With over 14 years of experience, Leslie Salmon Jones continues to pursue an active interdisciplinary career in health and dance in Boston and New York City. A Toronto native, Leslie received her B.A. in Dance and Health Studies at the State University of New York, and her Fitness Instructors Certification at New York University. She was a scholarship recipient at the esteemed Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre in New York City as well as the London Contemporary Dance School. As a professional dancer, Leslie worked with known greats such as Judith Jameson, Bill T. Jones and Wynton Marsalis. At her studio in New York, she developed her own exercise program based on various techniques honed through working with her personal training clientele on a daily basis. Today she continues to divide her time between New York City and Boston.

Leslie's extensive experience in the fitness industry includes being a consultant for the New York Knicks "healthy lifestyle clinics" that teaches self-esteem to youth. She also served as a board member for the organization, Free Arts for Abused Kids, NYC. Today, she serves as a board member of the United Nations Association of New York (UNA NY), while continuing to volunteer as a facilitator and mentor for various outreach and empowerment programs in Boston and New York City.

Recently Leslie discovered the importance of incorporating wellness into all aspects of life. As a Certified Wellness Coach, through the Wellcoaches Corporation, she works with clients to create a well-balanced life. This includes developing mastery over physical, emotional and mental well-being, including weight, fitness, nutrition, stress, mental health, physical health and the mindset to sustain wellness.

Leslie's experience as a model and actress helped her build a confidence-focused training methodology for her clients. As a model, Leslie has been featured in several top magazines, including Vogue, Elle, Essence, Heart & Soul, and the cover of Black Elegance. She was also awarded an exclusive contract with Reebok to serve as their national print model.

Leslie is a member of the Screen Actors Guild and her television debut included a principle role with Bill Cosby on The Cosby Mysteries. She also appeared on the soap operas "Loving" and "All My Children". She played in principal roles on numerous national commercials for national companies such as Ford Motor Company, Charles Schwabb, Reebok and Payless. Leslie's well-rounded talents landed her a spot as co-host of the Q2 television series Sweat, Sports & Fitness. She was also a fitness consultant and featured personality for FUBU on their website, Y2G.com, where she hosted and produced live web casts featuring celebrity interviews and special events. In addition, Leslie has worked as a director, producer & choreographer for a variety of projects including the 1998 Goodwill Games, the Intercoiffure International Hair show, the National Black Theatre Women's Show, Vision Warrior fundraiser and other private events. Her video directorial debut was for Complexions Dance Company at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles.

ASK LESLIE

Question:
Dear Leslie, I've lost 30 pounds and am very proud of myself. I've changed my diet, incorporated a strength training routine and do cardiovascular exercise on a regular basis. I'm really proud of myself and how I look. My only major complaint is my lower stomach. It doesn't matter how many abdominal exercises I do, I just can't lose my gut! What am I doing wrong?

Answer:
Abs for Life!
The key to achieving that "six-pack" you've always dreamed of comes not from doing 600 crunches a day, but through a combination of a low fat diet and cardiovascular exercise. When you train a particular area of your body, fat will, unfortunately, never turn into muscle. It is still important to strength-train your abdominal muscles to keep them strong and ready to be revealed. When you strengthen the area and lose that fat, you are uncovering the muscle. That's when your hard work pays off, because lean muscle tissue helps burn fat. As your lean muscle tissue increases, your body becomes more efficient and you will increase your metabolism.

The lower abdominals are the most difficult area to train for most women and some men. Oftentimes, people feel frustrated that they can't access their lower abdominal region, or they say "it's so weak and covered with fat that they have no feeling down there" - particularly women who have given birth or had c-sections. The good news is there are simple ways to gently begin strengthening this area in our daily lives. It is our place of power and we need to reclaim it!

Begin by gently pulling your belly button towards your spine, and you will contract these muscles. This can be incorporated into every exercise that you do, or even while lying down, standing at a bus stop, washing dishes, sitting at your desk -- basically anytime and anywhere! By simply engaging these muscles on a regular basis you are strengthening your core, which will help you achieve stronger abdominals, improve your posture, and support your back. Your entire figure will simply look better by "sucking in your gut." But keep I mind that when you do engage this area, it is important to relax your upper body, especially your shoulders and chest. You don't want to overcompensate by sticking out other parts of your body. Stay focused on isolating the lower abdominals.

Keep up the great work and don't get discouraged, after all "Rome wasn't built in a day." First and foremost, your health is the most important, how you look and feel are a reflection of your inner self, so treat yourself with patience and kindness. Good luck!
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Question: I feel constantly exhausted and just don't have the energy to exercise. I can barely wake up each morning and just drag myself through the day. By the end of the day, all I can manage is to sit down on the couch and watch TV. What can I do to increase my energy level?

Answer: Take a moment to ask, "What's draining me?" Some possible energy drainers could be a lack of a good quality of sleep during the night, something or someone keeping you up, such as a rambunctious cat, snoring partner/roommate, or a restless mind that can't let go of a problem or thought for the night. Another possibility is skipping breakfast or eating the wrong foods during the day.

To get a clear idea of your specific energy-draining culprit, start keeping a journal of your general health and activity for a few weeks. Looking through it, you should be able to identify potential culprits and then be able to make some small changes that will help to renew your energy. Whether it's locking the cat in another room, buying earplugs, learning proper meditation and relaxation skills or revamping your diet, you'll be able to start making positive changes and experiencing increased energy!

Question: I've been eating healthy and exercising regularly for the past month, I don't seem to be loosing weight. When I step on the scale, it says that I've actually gained weight! Why am I gaining weight and what should I do about it? I honestly feel like quitting since I don't seem to be getting ahead.

Answer: Don't quit! You may actually be making amazing progress and just not realize it. First of all, don't concern yourself with the scale weight and instead focus on how your clothes are fitting and how you are feeling. That's because the scale can be a little misleading at times.

Typically when you begin an exercise program with weight training and cardiovascular activity, you are changing your body composition from fat to muscle. We all agree that muscle looks so much better than fat and takes up much less space, but it actually weighs a little more than fat. As a result, as you lose fat and gain muscle, your weight on the scale may go up slightly. This is a good thing. Muscles will increase your metabolism, take up much less space and give you a lean toned look.

There may be several other explanations why the scale is misleading you. Here are just a few factors that can impact your scale weight:

Question: Dear Leslie, I feel like I never have any time for myself. I'm constantly running around for other people and working long draining hours. I try to exercise and eat right, but most days I just don't have the time. It's so frustrating not being able to stay on a healthy path. What am I doing wrong?

Answer: If you sat down right now and made a list of your current priorities, what items top the list? It sounds like work, family and friends all rank high on your list, but what about you? Are you even on your own priority list?

Although everyone else may seem to have needs that are much more pressing than your own, you need to put yourself at the top of your priority list. I know it sounds selfish, but it's actually something that will benefit everyone. If you don't take the time necessary to replenish yourself through exercise and proper nutrition, you won't have the energy to take care of all those other items on your priority list.

When possible, why not incorporate priorities? For example, you could combine family time and exercise by taking a family bike ride together to the beach or you could enjoy a family hike followed by a nutritious picnic.

Don't be afraid to take care of yourself. The return you receive on your own self care will be well worth it.

HEALTH & EXERCISE TIP OF THE MONTH

Breath is Life!
Breath is the essential force of our existence. Without breath, we would not be alive! Those of us who are blessed with good health can literally take each single breath for granted, and breathing can be a mindless activity left to the brilliance and reliability of our bodies. Yet what happens when we lose our breath? When we're frightened, over-stressed, or physically spent, that previously mindless activity becomes a life-saving mission. We panic! But if we take a few minutes a day to engage in mindful breathing, we have the ability to change our physiological state.

Mindful breathing is a great way to relieve stress and trapped emotions that have been suppressed in our bodies. If you're feeling stressed or anxious, calm your nerves by taking some deep and slow breaths. It's also a great energy-booster, as 70 percent of our energy comes from breathing. If you feel like you don't have enough energy during the day, take a moment to breathe. Engaging in breathing exercises for a few minutes daily elevates the oxygen levels in your bloodstream, which is the key to increasing the energy available to your mind and body. When you're working out, mindful breathing will help you get through tough physical exercises by bringing focus to the mind, energy to the body, and strength to the muscles.
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Deep Belly Breathing:
Lie on your back with the soles of your feet on the floor (or sit on a chair with the soles of your feet on floor and your back supported). Feel your spine on the floor and place your hands on your belly. Relax your shoulders and neck, take a deep inhale through your nose for four counts, filling your belly with air like a balloon. Hold the breath for four counts, and then slowly exhale out of your mouth (as if you are exhaling out of a straw) and deflating your stomach until all the air is squeezed out of your lungs. Inhale and repeat the exercise for four repetitions or more. When you feel comfortable, increase the sets to six counts, then eight counts, and so on.
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Have a Healthy and Safe Holiday!

Tis the season to enjoy festive dinners, feast on sweets, attend boisterous parties, and reminisce with friends and family late into the night. Yet despite the joyousness of this holiday season, studies reveal that the winter season can have a poor impact on your heath with a long-term cumulative effect over your lifespan.

This holiday season, I urge you to safeguard your health without spoiling any of the fun. Here are a few tips.Lose the Stress Nearly all of us feel the extra stress that comes with the winter holiday season. The best way to combat this is to think about how to make the holidays work for you and your family. Look at your priorities and don't force unnecessary events into your already full schedule. If necessary, take breaks from the excitement at festive get-togethers.

Alternatively, you can implement a new stress buster tradition. For example, every year on Dec. 27th the ladies in my family unwind with our traditional spa day, while the men prepare a delicious dinner for us!

This holiday season take charge of your health. Make good choices, start new holiday traditions and remember your reason for celebrating.

Don't Let Shopping Bring you Down

At one time or another, we all have become carried away with shopping, letting it become a competitive sport. Too often, we end up spending more time on our feet, while skipping meals and forgetting to drink water. After all, it's easy to forget eating and drinking when you're obsessed with finding that perfect toy for Billy. With the extended holiday hours and holiday parties, make sure you drink plenty of water and eat balanced meals. If you don't have time to eat balanced meals, take healthy snacks with you during the day and remember to drink plenty of water! Lastly, make sure you take time to rest and rejuvenate between shopping and parties. Pace yourself! If you don't it can lead to a weak immune system and leave you susceptible to colds and flues. Eat well, take your vitamins and get plenty of rest.
In closing, remember that the holiday season is not about the presents, but being present!
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HOLISTIC HEALTH TIP

Dr. Paul Wong, a Professor of Psychology at Tyndale University in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, knows that gratitude is invaluable to both our physical and mental health and well-being.

"What is the worth of saying "Thank you?" My answer is that it is priceless, when it is said in sincerity. The magic power of a simple expression of gratitude has almost limitless potentials," he said.

"My thesis is that a genuine expression of gratitude, whether verbally or non-verbally, can transform personal relationships, improve a work climate and create a more peaceful world."

Who wouldn't want to improve all areas through just a little gratitude? Thanksgiving is the perfect time to make this a habit for all times of the year.

I want to leave you with this final thought. Get rid of all the things that are no longer serving you, such as poor behaviours or bad habits and take time to "harvest" those good qualities that will improve the quality of your life.

I don't know about you, but some days the constant materialistic images in the media really get me down and cause me to lose focus on what's really important to me. Instead, I feel as though I'm constantly being pushed and pulled in directions I don't want to go, and am told that I should never be happy with who I am and what I have. So today, I encourage you to block out those negative messages and take time to better yourself through the power of gratitude.

Take a moment right now to meditate on being grateful for all the blessings that exist in your life. Instead of letting the media tell you what you are missing, think instead about all you have. What are your grateful for? Try to get into the habit of focusing on gratitude every morning and evening, and work towards leading a life of constant gratitude.
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Get outside and soak up the vitamin D

Did you know that Vitamin D deficiency is a major problem in the United States? According to William B. Grant, Ph.D., a top vitamin D researcher, an estimated 80 - 90 percent of Americans are currently at risk for vitamin D deficiency.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that there is a large and growing list of diseases related to vitamin D deficiency. Bone diseases, such as rickets, osteopenia, osteoporosis and osteomalacia are fairly well known. Other conditions include muscle pain and weakness, about 16 types of internal cancer, type 1 diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis and heart disease.

Vitamin D is produced in the body when skin is exposed to ultraviolet light, making summer the perfect time to absorb this important vitamin.

To get the recommended 15 - 30 minutes of sunlight needed, take your workout outside!

(You can read the report by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services at www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/bonehealth/docs/Osteo10sep04.pdf)
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With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season already in full swing, I wanted to take a moment to remind you to make your health and wellness a priority.

During this busy time of year, we are all guilty of stretching ourselves a little too thin. Between get-togethers with family and friends, shopping, and a myriad of other festive activities, we can easily take our health for granted. Instead of ignoring our health and well-being right in the middle of cold and flu season, we should instead be mindful of the small ways we can strengthen our immune system.

For example, vitamin C is an excellent antioxidant that boosts the immune system and is easy to find during the holidays. The mandarin orange is everywhere right now; it's easy to peal, tastes great and is an easy way to add some vitamin C to your daily diet. Also, keeping a pre-mixed green leafy salad in your fridge is a convenient way to grab a quick snack. If you don't add the salad dressing on until after, it will stay fresh for a few days.

Once you've incorporated a few immune system boosting foods into your diet, don't forget about the importance of exercise. Now I don't honestly expect you to get to the gym everyday over the holidays, but I do want to remind you that it is important to stay on track and not to lose focus. Too often people feel guilty after the holidays and that guilt can prevent them from returning to their previous healthy lifestyle.

Fortunately, you don't need to feel guilty about taking a little break from exercise – in fact, a little period of rest is actually a good thing. A seven day period of complete rest actually allows your body to re-stock muscle fuel and can help heal any nagging injuries. When you resume exercising, you'll feel stronger and more energetic. So take a break if you need one and don't feel guilty about doing so. But after your weeklong rest, be sure to get back into the swing of things.

Lastly, now is the time to start thinking about the New Year. I know it may seem a little early, but if you start planning now for the New Year, you will be ready to implement your new plan right away and be ahead of the pack. So many New Year's resolutions fail because people just don't have a plan. When January 1st rolls around they start thinking about making a plan, but soon abandon it because it feels like they are already behind. If you start planning your New Year's resolutions now, you will be ready to put them into action on the first of the New Year.
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DIET & LIFESTYLE

You've probably noticed it happening over time; your body keeps changing and isn't the same as it was in your 20s or 30s. Although this may seem disheartening, there's no reason you can't keep your healthy body. Instead of concentrating on squeezing into your old jeans, focus on being fit and healthy. Remember, if you deprive yourself of too many calories that your body will go into starvation mode. Instead, carefully choose a varied diet that's heavy on fruits and vegetables. This will help you to safely cut back on calories.

In addition, don't forget the importance of physical fitness. Work at increasing your fitness level through cardio and weight training. Don't discount the importance of training with weights, a new study suggest that just by lifting weights twice a week for an hour, women and men can effectively battle the build-up of tummy fat that often comes with aging. With a solid combination of diet and exercise, you'll discover the fountain of youth was inside you all along.

Today there are so many different diet plans and suggestions out there that it can be very confusing to know which ones to follow. When my clients share this struggle with me, I share my favourite little secret: that the best option is to always stay close to nature. Just remember, if the food didn't come out of the ground or off of a tree, then it is more difficult for the body to digest and process it.

For example, have you ever looked at a food label on man-made, processed foods and had a hard time pronouncing the items on it? Chances are your body won't recognize those items either and will have just as difficult a time breaking down the food. If you have a substantial diet of such processed foods, you may not be getting enough of the nutrients that your body needs. This in turn, can lead to weight gain and obesity.

I'm a firm believer in following the trend of Mother Nature. This is the simplest diet that anyone can follow.

Thanks to Mother Nature, fruits and vegetables are packed with live enzymes, which give our bodies what they need to optimally function. When are bodies don't receive these enzymes, they go into starvation mode and constantly seek MORE!

Fortunately, Mother Nature provides us with a wonderful assortment of beautiful foods that are colourful, nutritious and delicious. Each season has a special selection of foods to eat. They are most delicious when they are ripe, which is perfect, as this is the time that they are packed with an abundance of nutritional value.
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Below are some examples of fall vegetables and fruits that will give you energy throughout the season.

Avocados
Beans
Beets
Bok Choy
Broccoli
Broccoli Rabe
Brussels Sprouts
Cabbage
Carrots
Cauliflower

Celery Root (Celeriac)
Chestnuts
Collards
Garlic
Jerusalem Artichokes
Kale
Leeks
Lettuce
Parsnips

Pumpkin
Rutabaga
Salsify
Snow Peas
Spinach
Squash (Winter)
Sweet Potatoes
Swiss Chard
Turnips
Watercress

Apples
Bananas
Clementines
Cranberries
Grapes

Grapefruit
Kiwi
Kumquat
Oranges
Pears

Persimmons
Pomegranates
Quinces
Satsuma Mandarin Oranges
Tangerines

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Here's an excellent summertime recipe that's simple, fresh and exciting. I know you'll love it too!

Glistening Gazpacho Soup

Ingredients

1 cup diced (1/4-inch) peeled cucumber
1 cup diced red or orange sweet bell pepper
1 cup diced and seeded tomato
1/4 cup finely minced red onion
1 cup tomato juice
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 dashes (or to taste) hot pepper sauce
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Optional: chopped fresh parsley or cilantro, diced avocado

Preparation
Place all ingredients except garnishes in a large bowl and combine. Allow to sit for 5 minutes. Coarsely puree half the mixture in a blender or food processor and return to bowl. Stir well to combine thoroughly. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours and up to 8 hours before serving. Garnish with parsley, cilantro or avocado, if desired.

Substitutions
Try V-8 juice instead of tomato.

Holiday Treats and Feasts

With all the holiday feasts on the horizon, it isn't surprising that weight gain is a threat to nearly everyone's health. Even a little bit of weight gain can add up over the years if left unchecked. This isn't to say that you can't indulge in some of your favorite treats this holiday season, but remember to be mindful as you pick and choose which goodies to truly enjoy.

An increased waistline isn' t the only danger food can present; it can also serve as a breeding ground for bacteria. Whether at work or at a social gathering, proper food safety procedures should be followed. Perishable foods, such as pizza, cold cuts, dips, salads and sandwiches, should not sit out for more than two hours.

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Too often we focus on the many benefits of eating right and forget just
how important lifting weights can be to our overall health. I recently read
a great article in the Boston Globe that I’d like to share with you
titled ;'The Unsung Benefits of Lifting Weights.' Click this link to read this great article!

According to newspaper and magazine articles, disease and chronic illnesses are reaching epidemic proportions. With America's increasingly poor health, combined with a struggling health care system, more individuals are taking a pro-active approach to maintaining good health through a holistic approach to wellness. In addition to seeing a conventional doctor on a regular basis, they also supplement their health care routine with the help of a wellness coach.

These smart individuals are creating the life they deserve - a life full of health and wellness that is mostly free from disease and illness. Wouldn't you like to create a similar life for yourself? If so, working with a wellness coach may be just what the doctor ordered.

Experiencing wellness is so much more than just being free from disease and illness. It takes into account your full being to encourage mastery of your physical, emotional and mental well-being. This includes weight, fitness, nutrition, stress, mental health, physical health and the mindset to sustain wellness. Because our lives aren't just one-dimensional, wellness coaching works with the many different facets of your life to help you reach your goals.

Although we all desire a life full of good health and wellness, many of us don't know the secret behind living a life full of wellness, or we may lack the motivation to get there. This is where a wellness coach comes in.

A wellness coach doesn't judge or pass blame. She lets you hear what you're saying and helps you become mindful of what you're doing. She enables you to live in the moment, as this moment is one of the only things you can really control.

As she enables you to become mindful of what you're doing and of the habits you have created, you will take back control of your life. Through helping you find your own internal motivation, a wellness coach gives you the tools to lead a life full of wellness, empowerment and understanding.

After building your confidence and teaching you special tools for life, a wellness coach can stand back as you move ahead in charge of your life. Once you see the long-term vision for your life, you will be equipped to take charge.

Remember, you have the potential to live out your life's desire and purpose; you just have to be prepared to take the necessary steps towards such a positive change.

If you're not satisfied with what life is handing you, and if you have the courage to face change, then you're ready to take control of your life through wellness coaching. Now is the time to take whatever hand you've been dealt and use it to create the life you’ve always dreamed of.
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Make a New Start this Fall, by Leslie Salmon Jones

I don't know about you, but fall often seems more like the start of a new year to me than January does. Kids are back in school, activities re-start after a summer break, traffic picks up and even work takes on a more frenzied pace. The warm relaxed days of summer already seem so far behind us as we dive headfirst into a new season. With that in mind, fall seems like the perfect time to re-solidify commitments to health and fitness.

In September kids went back to school with a backpack full of new supplies to help them navigate the next grade. Why not take a page out of their notebook and take a similar approach to your health this fall? Commit to stepping up to your next grade in health and fitness and make that goal a reality with a new journal. Start by recording your nutrition intake and daily activities on a regular basis. After just a few journal entries, you'll notice whether or not you're making the grade. If not, note what changes need to be made and take it from there.

If the coming of fall has turned you into a whirling dervish, remember to take time to stop and smell the roses. Although many roses aren't in season right now, you can still stop and enjoy the beautiful fall colours. Take time to admire the stunning colour pallet nature has put before us, as the trees slowly turn from green to yellow, orange and red.

While you're at it, make the most of the fun fall activities that are available in your community. Check out local pumpkin patches, apple farms or corn mazes. There's also still time to enjoy lovely fall hikes with friends and family.

With all this talk of fall, it's hard to forget that Thanksgiving is right around the corner. Instead of letting holiday stress get to you, use this time to take inventory of what you have and give thanks everyday for those things in your life that you are truly grateful for. After all, gratitude is life's fertilizer.

10 Healthy Summer Tips

Summer is the perfect time of year to reinforce healthy habits. It's easier to eat nutritious foods and exercise consistently in the warm summer months than during any other time of the year.

By getting into healthy habits now, you'll be way ahead of the curve in January. When everyone else is rushing to make healthy new years resolutions, you'll be able to continue on the healthy path you cultivated this summer.

1. Drink plenty of water, especially during hot summer days. The average person should ingest 2 - 3 quarts of clean water during the hot summer season.

2. Take advantage of the delicious fruits and veggies that the summer has to offer. In most areas of the country, local farmers markets are open with fresh, locally grown organic produce, making eating right not only easy, but very economical. With this in mind, now is the time to try delicious and easy recipes such as salads and juices to spruce up your diet! I've included a wonderful soup recipe in this newsletter for you to try this summer.

3. Summer is the perfect time to re-ignite your fitness routine. Take advantage of the beautiful summer weather and add some fun summer activities to your regular workout routine, such as biking, swimming, tennis and walking.

4. Get plenty of vitamin D by soaking up those rays, which helps prevent depression and a number of other maladies. Vitamin D is so important that I've included more information about it in my Holistic Health Tip.

5. Protect your skin with natural sunscreen. Most sunscreens contain a number of unhealthy chemical ingredients. Make the better choice this summer by choosing a healthy sunscreen at your local natural food store.

6. Use aloe vera gel as a natural remedy to soothe and cool overexposed skin that has been burnt by the sun.

7. Use coconut oil or shea butter to give your skin some extra moisture this summer. It will keep skin well hydrated, young and smooth as butter!

8. Take time to slow down this summer season and literally smell the roses! When the weather is extremely hot your body will naturally want to slow down. Instead of fighting that response, allow yourself to do so. Take advantage of the easy pace summer allows and embrace the beauty of nature that surrounds you. Take time to reconnect with family and friends. You'll feel rested, recharged and rejuvenated by the end of the season.

9. Reduce your stress level at work by taking advantage of the beautiful weather. Take your work outdoors whenever possible, sit outside for lunch or, if working from home, throw on your bikini while you're returning emails and phone calls.

10. Be mindful of overexposure to sun. On average, 15 - 40 minutes a day of direct sunlight is ample. If you begin to get headaches or feel nauseous, chances are you've had too much exposure to the sun. If that's the case, take a break. Call your doctor if the symptoms do not subside.

Events

Leslie's performance in "The Path" on Thursday July 12th, 2007 at the Gardener Museum, was free and open to the public. At The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum 280 The Fenway. The show started @ 6:30 with

Musicians:
Arni Cheatham
Akili Haynes,
And Larry Roland

Dancers:
Derrick Davis
Ricardo Foster Jr.
Adrienne Hawkins
Jeff Louizia
Lisa Pari
Jeff Polston
And Leslie Salmon-Jones

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Leslie Salmon Jones will perform at Franklin Park for the First Night in Boston on Tuesday, July 22nd as it celebrates the legacy of Elma Lewis with FREE summer performances every Tuesday throughout July and August. Find out more...

Lately I've been amazed at how easily my life flows when I'm truly connected to my core and living life according to my unique set of values and priorities. This month, I'd like to share with you the amazing abundance of life you too can experience when you simply connect with your core. Each and every one of us has our own set of core values, unique gifts, priorities and purpose in life, but too often that core part of ourselves gets lost amidst the regular demands of this crazy world we live in.

For some people, society's rampant consumerism may be distracting them from their core values and beliefs. For others, a lengthy list of duties and obligations may be tearing them away from their core. Whatever the source of distraction may be, this month I'd like you to take a moment to reflect on what your core values are and assess how close you are to living a life that is inline with those.

To start, simply think about what really matters in your life. Most people will immediately think of family, friends, spirituality, health and career as core values.

Now think about where you are putting the majority of your time and energy. Are you focused on family, friends and spirituality, or is your time spent getting unnecessarily caught up in other people's drama, immersed in a toxic environment at work, acquiring material possessions or engaging in other unhealthy behaviours that aren't serving you?

Next, take it a step further and assess if your current lifestyle is providing you with an abundance of energy or if it is doing the exact opposite and draining the life from you. Are you living a stress free life or a stress filled life?

At this point, you should be gaining some clarity about how you are living life. If you are feeling drained and are constantly consumed with tasks that don't mesh with the items you listed as your core values, you aren't living life from the core and it's time to make a correction in the course you are taking before you get any further off track.

A great way to get back to your core values is to start practicing gratitude for all that you have. By giving positive focus to these things, you give more energy to them.

A client of mine recently told me about a great way that she is getting back to her core values by expressing gratitude. As a stay-at-home mom, she makes time at the end of each day to say a prayer of thanks for the opportunity to be at home with her very active children. No matter how stressful or tiring her day has been, she chooses to put a positive spin on it. She even stays a prayer of thanks for having energetic children because she knows that their amazing abundance of energy will serve them well in their adult lives. When she's finished praying, she's re-energized and truly thankful to be living a life that's in alignment with her core values.

I have seen an amazing change in this client since she started practicing gratitude. Looking after her children isn't an obligation; it's a privilege that's in step with her core values! She's living from the core and loving it.

I am here to help you in any way I can in this important journey, and look forward to helping you work towards a life that is truly connected to your core.

Our wallets aren’t the only things suffering during these uncertain times with our economy, the environment and the rising costs of health care. Our well-being is being negatively impacted as well.

As the global stock markets reach record lows, studies show that our levels of stress, fear and anxiety are reaching record highs. The impact, particularly on women, has been far greater. The unfortunate pitfalls of this unprecedented downward spiral can have a direct affect on our behaviors, making it easy slip into comforting bad habits. Psychologists are seeing an increase in alcohol use, overeating, high sugar consumption and lack of sleep, which can all lead to depression and withdrawal.

Some of the early warning signs of economic stress on our well-being are insomnia, weight gain, mood swings (such as feeling irritated with ourselves, family and co-workers), negative self-talk, joint and muscle pain, loss of appetite, shortness of breath, chest pain and more. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms I recommend taking appropriate actions immediately to bring yourself back into balance.

The good news is that although we do not have control over what happens in the world around us, we do have control over our own behaviors that will keep us happy, healthy and with a good sense of well-being that will prepare us for anything, such as being balanced and prepared to withstand any economic situation.

I know many of you have been working hard on creating and maintaining new healthy habits and disciplines, keep it up! For those of you who are just beginning your wellness journey; it’s not too late! In fact this is the best time to start. If you are struggling and feeling discouraged, this is NOT the time to quit!!! With the holiday season creeping up quickly, along with it’s common pitfalls of stress and overeating, now is the time to focus your energies on creating effective strategies to maintain your well-being. Below is a list of ways to stay healthy, balanced and well in any economic climate.

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