What's in Your Survival Kit?

What can stop those wrapped up feelings? Do you have things that make you feel a little relaxed, maybe can even get you to laugh?When I am starting to feel pretty crummy or maybe even feel that Panic Monster creeping around, there are a few things that really make me feel better.It's really funny what simple things can really flip the switch, but it is very different for everyone. What do you love to do? What brings back great memories? Maybe gives you that cozy feeling?

The things that help me are:

· Lavender Lotion

· Funny shows on TV. I like Seinfeld, Frasier, and reruns of Love Boat & Dallas :)

· Taking a walk in the park

· Playing those online mindless video games

· Having my favorite dinner - Mexican!

· Calling one of my supportive friends

· A spa style bath

· Surprisingly - getting organized and cleaning out clutter helps get my mind off of how my body feels and keeps me focused on the task.

· Listening to my favorite music on my MP3

· Having a pot of Green Tea & reading a good book (sometimes it is hard to relax with this one if I am wound up)

Your mission today is to find a page in your journal and make a list of things you can do when you are having a rough day. Remember this is about changing your life pattern. It won't change overnight, but you will begin to see a big difference before long. Have Faith!Have you printed out the sheets for the daily healing journal? Find a great binder, one from the Garage is fine. Dust it off & let's get started. I am right here with you! Don't worry.1st page of your Binder should be The Contract for Freedom. Have you signed one yet? You can find that one here.Here is the link for the Healing Journal. Don't want to waste ink & paper? We have them bundled up for you in the Egg Shop & they are ready to ship to you today. Each book contains 31 sheets for the month, the contract & workout log.Keep me posted on how you are feeling or if you have any questions.

I love hearing from you!

Wishing you a peaceful day,

Amy

Quote of the Day

"It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is the most adaptable to change."
-Charles Darwin

Closer to Your Goal

The other day I was talking with someone and they said something that really changed the way I was thinking.

"In everything you do ask yourself if that is bringing you closer to your goal." What a thought! So over the last week I have kept this thought in the forefront of my mind. It has really helped. Have a bad thought? Think "is this bringing me closer to my goal...Nope - push it out". Ice Cream "Nope", Toxic People "Nope".

Trying living with a little purpose. We have been knocked down for so long it's time to stand up and decide enough is enough.

So today try it, as things come along ask yourself is this brining you closer to Breaking Free & being in the best physical and mental shape of your life.

You will be amazed at how effective this tool really is.

Hope today is a great day for you. I am here if you need a boost!

All the best,

Amy

Quote of the Day

"If you want to live a happy life, tie it to a goal, not to people or things."~ Albert Einstein

Don't Get Discouraged!

You know what is really hard? You are working so hard to regain your life and you have a meltdown or the world is knocking down your door.

It's really hard to stay on track when you feel beat & discouraged. All I can say is don't. On this journey you will have days that test your progress, times that make you feel like you are failing. Well, it's all about how you learn to handle these tests. Soon you will see the rewards for your hard work. A time that would have sent you into a spiral for days now lasts for an hour. You are able to breathe and push on through rather than panicking. You will feel your back straighten & the strength will begin to fill you up.

In the meantime keep up with all of your hard work, and stay focused!

Make sure you are working on:

Breathing to the belly

Feeding your body a nice clean diet

Fitting in daily Exercise

Working on those voices in your head with Journaling and moving the thoughts through

Feel true gratitude

Take time out for your Healing and Nesting times

Relax

See it's not so hard! It's all about building the steps to freedom. You will be loving life before long & everyone will what to know what happened to you. I have people surprised everyday that I was too afraid to leave my house three years ago. I wouldn't even make phone calls to people I didn't know. I am a new person, loving & living life.When these days come along, and they will, don't give up. Know that each one will bring you closer to your goal. Need a little help? Always feel free to drop me a note, I am here to help.

Hope today is one of the good days!

All the best,
Amy

Quote of the Day

"Confront the dark parts of yourself, and work to banish them with illumination and forgiveness. Your willingness to wrestle with your demons will cause your angels to sing. Use the pain as fuel, as a reminder of your strength." ~August Wilson

Did You Know

Did you know that food & supplements can make a difference?

As I started to learn about how things affected my body I was surprised to learn that nutrient deficiencies can cause anxiety/panic/depression like symptoms. It was surprising that food and nutrients can really make a difference in how you are feeling.

If you are interested in testing supplements always talk to your doctor. In our All About Supplements section we have some great information pages that will help inform & educate you. They are great to print out and share with your doctor to see if they may help you.

The supplements that I currently take are:
Twice Daily (Multi, Fish Oil, Mag. Chelate, Calcium Chelate)
B-Supreme
Gaba
5-HTP
PaleoFiber
Sometimes Insitol

Getting excited about how supplements can add to your Healing? Another great book to learn about how supplements could help is The Mood Cure by Julia Ross.

Have questions? Our Nurse Nutritionist Patrice can answer them.

Something that might surprise you is that some people can have minor food allergies and not even know it. I have found that keeping a food journal has opened my eyes to how my food works in my body. A new self discovery. We have the Free Daily Healing Journal for you in the Egg Printables Section or Bound copies are available in the Egg Store.

Have a question or want to let me know how you are? Feel free to email me anytime. I love hearing from you.

All the best,
Amy

Quote of the Day

"Our food should be our medicine and our medicine should be our food."~ Hippocrates

When is Your Healing Time?

Today I want you to think of another time in your day. This focus is on "The Healing Hour".The Healing Hour is one hour in your day when you do something that shifts your focus on your movement toward healing. The time I schedule this fluctuates everyday. Although I get up before my family so that I can meditate and focus on my day before it begins. I also add fitness in most everyday. You can make yours at the same time or just choose a time that works for that day.

Have a family? Sit down in a family meeting and let them know about this new addition to the schedule. Pick a time when they can leave you alone for a little while. You need to focus on your healing. Explain the benefits for the whole family. Your happy and calm - so the the family.

Here are a few ways to spend that time:

· Exercise

· Read a book or reputable website ( motivation, nutrition, stress management, exercise)

· Declutter your home & simplify your life· Listen to a Podcast or Meditation Music

· Do something for yourself that helps relieve stress· Practice your Hatching Techniques

· Journal

I know how busy life can be! Sometimes I wonder if I could fit one more thing in. Truth is you need this time & you can't feel guilty at all. It's just about planning your day the best you can before it starts. We all have surprises in our day, but make this time a priority. It's ok if you break this time down throughout your day too. Sometimes it really helps to just "go on break for a few minutes". Just try to make that time uninterrupted if possible.

Just put this little thought in your mind & maybe you can find time tomorrow. Don't jam your day full of commitments, right now you need a little space and time to Heal. You are not good to anyone if you are not good to yourself first!

I am always here if you need me. Drop me a note anytime!


All the best,
Amy

Quote of the Day

"Healing is a matter of time, but it is sometimes also a matter of opportunity."-- Hippocrates

Having a Hard Time Moving?

Have physical issues?
Feel like you can't jog, walk or run?

No worries, there are lots of activities to get that body moving! The more you move, the more you will get those stress busters moving in the right direction.

Here are some great ideas to get moving:
· Use a low impact DVD (My daughter and I have fun using the Yoga Booty Series)

· Download free Yoga MP3s at http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=7jb8w8cab.0.0.kmyfvncab.0&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.yogadownloads.com%2F&id=preview

· Put on your favorite music and boogie

· Play with the kids

· Try the Free No Excuses 6 minute Workout

· Learn about strength training - I use the TNT Diet Workout. It's a little advanced, but you don't have to add cadio and the results are huge!

Did you know?

· Exercise will increase Serotonin, Dopamine, Endorphins.

· Research has shown that as little as eight minutes of exercise can reduce anxious feelings & reduce sadness.

· Will increase energy & stimulate the relaxation response in the body.

· Exercise can regulate sleeping patterns and reduce insomnia.

· Researchers at Duke University studied people suffering from depression for 4 months and found that 60% of the participants who exercised for 30 minutes three times a week overcame their depression without using antidepressant medication. Same percentage as those who only used medication.

All great reasons to get moving!

Here's to your health,

Amy

***Print the Workout log today & plan your workouts! Makes you accountable...Write in Pen!

Quote of the Day

"There are short-cuts to happiness, and dancing is one of them." ~Vicki Baum

Get Centered

What does "being centered" mean to you? What image does it bring to mind? For me I see a woman in a yoga pose able to relax and be perfectly still.

Though all of the anxiety, panic, depression & stress that is one thing that I never felt - centered. I think off- balanced is a good term. The big question is how to achieve that.

A great start is to make your health your hobby. Get really excited about the idea of feeling better.

Some great ideas to help you feel a little more centered are:
· Take up yoga
· Work on your breathing exercises
· Listen to meditation CDS
· Take a walk daily, just enjoy your surroundings
· Exercise, get those chemicals flowing
· Eliminate the sugar and caffeine from your diet - no more diet related roller coasters
· Journal
· Read - Inspirational or Daily Devotionals

Remember how important you are. Once you make small changes - you will start to see big improvements.

Wishing you all the best,
Amy

What to Eat?

Hatch Into Health
with Patrice McArthy, R.N. B.S.N.

Let's cover some of Freedom Step One that has been fundemental to Amy's recovery - nutrition. I completely agree that she placed it at the top for it is critical for your health and we all know this, right? But there's so much conflicting information, and too much misinformation out there regarding nutrition that it becomes confusing and frustrating! We have to wonder, what on earth SHOULD I be eating and avoiding?

It's best to keep it simple and I tell my clients what I learned from another nutrition expert. Here is a really super simple answer to - what do I eat?
Real Food
Mostly Plants
Not so muchAnother way to think of this is -"Does it move around or come from the ground?"

Real food - we know what this means. Real, whole foods, not processed. Not from a bag or a box or a wrapper. Not a "FrankenFood". Not fast food eaten in a "dashboard dining" fashion. This of course eliminates plenty of troublesome things such as additives, preservatives, pesticides, herbicides, hormones, antibiotics, colorings, neurotoxins like aspartame and MSG, HFCS (high fructose corn syrup), added sugar, "flavorings", and the list goes on. Whole foods in their most untouched state. Food we have to touch, handle, chop and prepare. We should feel a connection to our food and be grateful when we purchase it, handle it, prepare it for consumption or even eat it raw. I'm stating the obvious when I say eating this way adds into our diet the antioxidents, phytonutrients, vitamins, minerals and fiber that we need for optimum health.

Mostly Plants - if it grows from the ground, from a vine, or from a tree it is nature's food ready made to go into your body! Our ancesters from Paleolithic times ate this way and our bodies were designed to receive and digest these foods.Not so much - I need help here. I try to remember what it was like not to be hungry all the time. I have insulin resistance (aka metabolic syndrome or prediabetes) so this is a struggle for me. But when I eat properly and take my supplements my hunger declines and my cravings lessen. More on this in the future. Emotional eating is a problem for many and we medicate our anxiety with food, usually the wrong foods. I've never known someone to binge and overeat broccoli or spinach.

When struggling with stress, anxiety and depression it becomes very difficult to take care of ourselves and nourish our bodies with proper nutrition. If you begin by making small changes, not too overwhelming, your body can respond in turn. Try eating more salad - use precut veggies to save time. Find a favorite salad dressing recipe or if you can only manage prepared dressings, thin them down with filtered water or skim milk and use less. Amy loves just simple vinegar on her salads and I am going to try this as well and give myself a chance to like it. I made coleslaw last night with a quick homemade dressing and used prepackaged slaw. It came together in a jiffy. It was naturally sweet with cabbage and carrots and left us very satisfied. Of course smoothies and green drinks are great as well. I will get some recipes up on the site.

I know it's hard to eat healthfully when you're in the daily struggle - next time you're making a food choice ask yourself if it fits in the above categories. If not, think about it again the next time you have an opportunity. Be kind to yourself and avoid beating yourself up. Every effort counts, every effort matters!

Please ask any health or nutrition question anytime - I'm here to help.

Wishing you wellness,
Patrice

Quote of the Day

"Worry is a thin stream of fear trickling through the mind. If encouraged, it cuts a channel into which all other thoughts are drained."~ Arthur Somers Roche

Get Crackin'

Now that you have begun yourEgg Washing, it's time to Get Crackin'. We all have our times that we feel like hiding under the bed and wishing our current situation would change. But really how's that working...Not very well I bet.

So the first step is to get mad, Rattle Your Cage & decide today that you are not going to live another day like this. It's time to put yourself first! What worked for me was to jump in body, mind and soul. I decided I was going to turn my life upside down and run it completely different. What I did is laid out in the Steps to Freedom.

Print out the Steps to Freedom, the Contract, and a few pages of the Daily Healing Journal to begin with. Dust off that binder under your bed and this is your Egg Action Plan. For the next period of time may be 90 days or more your focus is on you. It's all about your healing.

Your important & your life could be fantastic, I'm proof! I was at the bottom and found my way out. It really wasn't as hard as I thought, just had to make the decision to do it.

If you need motivation make sure you sign up for all the egg support, listen to the archive radio program and email me anytime.

Thanks for allowing me to be a part of your journey, it just so eggciting!

All the best,
Amy

Quote of the Day

"Often he who does too much does too little. "~Italian Proverb

Egg Washing

Everyone needs gentle reminders to stay on track. Studies have shown that repetitive messages help these thoughts sink in and soon will become habits.

These new ideas will eventually replace the negative, anxious, worried thoughts that you currently struggle with. Then you will be able to funnel that energy into creative, purpose filled visions.

The support that we have in place at the egg is like none you will find anywhere. All of our reminders and daily messages are available to you without charge and come directly to your email to reinforce the message of finding freedom.

This process is not about reinventing yourself, just improving on what's there and using all of that creative energy in a positive way rather than the destructive one it has taken.

Have faith, "fake it until you make it". Rattle Your Cage, decide today that you are not going to live another day like this. I have been to the bottom and found my way out. I am always here to offer any support or answer any questions you may have.

So Get Crackin'...Great things are waiting for you!

All the best,
Amy

Quote of the Day

"Repetition of the same thought or physical action develops into a habit which, repeated frequently enough, becomes an automatic reflex." Norman Vincent Peale

Be Grateful

Three years ago we lost four important family members within a year. All of them unexpected and very tough. I think it was a true test of my anxiety & stress management.

This week with the Farrah Fawcett story, it has brought a lot of those memories back. One of our family members that we lost was my StepMom who died of colon cancer six months after her diagnosis. She was 62. I had to help my father through her treatment knowing that it was not going to end well. Her battle was an eye opening experience for me. I was able to share with her my occurring recovery and she was so happy that I wanted to find a way to share it.

So today, take a breath and say "Thank You" for all of the issues in life that you are NOT dealing with. Most of us are very healthy, we just need to work on these few areas in our lives and we will go on to great things. Hug your family or drop a note to someone important in your life. Be excited about the path your on and what life has to show you.

I just want to share with you that you are so important to me. I am excited about your "hatching" & I am so honored that you let me share in the process. I look forward to the emails you send & love learning all about you.

Celebrate today & pray for those who are struggling with problems beyond their control.

All the best,
Amy

Quote of the Day

"Gratefulness is the key to a happy life that we hold in our hands, because if we are not grateful, then no matter how much we have we will not be happy -- because we will always want to have something else or something more."

~ Brother David Steindl-Rast

Learn to Roll with your Symptoms

This quote has filled my brain lately when I think of the anxiety I suffered for so long "What You Resist Persists" by Carl Jung. It's just a true statement.

It's almost as if the Anxiety and Panic feeds off of the tension, angst, frustration, sometimes terror. The more we fight or fear these feelings they grow.

One day I read an article that said while having a panic attack laugh at your symptoms. I thought that was the strangest thing I had ever heard, but at that point what did I have to lose. So my next panic attack I mocked my symptoms "That's the best you have....Oh that again". It really did help. The attack wasn't half as bad & I seemed to recover faster.

The next time you are wrapped in Pretzel Anxiety or suffering from a panic attack, repeat "What You Resist Persists" over and over again. Then laugh at the symptoms. See what happens. Let me know, I love to hear how these tools work for you.

We also have a download for panic attacks available on the site. It allows me to be there with you when you need me most.

I am always a click away, feel free to email me anytime & fill me in on how you are doing. I love hearing for you. Never feel like your question is too small.

Have a peaceful tomorrow,
Amy

Quote of the Day

"We all have dreams. But in order to make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline, and effort." Jesse Owens

Are you floating yet?

Are you drinking enough water?
This is such an important part to your healing!

Did you know the benefits of drinking water are:
Healthy skin · Flushes the Toxins · Keeps you Regular · Regulate Body Temperature · Speed up Metabolism · Reduce Cancer Risk · Lube Joins and Muscles · Improves Energy · Increase Mental and Physical Performance · Keeps you more Alkaline

Each person should have about half of their body weight in ounces. If you are working out, add more to rehydrate. Therefore, if you weigh 200 lbs. - you should be drinking 100 oz. per day. Don't forget to add this to your healing journal to keep track through the day.Try to limit coffee, tea & soda to one to two glasses a day. I like to have 1 cup of coffee in the AM & 1 cup of green tea in the evening. Rest of the day it's water for me. If you find coffee or tea make you a little more nervous, cut back or try decaf. I am not a big fan of artificial sweeteners, try to keep these to a minimum. They do not help with brain support. I currently use Stevia in my coffee.

Today take a look at your water consumption and see where changes might be necessary. Put it into full gear tomorrow. In a few days it will seem like no big deal. If you need some flavor add a little orange, lime or lemon juice to your water for variety. I carry a bottle of water everywhere I go during the day.

Here is the link for the Healing Journal. Don't want to waste ink & paper? We have them bundled up for you in the Egg Store & they are ready to ship to you today. Each book contains 31 sheets for the month.

Keep me posted on how you are feeling or if you have any questions. I love hearing from you!

Wishing you a peaceful day,

Amy

Quote of the Day

"Take rest; a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop."Ovid

Overwhelmed? Be a List Maker!

Are you overwhelmed? Find yourself running in circles not knowing where to start, only to have it increase your stress, anxiety & depression?

Here is an Easy Fix & It Doesn't Cost a Dime! What could be better?

Become a list maker. Every morning as I check my email I sit and write a list for things that I need to accomplish that day. If I am feeling overwhelmed I might make it really detailed. Sometimes my list might even start the night before. When you write your list, make sure that it follows your day.

Now here is the trick, once the list is made I don't go over my list or look it over. I simply use it as a guide. I go down my list as I accomplish a task I mark it off and move on to the next one. Only focus on the task at hand. Don't look at the whole picture, stay on track.

My family will often ask about something that will happen later in the week. My reply is often "I'm not there yet". I have really gotten in the habit of "being in the moment". Looking ahead or back really messes me up.

Start a simple list, don't make it too complicated. You will quickly find what works for you. This is to help you from feeling overwhelmed, not to make it worse. Let me know if you have any thoughts or questions.

Feel free to email me anytime & fill me in on how you are doing. I love hearing for you.

Happy list making,
Amy

Quote of the Day

"One of the secrets of getting more done is to make a TO DO List every day, keep it visible, and use it as a guide to action as you go through the day." - Jean de La Fontaine

Focus on Where You Want to Be

Most everyone who knows me knows that I pick a future date and focus that my problem will be better when that time arrives. It helps me put my issues on a shelf and move on for a while.

When my friends have hit troubled times I have brought them a Christmas Ornament so they can hang it up as a reminder that by December the problem won't be as big.

Today I would love for you to close your eyes just for a minute and imagine one small detail of what your life would be if you were not fighting this battle. What would you be able to do that you can't do now? Enjoy a party, fly on a plane, just relax? Now I want you to think of how life will be this year when Christmas comes around. You will be better than you are today if you place yourself at he top of that list & make "YOU" your hobby.

You will be happier, healthier & calmer! I am excited to share this journey with you. Feel free to email me anytime & fill me in on how you are doing. I love hearing for you.

Wishing you all the best,

Amy

Quote of the Day


"No life ever grows great until it is focused, dedicated and disciplined." ~ Unknown Author

Breathe in the Hope

When you are struggling with Anxiety, Depression and Panic the world seems very dark. It feels like no one knows how you feel.
If you had already found the tools you wouldn't be here, what do you have to lose!

I have heard a few times that their situation is different and how could changing a few things possibly make the feel better? Maybe some that others never told you about.

Well I have a few answers for you....

It's possible you are suffering from a few vitamin/mineral deficiencies.

You have trained your body how to handle stress.

Your food could be causing havoc in your system.

You could be full of caffeine, sugar and artificial sweeteners.

You have not been moving those chemicals and hormones are all out of whack.

You are dehydrated.

.....all of the above!

It was amazing to me that making changes in my lifestyle that really didn't cost me anything but time and effort could save my life!

So that brings me to why I am here with you. I vowed that if I found a solution and found myself again I would help everyone else. I don't want anyone to be alone or scared for a single moment. Get rid of the despair, take a deep breath and breathe in the hope that a new fabulous life is coming. It might not be tomorrow, but it will be soon...I promise. The more you put in to this the faster it will all happen. I receive letters everyday of lives that are being changed. It's exciting & you are next!

I am always here to offer support, be a cheerleader or answer any questions you have along the way.

Get fired up and jump in to our site with both feet. We have lots of support to help you!

Wishing you all the best,
Amy

Quote of the Day

"Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up."~ Thomas A. Edison

Check your Posture and Breathing

Are you sitting up straight? Is that breath able to get deep in your belly?Did you know that deep belly breathing will move the oxygen through the blood & help the lymphatic system move the toxins out? If your lymphatic system is slow or sluggish it could cause weight gain, muscle loss, high blood pressure, fatigue, and inflammation. A few years ago I realized that I am a very shallow breather. In times of stress I often hold my breath. That really messes up your body function. You are not getting enough oxygen & enough carbon dioxide is not going out. This can cause fatigue and brain fog. Deep breathing from the belly can start the relaxation response that will fight anxiety, stress and depression. I am not sure why but as I breathe deeper it will signal my sinuses to start draining. Less congestion is a great thing!Didn't know that breathing was so important did you? We have to make sure a few times a day we are focused on our breathing. In through the nose very slow, all the way to the bottom of our stomach and out the mouth. It amazes me that after 10 of these breaths how much better I feel. I wonder what would happen if it was an all time habit?New research is also showing that better posture helps lessen the symptoms of depression. If you are folded over it's not a very positive position either. If you want to tackle the day you have to be ready and not slouched to the floor. I personally feel happier when I walk with my posture in a straight line. Might just be me, but I feel very sad when I am all dropped over. Stand in a mirror and just see the difference from the side and front. It's amazing how empowered you feel when you are standing up straight.Check on yourself every so often. Maybe as you fall asleep tonight focus on your deep breathing before you drift off, I will be. And as you walk tomorrow do a self check to make sure you are walking with those shoulders back.Your Mother Always Told You to Sit Up Straight!

I notice that when I sit at my computer I have a bad habit of slouching. Doing this folds my chest and makes it very hard to get the full belly breath that we need. Messes up all of my chemicals.Next time you are surfing the web, make sure that you are sitting up straight. This is also a good time to practice those breathing exercises. Move that oxygen all around!

Wishing you all the best,
Amy

Quote of the Day

"For breath is life, and if you breathe well you will live long on earth." - Sanskrit Proverb

Focus on your Fitness

This month we are working on adding more activity in our lives. Have you made a plan? Can you commit to at least 3 days a week? If you are already doing that, it's time to push it up a little.

Something to remember - we are dealing with healing our bodies so that our minds will follow. With that said, get off the scale! I promise if you make your health your hobby the outside will mirror what's going on inside. This is a full transformation.

Here are a few ways to add fitness into your day:

· Take a brisk (Interval) walk through the neighborhood/mall/park. If you are walking the mall make sure you bypass the food court ;)

· Use a fitness DVD. Keep track of where you stop if you can't make it through, push a minute more the next time.

· Dance!

· Download a yoga podcast from yogadowloads.com

· Run sprints in your backyard. Start with one or two & work up.

· Have fun at the gym, learn not to be afraid of the equipment. Don't stick to one machine, your body adapts quickly - switch up your routine often. Don't worry about who's watching you!

New to Interval Training? Interval training is when you switch up the speed and intensity of your workout. For example: When I work on the treadmill/elliptical machine - I warm up for 2 minutes at a moderate pace and then go as fast as I can for 90 seconds, then back to a moderate pace 90 seconds, back as fast as I can for 90 seconds. I repeat for 15 minutes and then I lift weights.

Click here to read a great site about the benefits of Interval Training.

Adding interval training has made me feel much better. I am not a big runner, so this keeps me on cardio less and strength training more. However, I am getting the cardio benefits like I am on there a lot longer.

* Make sure you have the approval of your doctor before starting any new program. we want you happy & healthy.

If you haven't already, print the Workout Log & commit to feeling better! The Daily Healing Journal is also a great place to keep track and be held accountable.

I am always here if you have questions or comments.

All the best,
Amy

Quote of the Day

"Running is one the best solutions to a clear mind."- Sasha Azevedo

Slow Down and Focus

Tonight I had to run into the grocery store on my way home. As I was walking into the store I noticed I was in a sprint with myself. I wasn't in a hurry. As I thought about it I realized for the past 10 years or so I have been set at one speed - non-stop!

Thinking back I have had a hard time focusing on my surroundings or even taking the time to enjoy. I often had problems playing simple board games with my kids because the voices in my head were so loud I often couldn't sit still.

So tonight as I walked in the store I made a conscious effort to move my pace to a stroll through the store. I have to say it was kind of nice to observe the people around me and the items the store had to offer. When I left I was not behind and my heart was not racing along with me.

As we fight through this journey don't forget to find little opportunities to stop and smell the roses along the way. We really don't want to miss any of them.

Wishing you a peaceful and slower tomorrow!

I am always here if you have questions or comments.

All the best,
Amy

Quote of the Day

Slow down and enjoy life. It's not only the scenery you miss by going to fast -
you also miss the sense of where you are going and why." - Eddie Cantor

Great Things are Happening!

I am always getting great ideas for new tools to help you on your journey. So today I wanted to give you a view of what is on my Egg List.

Coming this weekend:
· A New Panic Button will be available on our site. In the midst of a panic attack or just feeling anxious? Need some one to hold your hand and walk you through. I have a new MP3 available that will allow me to be with you during those stressful times. You can listen from the website, download to your MP3 or burn to CD if you need me in the car. Now I can be with you when you need me most!

· The Yahoo reminders will be updated with a weekly challenge. the challenge will arrive in your box Sunday Evening. Make sure you are signed up for the reminders! We are happy to announce the Australia Reminders are available. Live in a time zone I don't have cvered

Coming soon:
· I am working on videos for our site. (this is out of my comfort zone for sure!)

· More Egg Printables

· Ideas from other Peeps

· More guests on our radio program

· Cool new tools in the Egg Store

Make sure you are signed up for all of our great tools! The support is always FREE!

Have an idea that would help others? Drop me an email anytime.

I am always here if you have questions or comments.

All the best,
Amy

Quote of the Day

"If you want to enjoy the rainbow, be prepared to endure the storm." -Warren Wiersbe

Creature of Habit

I found that when my life was spiraling out of control, nothing helped me more than putting routines in my day.

I couldn't control how I was feeling or when the panic would strike, but I could control some things in my life.

I put myself on a morning routine when I woke up. It helped to give me time to focus on myself without my family underfoot & helped so that I was prepared for the things I knew that would come up for the day. I have found that making a list of things I need to accomplish that day kept me from feeling overwhelmed.

Our children need routines in order to know what is coming next & it gives them stability. I think some of us always need that feeling.

It may not work for you, but for me doing everything in the same order keeps me sane. In the morning everything is done a certain way before the kids wake up. I am up long before they are. If I wake when they do I am off to a bad start. Every evening, I follow the same pattern. I have room in my day for detours, but I jump back on track as soon as I can. At night I have my "Nesting" Habit - I started that when I was having night panic attacks. I haven't had one since I give myself time to wind down from the day.

Find what works for you, but it seems routines are the key to finding a little more peace and time in your day. Just make sure you don't have more in your routine than time would allow. Start simple!

I am always here if you have questions or comments.

All the best,
Amy

Quote of the Day

"You can be a beacon of inspiration by doing no more than your daily routine. And, yes, it must be a different routine than what you have now."
Rodney Lovell

Some Great Finds

I LOVE our Peeps! They are always on the lookout for great ideas to help us relax and feel better. I thought tonight I would send you a list of some of the recent ones we have talked about or emails that were sent to me. Keep them coming!

Peep JJ called in to tell us about TAZO Teas. I am a big fan of their products. They are available at most Grocery Stores, and served daily at Starbucks. Looking for a great treat during your Healing Hour, try the Zen Tea. My daughter and I often enjoy a pot of tea in the evening after a long day. I love the Awake Tea for a great alternative to coffee in the morning. Many flavors are caffeine free.

Peep Filigree called in this weekend to tell us that Yoga downloads are available for your MP3 on itunes. Today Patrice found a great website called Yogadownload.com . They have lots of 20 minute yoga sessions that you can download for free.

Trying to watch your carbs? Need some new recipes? lowcarbluxury.com has some great ones. All are available without charge. Terry's Cilantro Cream Chicken is a new family favorite at my house. Looking for help with reducing your carbs or want to understand more about it? Jimmy Moore has a great blog that you might find really interesting. You can see his posts at http://livinlavidalowcarb.com/blog/

Peep Melissa wanted to make sure we knew that The Secret book is available in movie form and is at Netflix.com, Blockbuster.com or available for purchased download at The Secret's Website.

Last week at my local Walgreen's drugstore they had a new house Epsom Salt with Lavender Oil already infused. What a great treat! Next time you need bath salts you might see if your drugstore also carries this.

Don't forget to stop by our forum and say hello and share ideas with other peeps. The forum has been quiet lately, we can all use each other's help.

Run across something you think we might like or would help? Email me anytime & I will share with everyone!

If you need a shoulder to lean on or a cheerleader, just drop me a note at amy@thehatchedegg.com

Have a great tomorrow!

All the best,
Amy

Quote of the Day

"The only thing that stands between a man and what he wants from life is often merely the will to try it and the faith to believe that it is possible. "- Richard M. DeVos

Tap Into Your Faith

No matter what you believe or follow you have to have some sort of faith. I truly believe that when you are going through these rough spots of life you really need to surround yourself with supportive people, and deepen your faith.At one point in my healing I was so alone. I felt no one had ever gone through what I had, felt as I did, or really would be able to help me. I did feel as if there was a trigger to make me feel better. I never realized that it was a whole flight of stairs.I often looked for that trigger - maybe this book, I'll paint the walls, quit my job, get new friends, stop seeing my friends, hide out, go to church. I had a long talk with my family and decided that we needed to start regularly attending a local church. I was sure that they would hit the trigger and I would be "all better". I do remember sitting in church the first six months just bawling. I am sure everyone thought I was nuts. I was just so weak. I do know that it instilled hope for me. Hope that I was not alone in my daily walk, and that it would all be okay.How is your faith? Do you think you could hand over your troubles to a higher power? Deepen your worship? Remember it's a staircase, small steps!!!

We are always here to offer support & friendship to you on your journey as well. Always feel free to email if you are in need of a shoulder to lean on. I just want you to know others have felt as you do & now are free! Dig deep, feel the hope inside.

All the best,
Amy

Quote of the Day

"When you have come to the edge Of all light that you know And are about to drop off into the darkness Of the unknown, Faith is knowing One of two things will happen: There will be something solid to stand on or You will be taught to fly" - Patrick Overton

Fitness Fever in May!

With all of the worries of Swine Flu around us, what better time to focus on our health!

This month I would love for us to really step-up our fitness. Do you have a plan already going? Time to commit and push it a little harder. Maybe even switch it up a few days a week. Our bodies get used to repetitive motion very quickly. Don't just walk everyday. Make sure you are doing some interval training, and maybe add some weights.

Remember you don't need a dollar to get moving. Even if you just turn on some music and boogie, you can really get a great workout. Get that heart rate up and get those "happy chemicals" moving in the right direction.

Need to be held accountable? Download the Workout Log today & commit to your workout days. I would love for you to move 3-4 days, I have planned workouts for me on 5-6 days. This keeps me on track & sane!!!!

Have any questions, feel free to email me anytime. I am here for you! Don't forget our weekly radio program is on tomorrow at 2:30 central. I would love to hear what's going on with you. Don't be nervous, we all help each other when we call in.

So lace up those sneakers & Get Moving!

All the best,
Amy

Quote of the Day

"Living a healthy lifestyle will only deprive you of poor health, lethargy, and fat."~Jill Johnson~