being out of the loop and missing something, anything, really.

My, “I’m so busy!” almost always had an origin of fear, not faith. The way to combat fear is with faith. God made you and I on purpose for a purpose, and it’s to live in, by and with faith. I have faith that whatever God drops into our hands, it is because we’re blessed – not because we’re busy!

I have a strong aversion to watching re-runs (I’ve already seen it, why do I need to see it again?). Similarly, being around people that regularly declare, “I’m so busy!” makes me feel a little like I’m watching a re-run of my own life. I want to encourage your heart for the next 30 days to lose the cray, “I’m so busy!” mentality and move to an okay, “I’m so blessed!” attitude. Life doesn’t have to be perfect to be okay; okay really is good enough. You are good enough!

This book is small enough to fit in your purse, brief case or diaper bag. It’s a book and workbook all in one (one less thing to misplace!) and designed to be used as a journal with blank lines provided each day to record your thoughts. At the end of every day, I included one “Blessed Juggler Tip” shared from my friends that have found a practical way to shift an area of their juggle from cray to okay. I have really smart friends, so you’ll want to read their tips!

This book would be a great resource to use for a four-week book club, small group, Bible study or an accountability group. You can use Day 1 as your introduction day and Day 30 as your closing day, which will give you four full weeks of daily encouragement. At the end of each week, go through the past seven-days of discoveries together and then encourage each other!

I pray the words in this book encourage you to realize that while you may be juggling a lot, (maybe even more than you think you can or should handle), it is because you are so very blessed.

It’s my heart’s desire that you live a very joyful, purpose-filled, and blessed juggle life!

Anyone that shares this post and leaves a comment below about an area that they struggle in their juggle will be entered in to win a free autographed copy of The Blessed Juggle and a pair of these beautiful fair trade Blessed Juggle earrings (in the picture below!)! (The winner will be contacted one week from today on April 18th!)
freebookblingonLKblogThese fun earrings can be worn with jeans, yoga pants or a dress and elegantly captures The Blessed Juggle message. The gold circle represents God and the turquoise balls are all those important people and things you juggle. The turquoise color looks awesome on only everybody! There’s a wage difference for women worldwide. Women and their children that live in poverty are at an increased risk for being trafficked (human trafficking is also known as modern day slavery).  I’m so proud to offer these fair trade earrings as the women that created them did so under fair working conditions; ethical fashion is fabulous fashion! I absolutely LOVE wearing mine, which I wore in this video that I made just for you!

About the Author: Steph Fink is an inspirational speaker and author with a passion to encourage hearts to live out their unique purpose. She’s the author of The Blessed Juggle – From Cray to Okay in 30 Days, Building Bridges – Made on Purpose for a Purpose and 28 Lessons I Learned When My Head Was Stuck in the Fridge. Steph was born and raised in New Jersey, graduated from the University of Delaware and immediately entered into the United States Air Force. After she was honorably discharged, she relocated to the Washington, DC area and lives there with her husband and their two sons. Steph’s company, Encouraged in Heart, LLC, is a proud partner with The A21 Campaign to end human trafficking. A portion of her book and jewelry profits go to The A21 Campaign.  Steph loves big hair, big hugs and big cups of coffee. For daily encouragement, follow Steph on Facebook or InstagramYou can subscribe to her blog here!

The Embarrassing Truth About Writing a Book

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Stressing out about writing a book is NEVER worth it.

I’m embarrassed to admit that I acted like a crazy person for the year and a half of my life while putting this book on paper. It was like the world was coming to an end.

It was all about me!

What are people going to think?

Am I good enough to do this?

Me, an author? Like titles are all that important at the end of the day.

Insecurity relentlessly taunted me day and night.

Looking back I was self-absorbed. My face is flushed while admitting this to you.

After it was all said and done (or wrote) I held the book in my hands and the only thing that truly mattered was God’s grace.

Yes, God’s grace that saved my life. God’s mercy that kept me here a little longer on earth to hopefully share Jesus’ love with a hurting world.

Memories of my life raced through my mind and tears leaked out the corners of my eyes the moment I held my book Worthy of a Miracle for the first time.

Thank you Jesus. Thank you. I prayed.

That’s all that ever really mattered or still matters … Jesus.

A small piece of my life was written on those pages to share that our God is real and our God is always here with us.

I’ve taken some time off from my blog. I’m not sure where I’m headed. The only place I want to be is in continuous fellowship with God worshiping Him. That is my life’s priority.

Being 100% authentic is at the core of who God created me to be and at any time I feel the tug to live for the world, I retreat. I hop off social media and you’ll see limited post from me.

While the world tells me in order to keep a steady following I must post consistently, my heart longs to stay in alignment with the Holy Spirit.

If your reading this today I want to say thank you for supporting me here and believing in me. You inspire me to keep it real and to simply be me. I hope when you see my emails come through you’ll continue to take a peak and see what God’s up to. Thank you for understanding the ebbs and flows of my inconsistent post.

For anyone out there that is working hard to achieve your goals I want to encourage you to take time to connect with God consistently throughout your day. Make sure He is your number #1 focus and not the goal you are working towards. If your life feels out of balance I highly recommend finding a Christian coach or mentor.

Dear Lord I pray for each reader here to connect with you deeper in this very moment. May we take time to talk with you and seek you first throughout our day. Make us sensitive to the prompting of the Holy Spirit inside of us. We love you Lord. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

ORDER YOUR SIGNED COPY OF WORTHY OF A MIRACLE HERE!

Are you tired of procrastinating and ready to get over that hurdle and accomplish your goals? Click here to be placed on my new client waiting list.

Click here to subscribe to my blog for future inspiration and exciting giveaways and receive Chapter 1 of Worthy of a Miracle free!

Please Pray for Cancer Patients

Prayer for Cancer Patients

I tend to start my new year by thinking of how I can make personal changes, goals and dreams come true in the year ahead. While I will do those things, God has sweetly reminded me to value others above myself. (Philippians 2:3) I pray you will join hearts with me and pray for all those who are battling cancer today.

Please leave a prayer or comment below as we lift up cancer patients today. Thank you sweet friends. I love you!

Are you tired of procrastinating and ready to get over that hurdle and accomplish your goals? Click here to be placed on my new client waiting list.

Click here to subscribe to my blog for future inspiration and exciting giveaways and receive Chapter 1 of Worthy of a Miracle free!

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Order your signed copy of Worthy of a Miracle here!