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In the days leading up to Solstice it's good to set some time aside to look both forward and backward. This is time to go within, to embrace the darkness and shadow. Use this fun poem couple with advice to guide the days leading up to solstice.
December 11th The first day of solstice my own hands gave to me: a way to hold myself in love. Sit quietly, under the covers if you like, and place your hands lovingly on your heart as you think back to all that you have achieved in the past year as well as what has not come to fruition, and loving let it all go. December 12th The second day of solstice my own eyes gave to me: a chance to really see. Though it's not time to commit to a plan for the new year yet, take some time to today to just start dreaming of what 2020 might look like for you. Write in a journal if you prefer. December 13th The third day of solstice my own feet gave to me: a chance to walk around free. Go for a walk outside, even if it's short. Revel in the process of letting go. Imagine the version of you that you will leave behind in 2019 as well as the radiant version of yourself that will come into being in 2020. December 14th The fourth day of solstice my own hands gave to me: Soup or stew or pie or cookies. Take some time today or this weekend to make some food from scratch. Whether it's comfort food or something health and heartwarming for the week ahead, cooking in the winter is always so cozy, and a great way to turn inward and make it easy to come home early. December 15th The fifth day of solstice my heart chakra gave to me: fine golden wings. Lay on your back, perhaps wit ha bolster or foam roller or pillow under your spine or chest. Open your heart chakra. Allow yourself to give and receive and relax. This is where your wings will sprout when the time is right. December 16th The sixth day of solstice my own arms gave to me: a feeling of fluidity. Love your body during these cool or cold winter days and nights. Let your arms hang at some point today; roll them in circles; give yourself a hug. Winter can make us feel frozen and stiff. Take some time to remember that this will all melt come spring. December 17th The seventh day of solstice my own ears gave to me: The gift of musicality. Take some time to listen to music that lifts you up. Whether you like holiday tunes or something else entirely, take a few minutes to listen to it today. December 18th The eighth day of solstice my own nose gave to me: The gift of aromatherapy! Another simple sense based ritual: Turn on a diffuser, use a roller of essential oils, make some spiced cider, or just put an orange peel and cinnamon stick on a pot of water and boil it for the aroma! The scents of this time of year are divine! Enjoy them! December 19th The ninth day of solstice my own mouth gave to me: My choice of sexy or yummy! Yes, solstice is a time to go inward, but it's also a time to celebrate and have fun. It's a chance to bring the forest into our living rooms for goddess's sake! So kiss someone under the mistletoe, or eat a treat, or put that magical mouth to use somehow, and make sure you enjoy it :) December 20th The tenth day of solstice my sacral chakra gave to me: The chance to sit still and be. Take some time to sit and meditate today. Whether it's one minute or one hour, just be still with yourself. See what comes up and if you get any insights for this time of transition, or even just an idea of how you want to celebrate tomorrow. December 21st *SOLSTICE* The eleventh day of solstice my own soul gave to me: The secret to a new me. This is the time to let it all go dark. Celebrate solo or with loved ones with a simple ritual. Light a candle. Falling on a Saturday, you can clear the way for a group celebration if you like, or just more time for your small or solo solstice. Acknowledge that darkness always comes before light. Give yourself permission to accept all the feelings for what has or has not come pass. Solstice can be emotional and sometimes lonely just as often as it can be a time of celebration or connection. Whatever yours is, is perfect, and it's the time before new seeds will be planted when the coldness finally melts away. Here are a few key questions on such a decision: Do you have the inner desire to spend many hours with your fingers pressing keys on a keyboard? (If yes, proceed to next question. If no, hire a ghostwriter.) Do you have ample time to write a book? (If yes, proceed to next question. If no, hire a ghostwriter.) Do you have the writing skills needed to write a book? (If yes, skip the next question. If no, proceed to next question.) Do you have time to learn to write well? (If yes, proceed to end, if no, hire a ghostwriter.) Do you honestly have the mental capacity to hold space for a huge and time consuming project? (If yes, proceed to end, if no, hire a ghostwriter.) Are you incredibly organized AND creative? (If yes, proceed to end, if no, hire a ghostwriter.) If yes to all, you should write your own book. If no to all, you should hire a Ghostwriter. If yes to some and no to some, you'll have to brutally prioritize until you can answer yes to all. I'm happy to answer any questions that you have! Also... I use the phrase ghostwriting but I really consider myself more of a scribe. I put your ideas and your concepts on the page. It's not really my writing. It's yours. I'm translating it from whatever way YOUR brain works best to the way my brain works best: A book. I'm taking it out of your brain and I'm putting it on the keyboard. I have a special interview and information collection process so that this takes a minimal of your time. But it's still based completely on your ideas and your vision and your mission :)
If you have fifteen minutes, you can find motivation right now!
Get introduced to the pillars of health, and why flexibility is the most important of them all. Meditations is great, but it doesn't always work out for all of us to sit down and do it. Instead try a walking mindfulness program by slipping on your favorite tennis shoes and listening to this podcast while you walk. It's fun, it's adventurous - Join me as I am also walking in the great outdoors and sharing my weight loss tips and motivation and perhaps encounter a wild animal! 
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS How can I write my book? 1. Write it your self. You need to be an excellent writer, or have the time to learn to become an excellent writer. You also need to know how to write a book vs writing short form content like emails and blogs. 2. Hire a coach. A coach will take you through the process and may also provide accountability services, etc. You will learn what you need to write a book with a coach, and it will take a long time and/or a lot of effort. I am not a writing coach. 3. Hire a ghostwriter. This is the fastest most efficient way to get your book done. This is what I do! What is the difference between a writing coach, a ghostwriter, and an editor? A writing coach will take you through the process, and you will do the work. You will still need to hire an editor after you've written the book. A ghostwriter will do the bulk of the work for you, and it's most efficient to hire a ghostwriter before you even start "writing." My signature approach emphasizes the PRE-writing phase as the most important phase for my clients... that means you just keep doing what you do best, and when you decide you want a book call me, and I'll take care of the rest!!! An editor reviews a completed manuscript; everyone who writes a book needs an editor, and possibly more than one (there are different types of editing). I am not an editor. I have an amazing editor who works for me and reviews all my books and all my client's books, and this is included in the project price for my clients. If you write your book yourself, make sure you find a good editor. Is it still "my book" if I hire a ghostwriter? Absolutely!!! Your book is based on all the brilliance inside your brain! (And, no, it's not "cheating" at all!!!!) I have a personalized process to help my clients share that information with me in a fun and efficient way so I can create YOUR book. I really like to consider that when I write my clients' books, I "channel" your book. I get it out of your brain, and onto the page. Versus when I write my own books, it's my own ideas and genius on that page. The skill of writing is involved in both, but the source of inspiration, ideas, wisdom, expertise, and value is all based on your brain and genius! I have a blog. Can't I use that for my book? No. Please don't just publish a bunch of blog posts as a book. A blog might help you write a book, or it might actually hold you back because you feel attached to what you already wrote. A book is long form. A blog is short form. They are very very different. I have a course, workshop, webinar, presentation, coaching process, etc, etc, etc... Please contact me! You are my ideal client, and I can take what you have already created and make it into an amazing book that will add value to your business and for your clients! But, no, you still can't "just turn it into a book." I've seen it attempted, and it makes a very lame book. What is your process, Alegra? My specialty is in what I refer to as the "Wisdom Memoir" - a book focused on sharing knowledge and expertise, based on the author's personal voice and experience. I consider myself a channel to get your words and concepts from where they already exist (talks, presentations, workshops, classes, coaching programs, short articles /blog posts, diaries, etc) and simply put them on the page. It's particularly suited for those in service and/or personal development realms. The beautiful thing is that ghost writing is really a form of outsourcing. It takes a minimal amount of your time, which is usually in an interview format (so does not require you to prep). And it's fun! (If you are actually looking for a writing coach, or don't know what the difference is, let's hop in the phone! I can explain the difference and make a referral if needed.) If you have questions about my process or approach, please let me know. I'll work with you to gather all I need to create a detailed outline. I'll keep in touch as the book progresses, allowing you to review each chapter as I go. You approve every step along the way. Expect a maximum of about one hour of your time per chapter. Most books are completed in 3-4 months. All my work is also independently proofread to ensure a polished product. You own the entire thing and my name appears no where. (unless you want it to, which is cool, too!) All our work together is confidential, unless you don't care. Do you write print books or ebooks or both? I write both! Let's have a conversation about what makes the most sense for your business! One of the added value features I love to bring to my clients is HOW a book will actually serve them in their business, and which can help make a decision on the best type of book to create. P R I N T & E B O O K R E A D Y To keep things flexible, making your book print ready is offered as an add-on service. You can choose to publish with Amazon, IngramSpark, or Barnes & Noble (I'll walk you through the pros and cons). This package is a complete self-publishing service. After your book is written, I'll manage the interior design and formatting, the production of the ebook, the design of the front and back cover (you get the final say), assign your book to distribution channels, and even write the keyword rich book description. This is a "done for you" service! W O R K B O O K S & J O U R N A L S Add another revenue stream with a workbook or journal! These can be freestanding purchases or compliment the book I write for you. Workbooks and journals can help your audience learn about your topic and also get to know you. They are a consumable product, which your clients will love to buy! All workbooks and journals include a custom publication package catered to this form of media, in which they are print ready and available for sale as pdf (this is different than ebook formatting). The option to make them ebook ready is also available at no additional cost, if you choose to include it (not all workbooks perform well in this format). FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Hate reading? Take a listen to my FAQ audio!
The title kind of sums this one up. Grab your kicks, put in your ear buds, and go for a stroll. Or listen on your commute, that's fine, too!! Whatever works!
We will watch and witness the changing of the seasons. As spring departs for summer we prepare for the peak of energy and commitment to our goals, getting active and a little more ambitious, but always keeping in mind that the wheel will turn, and we will be slowing down soon enough.
To start things off, can you tell us about an "Aha" moment that has happened to you with your own health journey? My “aha” moment came to me when I was sitting at my desk at my previous job - I was on the brink of turning 39, had two young kids, and while I was living a seemingly happy existence, I was unfulfilled. I spent 50+ hours per week away from my kids and husband, at a job that I didn’t like, and was simply going through the motions to get by. I knew I was meant for more and I knew I couldn’t sit at this job for the next 20+ years of my life simply because it was the “responsible” thing to do. I have always been interested in health, nutrition, fitness and wellness, but had only pursued them as hobbies, until a dear friend of mine posted about a Health Coach Training Certification program through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN). I reached out to her to get more information, and in that conversation I decided it was time to pursue something for myself, to put my needs on my own priority list, and to listen to my desires. Making the decision to sign-up for that certification program was the catalyst of change in my life. How did that impact you? That decision catapulted me into a new trajectory of my life, where I was completely clear that this was my calling, and I was passionate about sharing with others. I knew that if I could design a life I love by putting myself on my own radar, then it was my duty to share this and inspire other women to do the same. I began to look at wellbeing from an entirely different lens, where instead of focusing externally - on food and diet, I began to focus inward and learned the importance of heeding to my emotional wellbeing. What would you say was a silver lining to the experience? The silver lining was how much better I felt, and how I felt whole. For so long, I felt broken or like there was something wrong with me because I couldn’t figure out what I wanted to do with my life, and saying “yes” to myself and enrolling in IIN changed the entire trajectory of my life. From the first module, it was an epiphany and it became crystal clear this was the path I was meant to be on, and I could help others to experience the same. I felt it down to my core that this is my mission in life, and I want to help others to experience this profound fulfillment, happiness, and ultimately - freedom - freedom to design a life you love. How does this shape the way you help others in your business? It’s the crux of everything! If you do not put yourself on your own radar, then your health and wellbeing will suffer greatly. You have to feed and nourish your soul from the inside out. What is the message you are sharing in the forthcoming book, It's Not About the Food? My chapter is about Boundaries and Emotional Wellbeing. The message I am sharing is about feeding and nourishing your emotional wellbeing. Eradicate the word “diet” from your vocabulary, and instead focus on redefining what balance, success and being healthy looks like for you dependent upon what stage of life you are in. These definitions are meant to change over time, as you grow and evolve, and when you set and adhere to the boundaries you’ve put in place, then you are creating an avenue to support your ultimate success. Your emotional wellbeing is the primary pillar that holds the key to you thriving in body, mind, and soul, and when you begin to not only become aware of it, but put practices in place to feed and nourish your emotional health, then you are on the path to designing a life you love to live. OK, now for a few fun questions! Where do you live and what do you do there - for work and for fun? I live in Santa Monica, CA, with my husband, two children, and two dogs. What is a surprising food you just love to eat? Dark chocolate with mint or dark chocolate covered almonds. Okay, anything dark chocolate... except coconut. One thing people would be surprised to know about you? That I lived in Israel for a year, and volunteered in the Israeli Army. (Although that was 25 years ago!) Also, I do not like cooking, which may come as a surprise, as a Health Coach. Thank you! Where can people find you to learn more about you? You can find me over at melissarosenstock.com and over on Instagram @melrosenstock_healthcoach Get your copy of the free worksheet - with actionable steps from all the authors including Melissa - and a find a link to buy the book by clicking here or clicking the image. 
Grab your sneakers, take a few deep breaths, and join me for an adventure in Southern California.
What is the role between the environment and your health? It's all connected, and I want to take you for a deep dive into your earth body and how to care for it. Get a little sneak peak into basic environmental urban planning concepts AND how this all ties into our own healthy lives. Experience the Southern California 2019 super bloom through your ears, and why this is relevant to us and our health. Nature is awesome and it can heal us, and by connecting we can be inspired to move our bodies and take care of ourselves. This spring time focused episode will give you ideas on how to connect with the energy of the spring and how the healthy pillar of flowers can bring your health and well-being.
Want to learn more about my pillars of health? Consider joining my Wheel of the Year program, Small Steps, Big Magic, Crafting a life that sparkles!
The truth is I'm always excited when I make these podcasts. I know that talking about "structure" probably sounds really boring, but it's actually so interesting to break it down and actually understand what it's doing in our lives - whether we look at it or not!
I'm not the kind of person who wants any more commitment in my life... between getting married and then having kids, my commitment allotment is ALL used up. I can't even pick a meal plan to commit to!! LOL If you want to understand the basic premise behind:
Then listen up to this episode! Because there are some basic rules you need to understand as to how and why these work (or don't work). All structure needs to be found in balance with flexibility. This is the secret to success! So grad your headphones, slip on your tennis shoes and join me in my magical place for a stroll in the woods, to learn and open up and have fun together!!
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