Feb. 2015 Issue 1
Believe! Unleash the Power of
You!
Dare to Dream
Big
A Woman of a Certain Age
Table of Contents Letter from the Publisher Belle Kohen
Page 3
Letter From the Editor Angela Mosley
Page 4
Dare to Dream Big Belle Kohen
Page 8
What are you really hungry for? Cindy Nunnery
Page 9
IS it Time for a Financial Tune-Up? Michelle Dean
Page 10
New Year Resolution….It’s all a Myth! Kim B. Smith
Page 11
To Live Life Unleashed Elise Cohen Ho
Page 12
I Got a Rock – A Shift in Perspective Belinda Phillips
Page 13
Believe! Christine Cataggio
Page 14
Let’s Go On A Money Diet! Sharon Case
Page 15
A Woman of a Certain Age Lisa D’Alessio
Page 16
Unleash the Power of You! Denise Thompson
Page 17
Letter from Publisher Belle Kohen Welcome and thank you for reading my new magazine, UNLEASHED: for Daring Women 50 and Above. You’re Never Too Old To UNLEASH Your Bold! It is an honor to welcome you to the inaugural issue of this magazine exclusively for magnificent women 50 and above. There are many reasons this magazine was born, perhaps the most important being my vision for this community of women to grow tremendously, while mutually supporting one another and demystifying the aging process in diverse areas. During 2014, incredibly important things revealed themselves to me. I saw this magazine as a way to impart valuable knowledge to women everywhere about opening the pages of a new chapter in their lives. Most of our children are grown, whether or not they still live in our homes. We are reaching the time to think about retirement from our current jobs. We have less laundry, shopping, cooking and cleaning than in the past. This allows us an amazing opportunity for claiming a new life and a new vision of what we would like the next chapter of our lives to look like. We are entitled to find and shine our creative sparkle for the next several decades. As women of all ages are empowered to know and say “I AM ENOUGH” our collective declaration brings about the freedom to pursue our dreams. Thanks to the guidance and mentoring of my dear friend and colleague, Dr. Anita Jackson, this project has come to fruition. Again, it is with deep gratitude and satisfaction that you are reading this inaugural issue. It is my pleasure to present the following categories within which our Featured Writers will supply their wisdom, guidance and expertise: Ageless Beauty and Grace, Holistic Wellness, Wealth and Financial Health, Dynamic Relationships, and Social Media Communities I encourage you to read through the articles in UNLEASHED and pick the pearls of wisdom that apply most to you today. Jot them down or use the notes section in your phone. Regardless of how you make a note of them, use them to build a template of what you would create for yourself if there were no holds barred. Congratulations for reaching 50 and beyond. Together, let’s make certain the rest of your journey is absolutely spectacular. Love, Belle Cover Photo courtesy of Starla Fortunato’s
Audio by Belle Kohen
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Letter from the Editor-in-Chief Angela Mosley
Hello, Beautiful Soul! I am very proud to share with you this inaugural issue of Unleashed. This magazine was envisioned, and has been created, for you—the Woman 50 years old or above. I see you. WE see you. We see your Spirit that longs for moments to soar, although your body may be less mobile than it used to be. We see your thoughts that are full and dynamic, although your hair may be thinning. We see your arms that hold dreams waiting for fulfillment, although these dreams may have been on hold for several years while those arms held your children. We see your hopes, your fears, and your potential. In these pages, you’ll find encouragement and challenge, along with tips and advice, from dynamic women who have been—and are—right where you are. Glean from their wisdom. Be emboldened by their victories. Accept, if you can, their challenges to you. I truly hope you enjoy what we have assembled here for you. To each of you, I say, “Welcome!” Welcome to our community. Welcome to this beautiful magazine.
Welcome to living the rest of your many days....
UNLEASHED!
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NLEASHED Excecutive Team Belle Kohen, Publisher, Unleashed Magazine A lifetime of experience. Unparalleled passion. Limitless exuberance. Undaunted and daring. Today, Belle marries her business strategy savvy with her deeply intuitive nature and her passion for facilitating powerful transformations. As the host of Midlife Makeover Radio with Belle on Bold Radio Station and as a co-host of Outrageous Success Women’s TV, Belle provides powerful and practical tools for empowered living and passionately communicates to all women, “You’re never too old to unleash your bold!”
Visit Belle at www.coachbelle.com or Call 248-765-0353
Anita M. Jackson, EdD, Publisher, I Am Enough Magazine, Co-Publisher, Unleashed Magazine, Founder and CEO of The I Am Enough Institute Dr. Anita M. Jackson is on a mission to empower all women to know they are enough. With 25 years of experience in working with individuals, mostly women, as a Marriage & Family Therapist and Organizational Psychologist, Dr. Jackson is convinced that when a woman truly understands the powerful and spiritual truth of “I Am Enough” there will be a powerful shift in all areas of life. To step into your next level of outrageous success in every area of your life with confidence, courage, and feminine power, schedule a free 30-min consult with Dr. Jackson via email at draj@iamenoughinstitute.com. www.dranitamjackson.com
Angela Mosley, Editor-in-Chief, Unleashed Magazine Angela Mosley is a professional ghostwriter and editor. She is also a writing coach who helps women write their stories in a way that honors their unique voice and truth. Currently, her blog can be found atwww.b1inspired.com. Her new website, www.angelamosley.com, will be launching in early 2015. Email her atangela@angelamosley.com
Jennifer Williams, Graphic Designer, Unleashed Magazine Jennifer Williams provides branding, graphic and layout designing services. With ten years of experience as a graphic designer, she works with entrepreneurs creating high quality custom design packages that support their business endeavors and high-end visibility in print and online. Her expertise is in working with businesses needing to create custom layout designs and marketing materials that truly impress their customers. Whether its creating a flyer, brochure, advertisement, postcards or something as intricate as helping them design an online magazine, she can create it for you.
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UNLEASHED Magazine exists to Intentionally Reawaken Women to Sparkle, Eliminate Obstacles, and Create Momentum Toward Abundance in their lives. Catering to women 50 and above, UNLEASHED provides a community for women who are seeking to rediscover the dreams deep within their hearts, by encouraging women to sparkle, inspiring them to overcome obstacles, and connecting them to resources that can help them realize the abundance that is their birthright. Publish Date February 10, 2015 May 12, 2015 August 11, 2015 November 10, 2015 Each issue will offer the following: Letter from the Publisher Letter from the Editor Ageless Beauty and Grace Hollistic Wellness Wealth & Financial Health Dynamic Relationships Social Media Communities Contact Us Website: www.coachbelle.com • Email: coachbelle@gmail.com • Www.facebook.com/unleashedwomen To advertise with our magazine, please contact Dr. Anita M. Jackson at draj@iamenoughinstitute.com to request our 2015 Media Kit.
Dare to Dream Big by: Belle Kohen
Let me be the first to say that I never would have thought this—this beautiful magazine—would happen to me! Actually, I guess a more honest statement would be that I didn’t even realize this was part of my dream until very recently. I have always helped other people achieve their own dreams through my coaching practice, helping people grow their businesses, become more organized, or just become better people. But, when I looked back at what I have accomplished in the last year, I realized that this can (and SHOULD) happen for anyone who has a dream. I am an “anyone,” and I am realizing my dreams—even at “this stage” of my life! How did I get to this place? How are my dreams coming true? Over the past year, I have taken the time to listen, been open to learn, and made the commitment to say, “YES, I WILL....” Taking the time to listen is so important. The kids are out of the house (for most of us). The household chores have slowed down. We now have the unique opportunity to take time to slow ourselves down as well. We have the gift of time to meditate and really listen to what our hearts may be trying to tell us. As I took the time to listen this year, I was reminded of the Me I was in first grade. I remember being the “pronouncer” for my class graduation from kindergarten to first grade and the kindergarten play. It was a big deal! I had to audition for the role (as a kindergartner!), and I got to announce various things from the big stage with a microphone and everything. As I listened to this memory, I learned something about myself. I realized that my dream, apparently from a very young age, was about being recognized and appreciated. When I made the decision to say “YES, I WILL....” to this dream, it began to manifest itself in a breathtaking way. I was able to work with a top-notch coach, have a professional photo shoot in Hollywood, write chapters in two International Best Selling Anthologies, launch my own radio show, and be a regular co-host on a television show. All of this happened within a year! I share these successes with you to help you understand that no matter your age, shoe size, or socioeconomic status...it is possible to realize your dreams! We are all capable of whatever we can dream up, and there are people in the world who are able to help you achieve whatever you desire. However, YOU have to do the work. Nobody will do the work for you, and nobody can fulfill your dream but YOU. Your dream will not come knocking on your front door or tap you on the
Image courtesy of “Danilo Rizzuti” from FreeDigitalPhotos.net.
shoulder and ask you to follow along. Prepare yourself to work hard in order to become what you really want to be. But what if you don’t know what you want to be? What if all the years of child-raising, husband-supporting, home-keeping, and surviving day to day have crowded out that dream you know you once had but cannot seem to feel anymore? What’s to be done about that? My strongest encouragement to you would be this: Do not wait one second longer to find your dream, to find what makes your heart sing!! It is likely that more time lies behind you than ahead of you, so take time today to get quiet. Listen to your heart. Think about the times when you have been really happy. Not happy because someone else was happy, but happy because a part of your soul was singing and moving in time to life’s rhythm. What were you doing? Chances are good that whatever it was, that is part of your dream. Listen to what your heart is telling you. Learn from what you have felt in the past. So much creativity may have been tucked away under the laundry, cooking, cleaning, and kids. If you take the time to listen, you may learn there is more creative spark in you than you ever thought. I have to tell you, publishing a magazine was never on my bucket list. Being an author, hosting a radio show, co-hosting a television show, and flying to Hollywood for a glamorous photo shoot weren’t anywhere near my bucket list either! Honestly, I didn’t even have a bucket list. But now I do, and I know exactly what is on that list. I know the things I want to do, the places I want to travel, and the people I want beside me as I check these things off my list. All of this came about because I took time to listen, learn, and say yes. As the New Year is lightly upon us, I encourage you to find the time to rediscover your dreams (or to recommit yourself to them if you already know what they are). Remember, you ARE allowed to have a dream.....and You Are NEVER Too Old to UNLEASH Your Bold! Ageless Beauty & Grace
What are you really hungry for? by: Cindy Nunnery
true too. What we eat is so tied to our emotions, our feelings, our intimacy. I remember when I was a child playing outside, having fun. Suddenly I heard my mother calling that dinner was ready. I remember hearing her calling my name realizing it was a long time since lunch but not at all being hungry. The passion of play with my brothers and sisters had all my attention. Do you remember this too? by Cindy Nunnery
Let’s talk about nourishing our lives and our souls and feeding ourselves what we need to have healthy bodies, happy hearts, and a life we love. Not so long ago, I was living in the unhappy zone. I was not eating well, had a few extra pounds, and didn’t like how I looked. I put way too much pressure on myself about relationships in my life, and there was way too much negativity in my life. I was simply living to get through the day. I was in a physical and emotional dead zone. Then I learned something that changed it all. I learned what nourishment really meant. We all know about food--what we put on our plates and what we drink. We know that what we eat can affect our mental state. It can impact our attitude, the health of our bodies, and our outlook on life. But food is much more than just what you find on your plate. It includes all those things off the plate like relationships, physical fitness, and careers. It includes our spirituality and our connectedness to each other. All have a great influence on how we nourish ourselves, how complete we feel, how happy we are with our lives--even how happy we are with our bodies. This is our lifestyle food. What we eat and drink is secondary food and everything else not on our plate is primary food. Understanding the concept of primary and secondary food will give you the most dramatic impact on your own health and happiness and the health and happiness of those around you. Think about this: healthy relationships, regular physical activity, a fulfilling career, and a spiritual practice can fill your soul and satisfy your hunger for life. When this primary food is balanced and satiated, your life feeds you, making what you eat secondary. And the reverse is also Holistic Wellness
Think back to a time when you were passionately in love. Everything was so exciting. Colors were vibrant and fresh. Intimacy was magical. Feelings of exhilaration sustained you. Food was an afterthought because you were high on life and love. Sometimes we are fed, not by food, but by the energy in our lives. Secondary foods nourish our bodies, but are not able to give us the joy, meaning, or fulfillment that primary food provides. When we use secondary food to suppress our hunger for primary food, the body and mind suffer. Weight gain is just one of the consequences. Diet-related disorders such as heart disease, cancer, obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes are national epidemics, and one of the main reasons is because we are stuffing ourselves with secondary foods when we are really starving for primary food. If you’re not getting the primary food you need, eating all the food in the world won’t satisfy your hunger. This is why the question, “What are you hungry for?” is so revealing. We use food to fulfill us. By understanding this question and its answer, you can transform your reaching for food to actually reaching for what will give you long-term fulfillment. Cookies and cheesecake can give you immediate gratification, but they only fill the void for a minute. Take some time today to ask yourself “What am I really hungry for?” Are you hungry for Ben and Jerry’s or are you hungry for a night out at a healthy cafe with a few girlfriends to catch up and reconnect with each other? Are you hungry for some cheesecake or are you hungry for some laughter with your significant other? Remember, you were born to lead a happy, healthy life. Now let’s do it!
Is it Time for a Financial Tune-Up? by: Michelle Dean
Do you know what your financial future looks like? Have you thought about it? Did you know the majority of those over the age of 65 living in poverty are women? Will you be among them? What is your plan to make sure you aren’t in that group? Do you even have a plan? Most women I talk with don’t really know where they will end up and simply “hope” for the best. My desire for you is to do more than hope. I want you to KNOW where you are and where you are headed! I want you to feel confident that your plan is the best plan for you. Take a moment with me, close your eyes, and visualize your perfect retirement in a perfect world where money is of no concern. Where are you? What are you doing? Who are you with? What hobbies do you enjoy? Who are you able to help? Where do you travel? Really give this some thought. Dream Big! Can you see it clearly? Ok… time to wake up! Now you are back in the real world. Statistics show that about two-thirds of retirees who reach the age of 67 earn less than $65,000 per year. Maybe you’re already retired and feel as though it’s too late to plan. It’s never too late! Sometimes a fresh pair of eyes can see things you may not see. When was the last time you worked with a financial professional whom you can trust to do what is in YOUR best interests? You’ll find many financial services professionals out there, and it can be a daunting task to find one you are comfortable working with. Many professionals offer free consultation services, so you just need to ask. A good financial professional will ask questions and then listen to your answers to determine what your specific needs are and offer solutions to meet those needs. Like doctors, we in the financial services industry must first find out what the problem is to be able to offer a solution. If you meet with someone who tries to sell you a product without first finding out what your need is be very careful about doing business with that person. It’s also important to consider the company your professional represents in order to make sure it is sound and going to be around when you are ready to collect your retirement! If you are considering an insurance product, remember it is only as good as the company backing it. I’ve had people come to me with a life insurance product they have had for years, and they can’t find the company anymore. Don’t let that happen to you! I can tell you from personal experience and knowledge that not all the financial products and services out there are created equal. Make sure you ask questions and truly understand any product or service you purchase. Don’t get your financial advice from a family member or a friend (unless, of course, they are a trained 10
professional). Do ask your friends and family members if they have a professional they love working with and ask them why. If you are currently working with a financial professional, call and schedule an appointment to review where you are in your financial goals and if any changes or adjustments are needed. If you put together your plan 10 years ago, is it still relevant? Are you still on track? Is there something you have forgotten? If you haven’t seen your current financial professional in the last 5 years and she has not called you for a review, you need a new financial professional! If you are knowledgeable and feel confident about making your own decisions then review your own plan to make sure you are still on track to reach your goals. Review your goals and make sure they are still relevant. If you have had life events that change things, such as a divorce, or death of a spouse, or work status changes (recently retired) make sure your plan is where it needs to be. Thanks to the great advances in medicine we are living longer, and the average retirement can be 30 years long! Have you planned well enough to make your money last that long? As women 50 and beyond, we have other things to consider that affect our financial health such as social security and long term care issues. We are living longer and sometimes find ourselves caring for our parents after we raised our children, or outliving our spouses. Who is going to take care of us? If you are married, make sure you know what your financial health looks like and what will happen if one spouse outlives the other. These are all things that need to be considered when you are planning for your financial health. If you can’t find a financial professional that you feel confident and comfortable with and have no idea where to start, I would be happy to schedule a consultation with you.
Audio by Michelle Dean
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Image courtesy of hin255 at FreeDigitalPhotos.net Wealth & Financial Health
New Year Resolution…. It’s all a Myth! by: Kim B. Smith
people set weight loss resolutions year after year, and yet they are still struggling. When we move into Intentions, there is no end date. So now it’s “I intend to lose 25 pounds and I intend to keep it off.” Intention is much more on-going; it flows with our daily life. When we set an intention, we don’t beat ourselves up when we miss a workout or take on that dreaded client. Instead we live continuously, allowing lessons to be learned from, allowing for personal and professional growth. This is true authentic living, from our soul and not our personality, not the ego making decisions for us. Let me explain this better.
Happy New Year! Yes, another New Year bestowed upon us. We scurry to make sure we have our resolutions in place every single year. Many of our resolutions are repeated, and some are new as the years go by. It is my belief, however, that the resolutions we make can set us up for failure. Yep, failure. Many a time in my first business I have personally witnessed this phenomenon. My first business, that I currently still run, is a fitness business and when the new year comes everyone comes out with their new fitness resolutions. “I am going to lose 20 pounds”...“I am going to take that yoga class I have been wanting to take for years”...“I am going to get in shape,” and so on and so on. The health clubs and exercise classes are filled to the brim until March 1st……then BOOM! The classes start dropping back to normal size, no more early sign ups or wait lists to get in, the parking lots become easier to maneuver and so does finding a parking spot. Why is it we set these resolutions and by March we are finished with them, or have moved on to something else? Where did the promise and resolve go? If these resolutions are so important then why do we forget about them so fast? I don’t believe in “New Year Resolutions” at all. Rather, I believe in “New Intentions.” What’s the difference you ask? An intention is a determination to act in a specific way. With a resolution, I feel we are investigating to make change in the future and we are not really passionate about what we are resolving, or shall I say “trying” to resolve. For an example: I want to lose 25 pounds before this event, but what happens after the event? Yes, the resolution of a want was resolved, provided the 25 pounds came off, but again what about after the event? Now what? It has come to an end. I have seen so many Dynamic Relationships
I set an intention in place to meditate daily. I not only know the benefits of meditating, but I feel them. There are days I wake up, mediate, and my day is off to a great start. Then, there are days my routine is “misplaced” shall I say, and I don’t have the allotted time for meditating and off I go and miss the experience. However, my intention is to live a healthy life as much as I can, and I may allow myself to do other things that day instead of beating myself up and feeling like I’m a day behind on my “resolution.” I am still intending to live a healthier life, and I am doing other things during the day that lead me down that intended path. If meditating were a resolution and I began to miss days upon days of meditating, I would be more likely to stop it forever. With a resolution, we usually set an end date which can cause us to stop. Intentions have no end date. A resolution is not concrete enough, we don’t want it bad enough for the rest of our lives so we tend to bail. With an intention, there is more purpose, more meaning involved. If you don’t want it bad enough, you generally will end it. That first tired day, the bad weather day and the “I don’t feel like it” day...all lead to an end of your resolution. But, with an intention there is more to it than just one thing that we desire. For an example: a resolution is to lose weight as opposed to an intention of living a healthier lifestyle. A resolution is making six figures in my business as opposed to the intention of becoming abundant, prosperous and successful in my business. Intention is far greater than a resolution. We grow and succeed to becoming a wiser human being. We live in our desires and our joys and not misery. So go on and set your intentions not because it is a New Year, but because you want to change things within yourself for the long haul. Remember every day is a new opportunity, don’t wait. 11
To Live Life Unleashed by: Dr. Elise Cohen Ho
A life lived unleashed need not be a life lived without logic, rules, reason, and a look towards your mind, body, and spirit. For if you do not look towards how to take care of these integral parts of your being, your amazing life--the life in which you live just far enough outside of your comfort zone so as to step gloriously into your POWER--will never fully be enjoyed. This, of course, begs the question of how exactly do you take care of your mind, body, and spirit. What does this even mean? When looking towards your mind it is important to keep your brain young and vibrant. Research shows that brain health is positively affected by mind expanding activities, such as reading, and the physical movement of your body. A combination of cardiovascular exercise mixed with weight bearing exercises provides the most benefit to your brain health. An example of this may be a brisk walk three days per week followed by 15 minutes of weight training. Incidentally this is not only good for your brain but also good for staving off osteoporosis, a progressive disease that causes the degeneration of your bones. Brain health is negatively affected by a high sugar diet, lack of proper nutrition, and a stress-filled life. Eliminating processed foods, limiting your intake of cookies, cakes and other baked goods, and eating a whole foods diet can provide tremendous benefit both now and later as we work to avoid age related diseases such as Alzheimer’s. This elimination, or limitation, of sugar, can also help you to deal with stress in a more calm and mindful fashion--as can yoga and meditation.
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As we look at these suggestions it is easy to see how integrated our well-being really can be. For instance, the practice of yoga helps us to deal with stress which in turn helps to protect our mind and then this very exercise also helps us to have a strong body. The benefits of this can include a strong heart, well functioning lungs, diabetes management, weight control and stamina for work, for life and for fun. It is also important to note that the practice of yoga allows us to build our core strength, which in turn can protect our backs and the rest of the body from injury. A good yoga practice also can help us to turn inward. When we turn inward we can truly connect to our spirit. This spirituality can mean something different for everyone. The commonality is that this connection (or lack thereof) to your spirit drives thoughts, decisions, desires, and actions. It may come from your connection to your inner goddess, a connection to God or a connection to something else entirely. When we bring these beautiful parts of ourselves together we can step fully and beautifully into our POWER, but to do so we must always be mindful of what it takes to get there. We must look towards the health of our body and in doing so provide it with proper nourishment and exercise. We must look toward our relationship with ourselves and respect ourselves and appreciate our wonderful qualities. We must look towards our relationship with others, how we appreciate the gifts that others offer and how we communicate our needs, wants, and desires. In this way we can reach the top of our own personal POWER Pyramid of SUCCESS.
Holistic Wellness
I Got a Rock – A Shift in Perspective by: Belinda Phillips
I am sure you watched the Charlie Brown specials when you were younger and will remember that Charlie Brown always got a rock when he went trick or treating with his friends on Halloween while all of his friends got pieces of candy. As I reflected back on Charlie Brown, it occurred to me that Charlie Brown expected to get a rock…so he did. If you think about it, he was really good at manifesting. In addition, all of Charlie Brown’s friends expected him to get a rock, and the consciousness of the group made Charlie Brown’s manifesting even more powerful. It’s very possible that if Charlie Brown had seen his “greatness” and was setting his expectation from the place of greatness, he might have discovered that the rock was actually a magic rock. In that case, the reality was that Charlie Brown got a magic manifesting or healing crystal and the other kids just got a piece of candy. So how does this relate to you? I invite you to think about what life will be like for you as you shift your perception of yourself so that you expect to get all of the things that you want in your life. If you believe that you are worthy of greatness, then you will get greatness. As you read that, you may be saying to yourself, If it were that easy to see my greatness and expect to get all of the things I want in my life, wouldn’t I be doing it already? I completely understand your perspective, having been in your shoes myself. Even if I could get to the place where I could see my greatness from a conscious and rational level, something was holding me back. I could see that I was educated, smart, resourceful, capable, determined, caring, and loyal. I had experienced a certain level of success in my life. But it always felt like something was in my way. I spent a lot of time being mad at myself for not trying hard enough, for letting fear get in my way, and for allowing myself to be distracted. We often find our answers through some kind of challenging situation, and that is exactly how my answers showed up. While looking for answers to help my daughter who has health challenges and special needs, a door opened up that I will be forever grateful I walked through. I learned about some forms of spiritual energy healing that are based in science. What??? That’s what I said.
Dynamic Relationships
Scientists like Bruce Lipton, Gregg Braden, and Joe Dispenza all describe the effect of our beliefs on our reality. If we believe that we are unworthy, then it will be very difficult for us to have the things we want in our lives. If we have underlying fears that bad consequences will occur if we do get the things we want in our lives, it’s no wonder that our feet feel like they are nailed to the floor. But where do these beliefs come from? Some of them come from childhood. I am sure you can look back at some childhood experiences and see what I mean. What is even more fascinating to me is that these fears or beliefs may be passed down by our ancestors in our DNA! Scientists are now proving this to be the case. Most recently, scientists from Emory University Medical School studied the effect on mice when they were shocked anytime they smelled rose petals. Obviously, the mice developed a fear of the smell of rose petals. However, what was interesting was that the offspring of the mice were born with a fear of the smell of rose petals, proving that memories and fears can be passed from one generation to another. You might be saying to yourself, That’s all well and good but what can I do with this knowledge? My answer to that is, “Plenty!” Discovering what is at the core of your perception and shifting that fear or belief will not only change your perception…it will change your life! There are a variety of healing modalities out there today that focus on changing perceptions. A few of them are ThetaHealing, Psych K, Spiritual Response Therapy, Matrix Energetics. While they all might work a little differently, many of these healing modalities can be highly effective. If you are skeptical of all of this, I completely understand. I was skeptical too. The turning point for me was when I saw results that I just couldn’t argue with…and not just for me. I saw results in my family and friends, and for the many people I have worked with over the last several years. I invite you to also be open to seeing what shows up for you as you shift your perception of yourself. What at first blush looks like a rock may actually be a magic healing crystal when you run the rock under water, polish it, and examine it more carefully. If you are tired of swimming upstream, it might be worth your time to explore what else is accessible to you today. Your greatness is waiting! Are you ready to step into it? 13
Believe!
by: Christine Catoggio Do you remember who you were before life told you who to be? As women, we spend a large part of our lives fulfilling other people’s expectations of who we need to be. We take on the roles of Wife, Mother, Daughter, and so many others, that, unfortunately, we lose sight of the desires and aspirations that our own souls long for. Satisfying our Soul Purpose is not something that we acknowledge until life circumstances force us to make changes to our existing life. Our adversities and challenges are our guideposts, leading us back to finding that purpose, and ultimately, leading us back to a more fulfilled life. We all come into this world with a purpose. Discovering what that purpose is can be an exciting, exhilarating process. But for many, taking the necessary steps can be overwhelming and daunting. Family responsibilities, societal norms, and our own limiting beliefs can keep us from finding our true Soul Destiny. Dwelling on all the obstacles keeps us stuck in “Fear Paralysis” and prevents us from moving forward toward the life that we are truly meant to have. We all have these obstacles, from family resistance and lack of support, to financial concerns. Yet, some people manage to work through them. So, what is it that allows some people to forge through them, while others keep resisting the urges and stay stuck? From my experience with so many of my clients, it comes down to one word: “Believe”! Believing in yourself, your own capabilities, and your own talents circumvents any and all obstacles. If someone says you can’t do something, you will find a way to prove them wrong. If money is an obstacle, you will find a way, even if it means eating noodles every night! Taking inventory of your own inner resources determines how far you will go to find, and satisfy, your Soul Destiny. Are you focused and determined to create the life that provides fulfillment emotionally, spiritually, and financially? Or, are you content to work at a job that provides income, but does not satisfy the yearnings of your heart and soul? Can you find the best of both worlds, and create work that not only allows you to develop your passions and purpose, but also provides an income as well? True 14
fulfillment begins to happen when we utilize all the talents and abilities that are uniquely our own in a way that brings personal satisfaction, and when we understand that we are meant to share those gifts in a way that contributes to something much bigger than ourselves. Understanding and acknowledging our own values and what is really important to us is a key component to accomplishing that. When we learn to appreciate our personal value system, and our “why” for living, all our decisions and choices are aligned in that direction. Then, the guideposts and road signs become much more obvious. What truly gives your life meaning? Think about the things you liked to do when you were a child. Imagine yourself as a little girl lying in the grass daydreaming about a world of possibility. What kind of things did you dream about? What did you want to be, and what did you dream of doing? What kind of life did you imagine for yourself? Those dreams, wishes, and desires that you were able to imagine for yourself before life influences snuffed away the possibilities are your Soul Path, your Divine Purpose. Dwell on the possibility of reawakening them. Start to think about how to get those dreams back. When you can dig deep and uncover those forgotten aspirations, you will begin to uncover your core essence of who you are truly meant to be. Your purpose will start to unfold. And, as you begin to awaken what is possible, your passion will ignite. When we can realize our own potential without limiting beliefs, then, and only then, can we live within our Soul Path and create the life that we truly desire for ourselves. But, first, we have to “Believe”! Ageless Beauty & Grace
Let’s Go On A Money Diet! by: Sharon Case
Have you ever been on a diet and “counted calories”? It’s not a very fun or permanent way to lose weight. Why? Because you need to change BEHAVIORS to lose weight and keep it off. This is called Behavior Modification.
would include meals out, entertainment, make up, shoes, and non-basic clothing. You need to PLAN for some fun and non-essential spending, but the key is PLANNING and MONITORING these expenses.
It’s the same way with money! In order to really know where your money goes every month and plan for saving some of it, you need to change your MONEY BEHAVIORS--which means creating and sticking to a budget.
So now you have tracked your expenses and defined what your essential vs. non-essential expenses are. You can create your monthly budget and start using it! Once you have your spending plan in place, you will begin to follow it and monitor it. The easiest way to do this is to make a specific spending goal for non-essentials and pay cash for these. I allow $250 per month for meals out. At the beginning of each month, I put $250 in cash in an envelope in my desk. I use this cash for every meal out. When it is gone, I am done eating out for the month! Believe me, I have learned to make this cash last for a month! Your essential expenses are just that: essential. At the end of each month, you will reconcile your monthly expenses on your budget spreadsheet to make sure you are staying on track.
The term “budget” tends to create a negative feeling or a sense of restriction. I like to turn this around and look at a budget as a friend. A budget will give you the POWER to become conscious of your spending habits and allow you to have control of your spending and saving! Here’s how to create a budget (or “spending plan” if that sounds better): Start with tracking EVERYTHING you spend for at least a month; two months is better. Keep a small notebook with you and write down every single time you buy something- even if it’s just a pack of gum. Collect your credit card statements and bank statements for the period of time you are tracking your spending. Try to spend mostly cash during this period as it will help stop impulsive credit card purchases if this is an issue for you. At the end of your tracking period, sit down and collect your information. Use a spending spread sheet, and document your expenses over the tracking period. Now you will see where your money actually went during that time frame. Most people are surprised to find they spend money where they did not even realize! I refer to this as the “Latte Factor.” For example, if you realize that you spend $3.50 five times a week for the fancy cup of coffee you buy, do some math and you’ll find out you are spending $910 per year on coffee! You may then decide to brew more coffee at home and save some of that money for a specific goal such as retirement or saving for a vacation. This money can be part of your monthly spending as PLANNED savings. Once you have analyzed your spending, you can now create YOUR plan for monthly spending. There are two types of expenses. Necessary expenses are those expenses you must pay every month. This includes your mortgage, car payment, utilities, etc. These expenses will definitely be part of your monthly budget. The other type of expenses are “wants.” These are non-essentials and Wealth & Financial Health
The fun part is that you will find money to save for specific goals every month and this money will become part of your spending plan. The few dollars here and there will be money you can use to “Pay Yourself First” for goals like retirement, vacation, education savings and so on. You will have POWER and CONTROL of your money! Happy Saving!!
Image courtesy of Pong at FreeDigitalPhotos.net 15
A Woman of a Certain Age by: Lisa D
You notice, maybe slowly over time, maybe all at once. You become a Woman of a Certain Age. For me, it happened all at once, one night at the pizza parlor. I was walking across the room, getting napkins from the counter, when I noticed it: no one, no man or woman was looking at me. No admiring glances, no attempts to catch my eye. I remembered, once upon a time, how I gathered those looks hungrily, proof that I was a beautiful woman. I looked around the room, just to make sure. There they were, men and women and families, and not one of them was checking me out. “Oh,” I thought, “I’m a little sad. I am no longer the beauty I once was.” Every woman hits that point. You become a Woman of a Certain Age. You realize, you are not a pretty young thing anymore. I felt my weight settle firmly on my body, and the sheer roundness of my tummy reminded me—I may never be thought of as young and hot again. And then, I smiled. “I may never be thought of as young and hot again…what a relief!” I didn’t feel hidden or ashamed. I felt, quite simply, free. There is a wonderful thing that happens when you become a Woman of a Certain Age. You stop worrying about impressing other people with your looks or with your body. You stop worrying about appearing sexy and attracting sexual attention. Instead, you start to focus on being Real. You unleash your best self by getting Real about who you are in the body you wear.
pains carry their secrets, and you know how to tap in to the depths, to know the truth held in those quiet places inside. You accept the gift of your body. This gift gives you the ability to feel, to hear, to touch, to see, to taste. Your body gives you the ability to interact with a physical world that is full of pleasure at every turn, and being a Woman of a Certain Age, you’ve lived long enough to know exactly what you like—and you have the courage and experience to get it. You stop fighting with your body over a vision that may never have been true and right for you. You begin embracing your body, with its softer shape and wisdom hair and laughter lines. You embrace it because you know you wear this body for only a limited time. One day, you will have to part from it. When you realize that day exists, your body becomes a precious place to you, because it houses you, your mind and your soul, in this lifetime. You understand that because your body houses your soul, inside of you is a place where the physical meets the divine. This transforms your body into a temple, a dwelling place for the sacred. And like all sacred places, this imbues you with power, to learn, create, improve, heal, transform, connect, protect. It gives you the power to hug and to love those you have chosen with fierce abandon.
You settle into your body, and accept that you may never be a swim-suit model. That doesn’t mean that you don’t take care of yourself. But it does mean that you treat your body with compassion, with the best possible lovingkindness, for carrying you so far in life.
When you become a Woman of a Certain Age, you become powerful. You become confident in being who you are, because you have learned a thing or two about living in your body. You are not the pretty young thing anymore….and that is exactly perfect. You are YOU, standing tall and proud in the body you’ve worn for decades, knowing who you are and where you are and how you are…and that makes YOU exactly perfect.
You start listening to your body. You develop the ability to tune in, to hear your body’s messages. Even aches and
Welcome to being a Woman of a Certain Age. Welcome Home to being You.
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Ageless Beauty & Grace
Unleash the Power of You! by: Denise Joy Thompson
There has never been a better time in your life than now to Show Up, Step Up and Stand Out in being you and sharing all of your gifts and talents. There is no one who can stop you but yourself. Suzanne Evans, a mentor/coach of mine, has a favorite saying which epitomizes how she lives her life. That saying is “Hell Yeah!”. Are you showing up in all of your feminine glory, intellect, wisdom, experience, and knowledge? If not, why not? Are you saying “Hell Yeah!” to life and embracing all opportunities that come your way? If not, why not? It was in my mid to late 40s when I became more aware of ME--not the therapist, military member, coach, wife, daughter, business owner and all I was creating and doing--but ME—as a person, as a woman, as a spiritual being. I knew I needed to spend time cultivating and being ME. The roles I had were intense, structured, and demanding, so how I would find the time and energy to focus on me was sometimes a challenging question. The “transition, transformation, and becoming triumphant” stages of becoming more me and embracing the good, bad, and beautiful was one of the most challenging times of my life. It meant facing demons, uncertainty, misunderstandings, bewilderment, insecurities, and at times lack of support. I knew and trusted “me” to get through this period of about two years. Okay, sometimes I questioned myself if the cognitive angst and emotional pain was worth it and if I should I take the easy (and known) way out. The “easy” way was not changing (and deciding not to fully embrace who I was). The easy way would not have led me to writing this article. The easy way would not have led me to a new career. The easy way would not have led to my growth and the development of all my gifts and talents. The easy way would not have included more “Hell Yeah!” affirmations. One thing I have learned from my military and crisis response care is that you sometimes have to build the plane while flying it, or—as they say in the movie Field of Dreams-- “build it and they will come.” I was building me, realizing I could not be fully healthy if part of who I am is hidden and kept in check. No one can be completely fulfilled emotionally, physically, or spiritually if she (or he) is not working towards becoming the best of who they are, accepting all aspects of “self” and sharing who they are with others. As we begin 2015, you have the greatest opportunity ever in your life. You have the opportunity to be the best You. Here are my “Top 10” Tips (all of which I still use!) for being the best YOU. Ageless Beauty & Grace
1. Accentuate/focus on your strengths, gifts, and talents. You may have heard that “What we give our attention to grows.” It’s true! Strive to increase positive self-talk. One way is to compliment yourself every day. 2. Meditate daily. 3. Practice self-affirmations daily. Acknowledge your accomplishments, no matter how insignificant you think they are. If getting out of bed and moving to the couch was the accomplishment, then CELEBRATE IT!!! Do not discount the steps you take towards a better You. 4. Create relationships with positive people. If your FaceBook “friends” are negative and “downers” then unfollow them or delete them (or, just hide all their updates!). If you wish to be healthier, more positive, and empowering, then create relationships that are healthy, positive, and empowering. (I have had to delete/unfollow several people and groups because they were not supporting my personal and professional goals). 5. Create a “Gratitude Journal.” Each evening, identify 5 things you are grateful for that happened during the day, again do not discount what you consider “small.” If you think of more than 5, write them all down. You can never have too much gratitude!!! 6. Be kind. When faced with an opportunity to smile, say “hello,” do a favor, volunteer, or to support someone somehow, take advantage of the moment. 7. Exercise at least 20 minutes a day, and work towards 60 minutes. You don’t need to run a marathon. Work on cardio and strength training. 8. Eat healthy. Decrease caffeine, sodas, sugars, calorieladen foods, alcohol, and tobacco. 9. Increase your spirituality, whether religious-based or sense of purpose to yourself and others. 10. Treat yourself well Take care of yourself, give yourself attention, and accept you are worthy. Make 2015 a year of Transition, Transformation, and Triumph. Show Up, Step Up, and Stand Out in everything you do and everything You are.
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NLEASHED Belle Kohen, Publisher, Unleashed Magazine A lifetime of experience. Unparalleled passion. Limitless exuberance. Undaunted and daring. Today, Belle marries her business strategy savvy with her deeply intuitive nature and her passion for facilitating powerful transformations. As the host of Midlife Makeover Radio with Belle on Bold Radio Station and as a co-host of Outrageous Success Women’s TV, Belle provides powerful and practical tools for empowered living and passionately communicates to all women, “You’re never too old to unleash your bold!” Contact Belle at www.coachbelle.com • 248-765-0353
Sharon Case Sharon Case is a licensed, independent Financial Consultant and a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst. As a Financial Consultant, she works with women to help them set financial goals that establish peace of mind and clarity. As a CDFA, Sharon works with women in all stages of the divorce process, helping them deal with financial issues they may never have dealt with before. Sharon is also a public speaker on a variety of financial topics. Sharon lives in the Chicago area and has two children, Kelly who is 30 years old and Bryan who is 27 years old. Her other passions include traveling, reading, and wine! For access to financial worksheets and resources, email Sharon at: sharon@casewealthmanagement.com.
Christine Catoggio Christine Catoggio is a Life Transition Strategist, Women’s Empowerment Coach, Inspirational Speaker, and Best Selling Author. She is passionate about helping women understand and navigate the many challenges of life’s transitions. Christine inspires and empowers women in all stages of their lives to thrive, not just survive, through their own personal transitions. Christine is the founder of Successful Life Transitions and the Women of R.I.S.E Community. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Barry University and is a member of Women Speakers Association, Soroptimist International, the Holistic Chamber of Fort Lauderdale, and the Board of Scleroderma South Florida. For more information or to book Christine to speak at your organization visit: www.christinecatoggio.com, or phone 561-929-1195.
Lisa D Lisa D is a Transformational Intuitive Master Healer with 2 Master’s Degrees and 25 years of committed leadership to her country and community. She works with women from all around the world who are on the path of self development and are seeking wholeness. Lisa D has two spirit guides and combines 10+ healing modalities to help you remember, embrace, and love the woman you were born to be. Contact her at www. lisadalessio.com for more information and to schedule your complimentary information session.
Michelle Dean Michelle Dean has always had an entrepreneurial spirit. She has been an entrepreneur since 1990. Michelle has always been a planner and began making financial plans and goals for herself when she opened her own savings account when she was 13 years old! Going into the insurance business in 2006 was a natural progression for her. She stepped out again to run her own business with New York Life in 2012 and once again enjoys being a Fempreneur. With New York Life, Michelle specializes in helping fellow Fempreneurs (Female Entrepreneurs) with simple financial solutions by sharing tools and guidance to help them feel confident and secure about their financial health. You can find her at www.newyorklife.com/agent/mdean or www.facebook.com/mdeanNYLagent. She is the founder of WHOW (Women Helping Other Women) www.whowlivelovelearn.com 18
Featured Writers Elise Cohen Ho With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Elise Cohen Ho is an expert in holistic health. Â As a Naturopathic Therapist, Relationship & Business Mentor, Amazon Best Selling Author and Motivational Speaker, Elise will support you as you embrace the POWER that lies within so that you can reach the top of our own personal POWER Pyramid of SUCCESS. Visit Elise at www.elisecohenho.com where she shares healthy living info, recipes, tips on healthy relationships and ideas of how to bring more success into your life.
Cindy Nunnery Cindy Nunnery is a Certified Holistic Health Coach, AADP. She is also an author and speaker. Cindy studied at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and was taught by Dr. Andrew Weil, Dr. Deepak Chopra, Dr. David Katz, Dr Walter Willett, and Dr. Geneen Roth, among others. Cindy strives to make her coaching and programs simple and effective so that you can seamlessly incorporate them into your busy life. She works with clients to help them make lifestyle changes (not just dietary or exercise changes) that produce real and lasting results. She can be found at www.cindynunnery.com
Belinda Phillips Belinda Phillips is a certified ThetaHealingÂŽ practioner and instructor and has received certifications in Spiritual Response Therapy, Spiritual Restructuring, Psych K, Reconnective Healing, and Pranic Healing. She is the proud mother of two amazing daughters, Alyssa age 23 and Marlee age 21. Belinda left her career as a lawyer when she was 55 to do what she feels is more aligned with her true purpose in life. She found this true calling while on a journey to help her daughter Marlee who had significant medical problems and special needs. Taking a practical approach to spiritual energy healing, Belinda empowers people to create rich and fulfilling lives, free of unnecessary obstacles and challenges. Visit www.healingwithbelinda.com and register for your FREE gift and set up your Get to the Root Breakthrough Session now.
Kim Boudreau-Simth Kim Boudreau-Simth is a Proprietor of Bold Radio Station, a Turn-Key Service for Radio Show Hosts; #1 International Best-Selling Author; International Speaker & Business Consultant. She created Kim Boudreau Smith Inc. to support women to enhance their Bold selves through Bold Radio Station where they can host a radio show and put their voices out globally. Kim received her life coaching certification from The International Coaching Academy and now focuses her passions in her business. Her goal is to pave the way for our future with inspired and empowered female leaders and teens. Kim teaches people how to have it all without losing anything. Kim can be reached at: kim@kimboudreausmith.com
Denise Joy Thompson, LISW, ELI-MP Denise Joy Thompsonis a #1 International Best Selling author, a life coach, military member, Passion Test Facilitator, therapist and transformational speaker. Denise has over 25 years experience as a therapist, speaker, and instructor. She also has 24 years of military experience specializing in trauma and sexual assault support and treatment, including deployments to Iraq and Kuwait, and was recently chosen for promotion to Colonel in the AF Reserves. Denise, through her company The Coach Alliance, offers individual, group, organizational and corporate coaching in life and wellness. She also created a Life Coach Certification program through The Coach Alliance Academy. As the founder/ owner of Crisis Response Consulting, Denise provides crisis and disaster response intervention, management and training to first responders, local, state, and federal agencies and is a faculty member of the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation and of Resiliency Sciences International, LLC. 19
Health • Wealth • Relationships • Your Soul’s Purpose IF YOU ARE SERIOUS ABOUT EXPERIENCING ALL THAT YOUR HEART DESIRES It’s time to clear out the blocks that are holding you back once and for all.
Spiritual energy healing sessions involve permanently updating deep rooted blocks in your subconscious and resolving traumatic and painful experiences from past events (including those in your DNA)
Belinda helps her clients by offering • Private one-on-one sessions (in person or via phone or Skype) • Group workshops online and in person • ThetaHealing® certification workshops
Visit www.healingwithbelinda.com and register for your FREE gift and set up your Get to the Root Breakthrough Session now.
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oudreau Smith, Inc.
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Business Consultant International #1 Best-Selling Author International Speaker www.kimbsmith.com • www.boldradiostation.com 22
Are you confident your money will last as long as you do? I specialize in helping women unleash their financial confidence by offering simple solutions and giving you the tools and guidance you need to make sound choices about your money. Call me for a free consultation.
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