Create the Life You Crave

Does your life feel delicious?

I mean does it make you want to devour every experience like your favorite tasty treat (in my case a cookie dough brownie sundae with pecans and whipped cream)?

Not so much?

Yea me neither.

I should clarify.

There have been moments...if I'm really in my sweet spot, weeks, where life just seems truly... yummy.

Everything is in perfect alignment. My eyes sparkle, kids dance, husband smiles, and my thighs don't rub together...much.

But being a holistic life-stylist, doula, and full-time crunchy(ish) mama---trying to fuel my soul with all the goodness the world has to offer, can be simply exhausting.

It's easy to forget what living a life of pleasure and joy really looks like.

Thankfully, I'm surrounded by a bevy of amazing women who inspire me each day to embrace it all.

One of those fantastic ladies is Lisa O'Brien, yogi, teacher, mother of 6, and my fabulous friend! Her company, perfectly named LifeYum, has a message that's simple "Feel Good. Do Good."

Yes, THIS insane body popped out 6 kids!

In her recent blog post, she so beautifully and honestly shared all the things that are currently fueling her LifeYum.

It reminded me of all the things in my life I've forgotten that make me feel like I'm laying next to a serene pool of water on some beautiful island.

I believe that's what we, as women and mothers, need to do more.

Yes laundry needs to get folded, lunches need to be made, and bills have to get paid. But at night, when you're laying in bed, reflecting on your day, it should be filled with things, people, foods, sights, and experiences that light you up!

The way to create the life you crave is to remember all the things that make you feel good. Then do MORE of that!

It's that simple.

Here's my current LifeYum list:

• red wine after all the kids are in bed
• laughing until my stomach hurts
• using coconut oil for everything!
• cuddling on the couch, watching movies with my hubby
• uninterrupted showers
• practicing yoga without worrying about having perfect form
• unsolicited hugs and "I love you's" from my 14 year old son
• seeing the look on a mama's face the first time she sees her baby
• avocados
• sleeping past 9am
• knowing the support I give creates positive birth experiences for my clients
• soaking up the summer sun
• digging my hands in my garden
• watching my 6 year old learn to read
• making fresh juice instead of coffee
• reading anything Danielle Laporte writes
• a great hair day
• Newman's Pineapple Salsa and tortilla chips
• unstoppable bursts of creativity
• pillow talk with the hubs
• late night chat sessions with good friends
• dance parties with my boys
• watching a marathon of Revenge
• any movie with Ryan Gosling, Channing Tatum or Ian Somerhalder (super yummy) 
• connecting with inspiring, kick-ass, entrepreneurial women
• my favorite grey boots
• Netflix
• sweet surprises from my love
• flipping through old photo albums
• warm apple pie with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce
• the scenic views of the Catskill Mountains
• walking barefoot in my yard
• making a meal the whole family raves about
• Pinterest after 10pm

Share some of your LifeYum in the comments section below.

If you need help finding your sweet spot, shoot me an email at granolaville [at] gmail.com. My one-on-one coaching sessions are designed to help mamas create healthy & delicious lifestyles, with passion and purpose.

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Would You Like Every Moment to be Magical? Forget Your Past & Let Go of Your Future. 8 Ways to Be Present

Right now. Here. This moment. It's all we really have.

The sights, smells, sounds, and experiences that surround us are all happening in the now!

The past is already over and the future has yet to be determined.

Yet many of us find ourselves detached. Disconnected. Absent, from our own mind.

Our mind helps us do so many important things. When we need to strategize, plan, or execute an action, your mind's got your back.

But it is a tool. It is NOT who we are.

The mind only works in two realms: the past and the future.

Don't believe me?

Try doing nothing. Just sit and be. Be in the space of quiet and stillness. Does your mind immediately begin to think about the last time you did this? Or maybe it drifts off to thinking about what you have to do later on today.

Without you fiercely guarding your thoughts, your mind will quickly pull you in either direction....past or future.

Living in the past is a problem because it can’t be changed. You can change your relationship to it, but not the actual events, so dwelling on it is distracting and unproductive.

Anticipating, on an uncertain future, is like trying to imagine all the different possibilities of how to create the life you want. Instead of focusing on the how, just set your intention for the WHAT.

So why does the mind want to avoid the present moment?

“The mind, conditioned as it is by the past, always seeks to re-create what it knows and is familiar with. Even if it is painful, at least it is familiar. The mind always adheres to the known. The unknown is dangerous because it has no control over it. That’s why the mind dislikes and ignores the present moment." ~Eckhart Tolle, The Power of Now

It's so much easier to re-live what we know, than take a step into the unknown. For some, it feels safe and comfortable to sit in unhappiness, fear, or guilt. The alternative is foreign. So they stay in the place of discontent.

When you are dreaming about the future it's the mind attempt to carve out a life based on what we believe is possible. We identify with this false sense of knowing because it makes us feel safe and secure. Being open to ALL the beautiful and amazing possibilities of life gives us endless options. But having an abundance of choices can be overwhelming and scary.

The practice of being present is an amazing gift we all have, unfortunately it is grossly underutilized.

Not sure what real presence is? Think about one of your favorite memories.

Can you see the faces of the people with you? Can you smell the food you were eating? Can you remember exactly what was said?

THAT is presence.

It's being completely and uttering devoted to what's going on, right in front of you.

It's paying attention, on purpose, without judgment.

Anyone can be mindful for a moment or two, but developing your mindfulness muscle means that you have to take things to a higher level.

It's takes practice. It IS a practice, which can provide you with amazing benefits.

Staying in the present moment can dramatically reduce stress, increase your happiness, and give you bursts of insight that might change your life.

Instead of accepting the present, most of us end up passing through those moments on the way to somewhere else. A better job, life, family, spouse, body...a better us.

That's how life ends up passing us by - we do it to ourselves.

Whenever I find myself escaping to the past or getting stuck in a future I've yet to create, I try one of these 7 techniques to get back to the present moment.

1. Notice your habitual response that distracts you from the present. Do you worry, get anxiety, regret, fear, guilt, seek temporary pleasure, or something easier to deal with?

Instead of finding the nearest emotional escape route, just try sitting with your uneasiness for a moment.  Sometimes when we face difficulty, head-on, we realize the reality of the situation is not as bad as we imagined it in our mind.

2. "I’m Back." It sounds so simple and obvious. This is a great exercise I learned from actor and Committed Impulse teacher, Josh Pais. When you find yourself slipping into your mind, losing focus on what's going on in front of you, say to yourself, "I'm Back". 

You can even say it aloud (just make sure you're not with someone, or they might think you're crazy). This shakes your consciousness out of whatever mental loop you were stuck in, and brings you back to the NOW.

3. Make eye contact. You can always tell when you've lost someone's attention. Whether they're looking off in another direction, checking their phone, or seem as if they are staring right through you.

It may seem uncomfortable at first, sometimes because the other person is taken off guard by your sudden genuine attention. But once established, you allow for a real connection to take place.

4. Focus on your daily tasks. I don't think most of us LOVE washing dishes or folding laundry. As a way to avoid these boring duties, our minds begin to latch on to something more exciting. When you see your thoughts begin to veer off the task at hand FOCUS. Feel the sensation of the act. Give it every ounce of your attention. Make every movement have a purpose.

5. Try something new. The familiar keeps us safe and stuck. New experiences help to open us up. By allowing them into our lives we HAVE to pay attention, because we're taking part in something we've never done before. Go sky diving, take a painting class, join a team. Do ANYTHING out of YOUR ordinary.

6.  Chop wood. Carry Water. Recognize you can only do one thing well at a time. Human beings can’t really multi-task effectively. We can do many things in rapid succession or mix automatic with non-automatic actions. "When you sweep, sweep. When you sit, sit. When you walk, walk. Chop wood, carry water...this is the core of mindful living and the essence of evolving into a conscious being." (source) 

When you have a conversation with a person -- any person -- attend to them as if they are the most important person in the world! 

7. Free the pigeons! This is another technique from Josh Pais. Sit in your feelings of discomfort, pain, boredom. Witness them. Notice that feelings are actually physical. The tightening of your chest, racing heartbeat, sweaty palms, clenched jaw. 

We try to suppress those feelings like trying to hold pigeons under our shirt. Instead of holding them in, notice the feeling and where it lies in your body. Feel it. Now notice what happens after a few minutes…it goes away. And you are back.

8. Breathe. Even though we do it, every minute of every day, very rarely do we breathe with purpose. Deep, cleansing breaths are a great way to release toxins and give oxygen to your brain. But the best part of laser focused breathing is that you will find it impossible to think of anything else. You can't breathe in the past or in the future. Breath occurs only in the NOW.

Try it. Take a deep breathe in and say in your mind "Breathe in". Now exhale and say, "Breathe out." You have just brought yourself back to the present moment.

With love, Right NOW, From Granolaville, 

If you’re ready to really nourish your mind, body, and soul contact me for information about my one-on-one holistic coaching practice. 

Together we’ll create a personal plan of action to help you find more balance and bliss in your life. It’s time to embrace your natural awesomeness with Soul Fueled Living!

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Granolaville's Best of 2012

Wow! 2012 was a whirlwind. Filled with lots of people joining the Crunchy Revolution! We even survived the overly hyped Mayan Apocalypse. (sorry Mayans)

I look back at all the contributor posts and topics inspired by some of my favorite crunchy peeps and I'm so thankful I got to share all these tidbits with you.

I'll be sharing some BIG news via our next newsletter, so if you aren't a subscriber, get on it!

Sign Up For FREE Weekly Crunch

Just in case you didn't have a chance to peruse all the kick-ass recipes, fresh ideas, spiritual connections, or crunchy videos here's a look back at the Top 10 Crunchy Posts of 2012. 


The Perfect Avocado Grilled Cheese Sandwich

I didn't used to be a fan of avocado. Frankly any food that was green and mushy reminded me of baby poop. But when I started introducing solids, to my now 20 month old, avocado topped the list of non-allergenic foods that contained oodles of  healthy fats, with little taste to frighten his forming taste buds.

I figured if he could try something new, so could I. WOW...It was nothing like I imagined. It was smooth and had a buttery quality without the salt. From that day on I was putting avocado on EVERYTHING!...
Read More



9 Tips to Getting Better Sleep

My family and I are on this path to living a more natural and holistic life. We eat better, get moderate amounts of exercise, and try not to put anything in or on our bodies that will knock us off balance mentally, physically, or spiritually.

This morning my husband surprised me by coming home early from work. He said he wasn't feeling well and had gotten little sleep the night before....Read More

Fight the Cellulite, A Starter Guide to Clean Eating

I told my husband after the birth of my first son I refused to have a “Mommy Butt”. You know that flabby, saggy, flat area you see on women who have lost all muscle tone and definition in their once ample behind.

Having gained over 50 lbs (during two pregnancies) it was inevitable that my derriere would get out of place and start heading south...Read More



Do you Need Natural Living to be Easier Than a $10 Hooker?

So here's the deal my crunchy fabulous friends, I love you more than a fat kid loves cake...or in my case organic pumpkin cheesecake.

I also love giving you the BEST and SIMPLEST holistic and naturally living goodies on the inter-webs. The thing is, as with anyone on a journey, sometimes you need to stop right where you are, take a lay of the land and reassess where you want to go and how you want to get there...Read More


The Number One Form of Alternative Care

Chiropractic is the most popular form of alternative medicine, attracting an estimated 280 million visits annually and comprising the third largest profession in health care.  

Derived from Greek words meaning “done from hand,” chiropractic is based on the vital premise that the body has an innate intelligence, or inborn ability to heal.  This ability to heal is regulated through the nervous system, the master control system of the body.... Read More 

I Breast Feed & I Think the Time Magazine Cover Sucks

Finding Acceptance Can Set You Free

I hate being a stay at home mom. Actually, I used to hate it. Two years ago I wanted nothing more than to have the job of my dreams land in my lap (that fantasy usually included a fabulous suit, HUGE pay check, and commuting to NYC where I was appreciated for the amazing work I did).

Reality was quite different....Read More

9 Non-Edible Ways To Use Coconut

Over the last few months coconut oil has replaced all other oils in my pantry, aside from olive oil. When I began using it we had already become accustomed to coconut milk in lieu of cow's milk (though now we are strictly an almond milk family).  My dairy allergic son was even chowing down on coconut yogurt and ice cream. But I had no idea how many uses there were for coconut oil.... Read More

Top 5 Toxic Household Cleaners

You can research the internet until your fingers bleed trying to gather information on which products are safest, and which require a HAZMAT suit. Here's what I've learned: Never Trust Marketing.

Let's face it, companies spend millions, if not BILLIONS of dollars to convince you that THEIR product is the best. At a time when most people have become conscious of the "buzz" words like green, all natural, non-toxic and of course organic....Read More

Charting Your Cycle, How to Get Pregnant (or not) Naturally

Aunt Flo. Dot. My monthly friend or the beast from the East. Most women, from the time they hit puberty, are ruled by the cyclical nature of their bodies.

Some of us, for a time, are obsessed with avoiding pregnancy. Then all of a sudden we hit a certain age and ALL we can think about is making babies. But what do any of us really know about working with our bodies to plan a family?...Read More



Have a Happy & Healthy New Year From Granolaville,

Do Your Goals Have Soul?

Do you love to-do lists? Do you get all giddy setting lofty goals? Do you have a vision board filled with pictures of your perfect house, job, or soul mate?

If you are frantically shaking your head "YES" then what I'm about to say may not sit well with you.

Setting goals is meaningless...unless you've answered one simple question.

More on that in a minute.

But first, lets take a little trip to see how I thought I could create the life of my dreams.

Journals are Magical like Unicorns & Push-up Bras

That's what I believed. I was OBSESSED with getting a brand-spanking new journal. It was like a delicious hit of ecstasy. Each new year, or anytime I was ready to "start fresh", I would buy a beautiful empty book...with delicate flowers and soothing colors, to inspire my "new path". My intention was to turn everything I wrote into concrete results.

I would fill those blank pages with optimistic excitement for what was to come. New career paths, healthier eating, improved love-life, and firming my sagging ass were all things I "committed" to, at one point or another.

I thought if it was written down then the Universe would see that I was really serious about making these changes (even if I was dating loser guys and eating fast food 24/7).

I would visualize these AMAZING events happening in my life. And then I'd alter them, tweak them, and throw them out the window for a new set of aspirations. Each time, truly believing, that if I created the "perfect"  intention and followed through, the Universe would HAVE to respond.

No mind that some of my goals were unrealistic, not well thought out, or damn near scared me. They were going to get done!

Right?

Wrong!

It was only recently I realized that I was going about this completely backwards. Many of the books I've read in the past, like The Secret, made me feel as if I just thought about it hard enough or wanted it enough then the Universe would bring it my way.

If you add that with the practical application of organized, planned-out goal setting, my life should have reflected exactly what I had carefully cut and pasted onto those vision boards.

But here's the question I failed to ask when creating my master plan:

How do I want to feel?

Now you may be thinking, "Nacia, what does making 6 figures, getting abs of steel, or getting out of this crappy job have to do with how I feel? That sounds like woo-woo, hippy-dippy nonsense."

Here's the truth...we have goal setting upside down.

Your Desires Create the Fire

When planning the next phase or making the next move first we think about what we want. Next, we figure out what you have to do to get it.

But the truth of the matter is, it's not the promotion, new car, shoes, boyfriend, girlfriend or external accomplishment we work so hard for. It's the internal feeling we seek.

Inspirational, kick-ass, and moving author, Danielle Laporte puts it perfectly in her book, The Firestarter Sessions, when she says:

 Typically we come up with our to-do list, our bucket lists, and our strategic plans- all the stuff we want to have, get, and experience out side of ourselves. All of those aspirations are being driven by an innate desire to feel a certain way." What if, first, we got clear on how we actually wanted to feel within ourselves, and then we designed our to-do lists?

F-in genius! 

Seriously, this chapter of her book was like a super-duper AH-HA moment for me. It made me rethink of all the reasons why I "say" I want certain things, and determine what I really want.

Doing this simple exercise in her book helped me get clear about how I wanted feel so that I could do things that would lead me in that direction.

I want to make more money to have financial security for myself and my family. I want to work with women and moms because I'm passionate about our health and well-being. I need to be my own boss to feel powerful. I want to work with integrity so that I am respected. And lastly, I want to donate my time to people who can benefit from my help, so that I can feel a sense of giving.

Everything that we do begins with our desires, even the bad stuff. Shopping sprees, overeating, any kind of indulgent behavior stems from our need to feel a certain way. But with those behaviors always comes the shameful emotional crash.

So, if you can get really clear about the lasting feeling you want to create, making the decision about what to do becomes a lot easier.

Don't Give Up Your Sticky Notes

Try something for me. Write down 5 words that describe the way you want to feel in your life. Without judgement or second guessing. You want to feel rich, great! You want to feel sexy, bring it on baby! You want to feel powerful, awesome!

None of those desires are wrong. They're the fuel that fans your flames of inspiration, creativity, and your womanly super powers! So embrace them.

Put those words of power on the mirror in your bathroom, on your computer monitor, or on the dashboard of your super-mom mini van. Let them guide your words and your actions, each and every day.

If you are looking to dive further into designing your life from your desires, Danielle Laporte will be launching a beautiful new product called the Desire Map that I've been able to preview. The Desire Map is a multimedia program with a PRINTED book (it’s embossed, even!) a downloadable book, audio book, a series of audio contemplations; a private, online Desire Map space; an app, and 12 weeks of weekly inspiration to help people make desire-mapping a true practice.

I only recommend stuff that I truly believe in and this book absolutely fits the bill. Buy it for yourself. Give it to your family, coworkers, the PTA president. EVERYONE should read this.

We all make plans. Long-term, like for a family vacation, career moves, house renovations, or short-term plans like what dress to wear on date night or whether to have a bubble bath or a shower. Why not choose things that light you up inside?

Tell me 3 things you want to feel, right now. 

 Feeling Your Awesomness in Granolaville, 

 

Full disclosure: I’m a HUGE fan of Danielle, and I’ve signed up as an affiliate for this program, because I think it’s going to be excellent. I’m super picky about doing the affiliate thang: I only do it when I have complete confidence in the quality and integrity of the stuff I’m helping to sell, and I think it will be of interest to my readers. I think Danielle is a rock-star at Holistic Living, I trust her integrity, and I love her work. I hope you will, too.

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Fresh Idea Friday: Are You Up For Something Awesome?

Today, I'm embarking on an adventure. I know you might consider searching high and low for missing Lego Ninjago pieces an adventure, but this is a little different.

You see, almost 8 months ago I created this website. I wanted it to be a space where anyone, but especially  you moms, could get straight up, no frills, natural living information that wasn't going to overwhelm you. Sharing these tidbits of holistic living tips with all you lovelies has been one of the best things I've ever done.

Those first few weeks I wondered if people would stop commenting, liking, or sharing posts once the shiny newness had worn off. Yet week after week you all kept coming back (crazy!) Granolaville's readership has grown to almost 4,000 pageviews each month, and I owe it all to you!

So, in the grand scheme of things 4k isn't THAT big of a deal (especially when the Epic Rap Battle Between Obama and Romney has 15 million views....wahhh?). But I'm still SO appreciative and grateful for all the support.

Now, it's time to kick it up a notch! Which leads me to my adventure!

I am so beyond thrilled and excited to attend Marie Forleo's Rich, Happy & HOT LIVE in NYC this weekend. If ya'll aren't familiar with Marie, she is like the Marketing Moses for creative and spunky women who want to start their own business or grow an existing one.

I've never been to this kind of conference before, but the way she presents information is some of the most honest, thoughtful and fun stuff around. There's no slick marketing, or "get rich quick" schemes happening with her. You can just tell from her plethora of videos on MarieTV that she really loves what she does and cares about the people she's helping.

Marie's insightful and fresh approach to business considers the WHOLE person, mind, body, and soul. And that's what we are ALL about here in Granolaville! Even the wise Ms. Oprah realized her gifts by inviting her on Super Soul Sunday as a guest.

So this weekend I'm getting a crash course in all the things that can make my life, and hopefully yours, full of all the holistic goodness we are searching for.

I want our community to get bigger and better, so that holistic living can be easy for EVERYONE!

SO off I go, on my new adventure that will hopefully bring all of closer to the Crunchy Revolution!

When was the last time you went on a real adventure? Please share in the comments section below!

Following the Yellow Brick Road to Granolaville, 

Wellness Wednesday: The 3 Secrets to Shaping a Healthy Life

For months we've been talking about all the things you can do to achieve optimal holistic wellness. From creative and inexpensive ways to get a fat burning workout, to eating healthy on a dime, and 7 mantras that can change your life, creating a healthy lifestyle is just a matter of time and dedication.

If you are just starting your journey towards holistic and natural wellness you might not have a clear picture of what it is.

Obviously wellness is going to mean different things for different people, depending on life circumstances. But the key is to find what works best for you.

Now for the question at hand: What is Wellness?

To me wellness means finding a healthy balance of mind, body and soul. Each of those aspects deserve the same amount of attention.

1. Be Mindful

Life can get crazy. Which means it's very easy to get swept up in DOING, instead of just BEING. Our minds are constantly analyzing, remembering, strategizing, computing, and taking is loads of information . It can get exhausting. Learning to clear your mind through meditation can help you get rid of the "noise" and focus what is really important to you.

Having a clear mind also allows you to let go of whatever might be causing you stress, which can impact your physical health if gone unchecked.

2. Love your Body

Fitness products and "health" foods are billion dollar industries, but we can get caught up in the latest trend and forget that sometimes simpler is better. Achieving wellness in your body is a matter of getting out what you put in. When you consciously eat real foods you are giving your body permission to operate in a way that will make you feel alive with energy.

Your body WANTS to be healthy-- it yearns for healthy fats, whole vitamins, proteins, and minerals. And when you give it what it needs it WON'T fail you.

In addition to nourishing your body with healthy food, it also needs a moderate amount of activity. Luckily "working out" doesn't have to mean pricey gym memberships. Use the world around you. If you can break a sweat for just 20 minutes a day doing things like gardening, cleaning your house from top to bottom, or playing out in the yard with your kids, you'll have gotten in your "exercise" without making it feel like a chore.

3. Listen to your Spirit

When I talk about spirit I'm not speaking of your religious affiliation or even the higher power you may or may not believe in. I'm talking about YOUR spirit.

We often like to place blame on external factors for what's going on in our lives. "My boss sucks, my husband doesn't understand, my kids are out of control, my mother did this to me what I was a child." Deflecting our attention to others can  relieve some tension for a time, but those uncomfortable feeling always seem to return.

Instead, we can all benefit from turning inward to see what's stopping us from achieving wellness. Holding on to anger, not acknowledging fear, or ignoring sadness can manifest physically if not examined. Letting go of pain, learning to love yourself unconditionally, and seeing the joy around you can start you on a path to finding wellness in the rest of your life.

We all deserve to have a fulfilling and healthy life. Figuring out what wellness looks like for you is the first step to making it happen.

Which of these 3 areas are most challenging for you?

Finding a Balance in Granolaville, 

Thoughtful Thursday: I Won the Lottery....Now What?

I won the lottery. 366 Million dollars, to be exact. And it’s all mine. Now what?

That’s the vision I held last night in my mind when my, usually even-tempered, husband burst in with two freshly printed lotto tickets and gleam in his eye.

I was immediately taken aback by the sheer confidence in his voice. He was so sure that we had just been set up for life that I began to ponder what this amazing twist of events would actually mean.....

Once we settled all of our debt (which is thankfully only our house and my semi-massive student loan), took care of our parents, and put aside college tuition for our 3 boys, there would still be a whole-hell-of-a lotta dinero to be spent.

Sure we’d splurge on a great vacation, somewhere tropical like Costa Rica. I’d get my husband that boat he’s always dreamed of--equipped with all the bells and whistles to sail on Lake George by our vacation house. I’d indulge in a brand spanking new car---nothing too crazy—just one that fits all of my boys various sporting gear (balls, sticks, pucks, etc.) without sacrificing luxury and my self-labeled “Cool Mom” status (aka NO MINI VANS).

We would definitely donate a portion to causes that have impacted our lives. My all-girls high school that supported me as a teenage mother and showed me the importance of being a strong woman would be included. We'd also give to the local soup kitchen where my family and I volunteer. It’s in desperate need of new facilities to service a growing population of struggling families.

OK we’re only down maybe 5 million. Jeez, spending money is harder then I thought.

My mind then drifted to what I would want to do, instead of what I would buy. I have dreams and aspirations, how would having all this money help them come to fruition?

It took me nearly 10 years, but recently I’ve gotten a clearer vision of the path that would help me fulfill my authentic potential, while balancing the demands of motherhood.

I’ve already begun the journey by creating this site to help myself and others get back to a more holistic and natural way of life. Nature is a beautiful thang---if we could all somehow tap into her balance and perfection I believe everyone would benefit.

Piggybacking off of my passion for living a more natural life, I’ve zeroed in on how I can help women achieve the most satisfying and safe birth experience by becoming a Birth Doula.

So now here I am, running a successful and resourceful holistic website, sharing in the wonders of life with my birthing mommies, and 360 million dollars richer. With all that money would I still want to continue my work?

You flippin betcha!

I realized, as I pondered the possibility of being able to buy or do anything I want....there’s not much I would change.

Don’t get me wrong, I know the ginormous responsibility of financial burdens would be lifted, which would allow for less stress and more appreciation. But if all that money was to disappear (hopefully AFTER all my bills, luxuries, and donations were paid for) would I still be happy?

The answer is a content and jubilant---YES!!!!

That’s how I know I am living the life of my soul’s creation. No amount of money could change that fact that right here and right now--- I am happy.

So what does this mean for you? How are you supposed to find your bliss without the aid of millions of dollars?

Find something...anything. Big or small, that you can incorporate into your life TODAY that makes you excited to get out of bed. Whatever it is, make sure it’s something you would want to do EVEN IF you had millions of dollars at your disposal.

You deserve to find happiness and pleasure, and it shouldn’t be dependent on how much money you have in your wallet. Do something that makes you proud, grateful, spreads love, or is just plain useful.

What's ONE thing you can do to feed your passion TODAY?

Following My Happy in Granolaville,

Thoughtful Thursday: Are Your Ready To Get "UnStuck"?

The secret of getting ahead is getting started.
The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks
into small manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one.
- Mark Twain

The first words of anything I write are usually the hardest and most painstaking. I usually re-write the first sentence over and over again, holding down the backspace until the page is blank once again.

In most areas of my life I'm a "fly by the seat of my pants"/ "throw caution to the wind" kind of gal. I don't plan much, but once I get the the spark of an idea, I tackle it... almost immediately.

But when I begin the process of writing something new I seem to over-analyze, second guess, and become stuck in the fear that it isn't perfect from the start. 

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. - Lao Tzu

I remember when I came up with the idea of creating Granolaville. I had a vision, in my head of what it would look like, the kind of content we would share, and the importance of building a community of natural living, crunchy peeps, like myself. I spent 4 months designing the page you are looking at right now.

I tweaked colors schemes, layouts, heading names until I felt I had gotten it just right. Meanwhile, I couldn't put together one single post to save my life! My husband told me not to worry about the presentation--- if the content was good people would read it anyway.

I told him that's not how I rolled.

I needed to have a physical outline to get my creative juices flowing---an empty Word document just wasn't going to cut it. Once I got started creating content for Granolaville each post got easier and easier. But from time to time I still struggle with those first words.

Case in point: I told myself once school was back in session for my rambunctious boys, I would begin work on a project I am REALLY passionate about, and that I believe, will bring support and value to a lot of women.

But here is my issue...my brain won't let the words flow until I have a title for this currently unnamed work. The title of this series, for me, is like that first corner piece you use in a puzzle that frames the outer edge. Without it I'm just haplessly trying to fit together all the wrong middle pieces.

I'm SO ready to move forward with this project, now its just a matter of clearing my mind, taking a deep breath, and allowing the creativity to flow. I have to let go of my desire for perfection, choose a title (even if it IS temporary) and not use this one stumbling block as a reason to procrastinate.

To change ones life: Start immediately. Do it flamboyantly.
- William James 

Life can be overwhelming. Juggling, what seems like, a million responsibilities. But, if we are able to just tackle one small piece of the puzzle, each day, before we know it we will be able to step back and look at the masterpiece we've created.

So get started! Begin that craft project you've been meaning to do, start that clean eating plan you've been meaning to follow, register for that class that will help you get your degree. It's the small steps lead to greatness!

Are you ready to get unstuck in whatever part of your life that's holding you back? Share your thoughts below.

Getting Started in Granolaville, 

Wellness Wednesday: 10 Ways Getting "Your Sexy Back" Improves Your Health

I'm a HUGE fan of Justin....Timberlake, that is. Before there was all this "Bieber Fever" I had "N'SANITY" for him and his merry band of clean-cut dancing boys. Granted, no one ever used that term, but I think it suits them well.

Now that N'SYNC fans are pushing their mid-thirties, it seems a little odd for anyone of us to be getting all hot n' bothered over some gyrating hips and sweet harmonies. As women, we've grown and realized we need something a little bit steamer than a kid who's face is a smooth as my toddlers ass.

I mean really, Justin Bieber looks like a sweet-faced lesbian.

Many women have been hard-pressed (or not hardly pressed enough, hehehe) to find time to get back their own sexual swag. (I'm trademarking that one too).

Ladies of the world today are hustling. Whether we are raising kids, running a multi-million dollar company, or working more jobs than a Jamaican, time is limited. I can bet most of us have a laundry list of things to do and I'll bet getting good action between the sheets, is NOT a top priority.

With all the hype around the literotica book Fifty Shades of Grey (which I loathe, but more on that in a minute) and the movie Magic Mike (which would've watched it WITHOUT the sound) I think A LOT of women have awoken some feelings that might have been dormant underneath piles of dirty dishes and diapers.

Good GOD I can't stare at this picture too long.

Channing Tatum half nekkid, showing off his dance moves is enough to get me hot and bothered. I mean really that man can do no wrong---he went from Step it Up to the romantic lead in The Vow, and now he's shaking his money maker as a moonlighting stripper. That's what I call talent!

Sorry, what were we talking about? Oh right getting YOUR sexy back.

Here's the thing ladies, sexual wellness is JUST as important as eating right, getting exercise, and 8 hours of sleep each night. You might not read that in any medical journal but this crunchy mama wouldn't lie to you.

Think about the euphoria that bursts from within when you've had a good...long, romp in the hay. Hell, even a "git 'er done" short session can hit the spot. Whether it's quantity or quality you are looking for, a healthy sex life is good for you---mind, body, and soul.

It's so great that women are open enough to talk about devouring erotic fiction like Fifty Shades....on Facebook nonetheless. I am all for you being inspired to get your freak on in the freakiest way that you and your partner consent to. But for the love of all that is holy---PLEASE read better literature than that train wreck of soft-core porn, where the only way a meek, self conscious young girl (who's actually 21) can get off is to be dominated by a narcissistic prick.

Come on ladies you deserve better! Once again, I digress.

Back to you. I want YOU to be as sexually fulfilled as I know every husband in America was the night their wife watched Matthew McConaughey's dripping abs flex all over that dance floor.

Mmm, mmm, mmmmmmm.

 In order to convince you of the importance of ample sexy time here are 9 Ways Getting Your Sexy Back Can Improve Your Health:

1. SEX relieves stress and lowers your blood pressure. Who needs a yoga class, this stuff is free!
2. It can help strengthen your immune system. The more you "get some" the more antibodies called immunoglobulin A your body makes which can ward off cold viruses and other infections
3. Thirty minutes of sex can burn up to 85 calories. Say goodbye to the treadmill!
4. Knockin boots improves your heart health. A study found that men who had sex more than twice a week were 50% less likely to have a heart attack. (You could save your man's life!)
5. Great sex boosts your self esteem. I know when I've rocked my husband's world I feel pretty damn good about myself.
6. Orgasms help create intimacy. As if the act of showing your man every dip and valley of your body wasn't revealing enough---climaxing releases the love hormone called oxytocin which stimulates bonding and trust.
7. Sex reduces pain. No more using the old "I have a headache" excuse, oxytocin is also a natural pain reliever.
8. Getting your groove on (sorry I'm running out of terms) also helps you sleep better. Just look at any man after sex, ever.
9. Strong pelvic floor muscles. If you are over the age of 40 or you've had children you know that sometimes a hearty sneeze or laugh can send an uncomfortable amount of moisture to your pants. Tightening your pelvic floor with kegals during sex can help you avoid future wetness. No more pee-pee pants!!!!

So there you have it. All the reasons why you should put down your phone, turn off the computer and go jump someones bones. Your health depends on it!

On a scale of 1-10, 1 being the priority, where does sex fall for you?

Feeling Frisky in Granolaville, 

Thoughtful Thursday: Meditation - Repairing Your Mind, Body, and Spirit

 Do you ever get tired of living a stressed out life? Does it ever make you feel like you aren’t even in touch with your body? I know that I often feel like my body is working against me. This can be tough, feeling like we aren’t really connected with ourselves, we’re just lugging our bodies around to get things done. Then we go to bed and get up and do it all over again.

Believe it or not, simply taking time out of your day to calm your mind and center yourself can have a big impact on your well-being. We take for granted how much our emotional health plays into how we feel physically. There are several things that you can accomplish physically, emotionally, and spiritually through meditation that have the ability to make you feel like a new person. The following tips can help you start living a healthier and more spiritual life through meditation. 

Get Up and Do It
Start your day off right and meditate in the morning. Give your mind and body something to look forward to when you drag yourself out of bed. This will give a kick start to your day and prepare your mind for the day’s activities. 

Say Goodbye to Stress
Integrating meditation into your daily lifestyle will relax your body while calming your mind. This will not only help you to control your emotions, but it will give you mental stability and clarity of thought. Why carry over all the stress that’s still built up from yesterday? Get it out of your system. Your body will thank you. The health effects of stress are connected to many major health issues including cancers, heart and lung disease. 

Don’t Hurt Yourself
If you find the meditation positions you see in magazines and on TV scary, have no fear. The idea is to be comfortable, allowing your entire body to relax. You can meditate while lying down, sitting cross-legged, or even in a chair. Whatever position you choose, just make sure your back is straight. No slouching is allowed. Other than that, get comfortable. After time, you might want to try some of the more common meditation positions. 

Set the Stage
The key is to focus. You can’t have the TV playing in the background or your iPod blaring in your ears. Find a quiet spot away from the hum of the air conditioner or the sounds of your kids. Try to incorporate some aromatherapy. Don’t use anything too strong. A nice soft pleasant scent will do the trick. 

Start With the Basics
You can always kick it up later and incorporate more advanced techniques. For starters though, try something like this. Go to your quiet spot in the house. Remember, no interruptions. Get into your chosen position. Relax your body and straighten your spine, not tense just straight. Breathe in and out, deeply and regularly and focus on your breathing. While you’re breathing, choose a sound to hum on your exhales, like "Ohm." Use your breathing to redirect your thoughts when they wander, because they will. During your meditation, make yourself aware of your body. Focus on every sensation in your body, the aches and pains. As they dissolve, remain focused and clear your mind. Do this for 10 to 20 minutes.

Try this for a week, and if you don’t feel better, you’re not doing it right. Meditation can make all the difference in the world, if taken seriously. You will find yourself feeling lighter, happier, and less stressed. Your health will most likely improve and those aches and pains will lessen over time. It’s amazing what we can do with our minds if we will only just give them a chance.

What's the hardest part about meditating for you?

Finding my Zen in Granolaville,

~ David  

David Hock tries to adhere to a healthy and productive lifestyle; he is a contributing author at lifeinsurancequotes.org.