Ever feel like you're stuck in a rut, even when you know exactly how to get out? We all have those moments – wanting to eat healthier 🥗, exercise more 💪, pick up that new skill. We know it's good for us, logically. Yet, the couch seems comfier 🛋️, the takeout menu more appealing 🍕, and that new skill… well, tomorrow, right?

In light of our recent comfort food conversation [Access the Replay in the Member Center, Not a member? Join the membership and listen to this and other wellness trainings.], this push-and-pull, this desire for change battling against a surprising resistance, is what we can call the "paradox of change."

And today, I am on a spree of really digging deep into the subject of all the whys and reasons. Why is it that we so often trip ourselves up on the path to becoming who we want to be?

It's not a simple case of lacking willpower. Instead, it's a fascinating interplay of how our minds are wired, the comfort we find in the familiar, and even some deeply ingrained ...

The Comfort Food Myth: Why It's Actually Discomfort Food

Let's be honest, we all crave comfort. Especially when life gets overwhelming, those familiar foods seem like the perfect escape. But are they truly comforting, or are we falling for an illusion?

The Phases of Comfort Food

I want to break down our experience with comfort foods into three crucial phases. And you know what? This applies to more than just food – exercise, conversations, even difficult interactions – it's all about the same underlying patterns.

This isn't just about food; it's about understanding how our choices impact us on multiple levels – physically, emotionally, and mentally.

Phase 1: Immediate Gratification (Seconds)

That first bite, the initial rush – it's pure, immediate pleasure. Our bodies release dopamine and endorphins, those feel-good hormones. This is the hook, the instant reward that draws us back.

Phase 2: The 15-20 Minute Reality Check

The honeymoon phase is over. Within 15-20 minut...

Let's get real for a moment:

It's not just about what we eat; it's about why we eat and who we are while we're eating.

Prefer to listen?

We all know food is a huge part of our lives, just like sleep and movement.

And...

"You are what you eat," they say, and we often focus on the "what." We think about the nutrients, the calories, the labels, the ingredients.

But what about the deeper stuff?

• What about those cravings?
• Why do we reach for certain foods?
• What are the childhood memories or emotional triggers behind our choices?

That's where the Wellness Vortex approach comes in. We start with the foundational habit: curiosity. Put on your "curiosity glasses" on and start asking questions:

• Why am I craving this?
• What comfort does it offer?
• What qualities am I seeking – crunchy, sweet, salty, a certain color or temperature?
• Am I stressed? Rushing? Eating mindlessly?

We need to explore the "why" behind our food choices. Maybe we're lonely, frustrated, or simp...

 Your heart is a muscle. Do your reps to build strength.

Let's talk about three rounds we all have to do to keep our hearts strong.

As a wellness and fitness coach who teaches mindset, nutrition, and fitness, I believe and teach that you must start with your own love for yourself before you nurture relationships with others. So, let's build two sessions: Session one is love through self-care. Session two is love through relationships with others.

Session one: Love through self-care.

We will have three rounds with fun sets! Let's go!

Round 1. Mindfulness. Love yourself.

• Set 1. Morning Mirror Exercise: Look at yourself in the mirror and say, "I love you," ten times. Give grace to yourself if it feels hard at the beginning.
• Set 2. Afternoon Calm: Quiet your mind throughout the day. Practice mindful awareness of your senses (sight, sound, touch, smell, taste). In the upcoming members training on February 28th, 3:30 PM CST, we will be covering these essential tools. 
• Set 3. Eve...

 The champagne cork has popped, the glitter settled, and the blank slate of a new year beckons. But with it comes the inevitable flood of resolutions, often destined to fade with the January frost.

Do you know that January 10th was a National New Year Resolutions Quitter Day?

This year, break the cycle! Ditch the "all or nothing" approach and embrace a sustainable strategy for lasting change. Here are 3 crucial things you can do right now to avoid resolution failure and set yourself up for success:

1. Zoom Out, Then Refocus: See Far, Aim Close

Start by anchoring your goals in your deepest "why." What do you truly want your life to look like, not just in a year, but at the end of a decade? What values do you want to guide your journey? Check out the "Why" blog post.

Now, break down that ambitious vision into achievable milestones. Think stepping stones: goals for 3 months, 2 months, 1 month, even weekly and daily. Each small action propels you forward, making the long-term...