~~What’s New?~~

So much has changed for me professionally and personally since I last wrote to you!  It would take far too long to detail in one newsletter, but I will share the highlights in my Personal Reflections at the end of this edition’s article.  I hope you will take the time to pause and read at your leisure. 

Here is some professional news I’m eager to share:  I’ve opened a “satellite” office in downtown Traverse City, Michigan.  If you’re a “local” I hope you’ll stop by and say hello!  I’m offering psychotherapy services as well as a fun and enlightening workshop series about “instinctive eating” and weight loss.  I can’t remember the last time I was so excited to share information and guidance!  Stay tuned for more details in the months to come for Traverse City programs as well as teleconference offerings.   

And – If you’re a coach in training, or a new coach, you may already know about my Mentorcoaching program.  In June, I’ll have some new mentoring options to offer that will fit every budget and need.  If you wish to be included in the special announcements, please email me with the subject heading “mentorcoach” to lori@loriboothroyd.com  and you’ll receive the news first.

I welcome the opportunity to support you on your journey! 

~~Feature Article:  Stretch Yourself!~~ 

This time of year our natural world is filled with growth.  Depending on where we live, we see crops, gardens and green growth of all kinds.   I stand in our backyard (seeing the soil and grass for the first time in over 5 months) and marvel at the way new life seems to appear overnight.  It’s as if the earth itself is stretching and pushing through to bring new life to the surface. The seasons of our own lives often reflect this stretching and pushing process. 

I’ve believe it is important for our growth to do something now and then that scares us a bit, taking us out of the everyday and ordinary.  This needn’t be something physically dangerous or risky, but rather an experience that breaks up our daily habits, yet is growth promoting; something that takes us outside of what’s familiar, requiring us to step forward and call upon our strength and courage.  True growth and change often come when we are feeling a bit out of our “Comfort Zone” and move into what we call the “Stretch Zone”:  That zone in which we are feeling a bit uncomfortable, unfamiliar and maybe even a little confused or frightened.  Growth and change happen best in the Stretch Zone; we are pushed, but not stressed to the point that we are overwhelmed.  We are challenged but ready to step up to the task at hand.  When was the last time you had such an experience?  What would you need to move into your Stretch Zone? 

What would feel like an exquisite risk – the leap (large or small) that ultimately brings you closer to your authentic self? 

Time spent in the Stretch Zone not only creates small, positive change, it also helps keep your brain healthy. Some fascinating new research suggests that unless we continue to learn new things, thereby challenging our brains to create new pathways, our brain cells literally begin to atrophy, which may result in dementia and other brain diseases.  So, stretching and learning is good for preserving our brain power.  And here is some great news: Continuously stretching ourselves can even help us lose weight, according to one study. Researchers asked some individuals to do something different every day — simple changes in everyday routines, like watching a different news program — and found that those who broke up the status quo were the ones who lost and kept off weight. No one is sure why, but researchers hypothesize that just getting out of our ruts makes us more aware in general, helping us to make better choices.  So what is just one simple thing you can do differently?  Where are some old weeds in your psychic garden that could be pulled out?  The point here is that change, however uncomfortable, is good.  Tiny changes made through conscious choice add up and make a tremendous difference. 

There is a fascinating Japanese philosophy called Kaizen (Japanese for “improvement”), which calls for small, but continuous challenges in the Stretch Zone. This practice helps to minimize the sense of overwhelm or fear that can often sweep over us when we initiate change.  The tiny steps of the Kaizen practice teach us that these small steps help us to remain in the Stretch Zone and retain our creativity and playfulness. 

Many of us are missing and long for elements of creativity, challenge and wonderment in our daily lives.  These are the elements that help us to grow and cultivate our inner landscapes.  My challenge and request to you is to consider some simple ways to bring a sense of wonder and and growth back into your life.  What would that look like?  It might be committing a little time to complete a creative project you began long ago.  Maybe it is time to take a painting class, attend a fun, yet challenging workshop or plan a bike ride with a friend.  What would feel like an adventure, pulling you out of the “been there, done that” mentality?  Again, be creative and keep it very simple.  Just take some tiny steps into your Stretch Zone.  Play a little with the Kaizen principle:  Small but continuous steps toward your challenges.  Acknowledge and celebrate each small step, remembering that we literally are the result of each small choice we make and step we take.  This is how we cultivate our emotional “gardens” of well-being.

You are also likely to benefit simply by taking a little time this week to ask and consider “What is growing in my inner landscape?” and listen quietly for the answers.  Your deepest wisdom will provide the answers and a path to support your journey toward Authentic Wellness.

May you have joyful experiences of discovery, growth and wonderment! 

~~Personal Reflections~~

First, a big “Thank You” for your many kind notes of support these past months; I’m so grateful to have devoted readers! 

I have certainly been living in my “stretch zone”……….. 

Last November my beloved husband Gregory was diagnosed with advanced malignant melanoma.  The weeks and months following were alternately filled with terror, confusion, gratitude and ultimately tremendous relief when he was declared “cured” via drastic surgical intervention, combined with ongoing vigilance to rule out recurrence.  I am forever awed by the capacity of our bodies to heal and the role our fighting spirits play in both surviving and thriving.  Greg continues to meet the challenge of cancer with grace and grit! 

The harsh winter grew long here in Northern Michigan.  A very dark hour came the night my eldest kitty, Raja, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly.  She was sleeping at my side.  The heightened awareness of the preciousness of life was magnified in that moment and in the weeks since.  I know so many of you are also “animal lovers” and therefore will understand my conviction that animal companions are furry angels and they bless us with their love.  Raja was one of those exceptional angels and she is sorely missed. 

And now some joyful notes to provide harmony. Greg and I celebrated our fifth wedding anniversary this February.  I am cultiviating and appreciating the expansion of my private practice and am so grateful for loving, supportive family and friends.  All is indeed well. 

The whole spectrum of emotions has been deeply experienced these past months.  And through it all, I have learned a deep truth:  It is the moments spent honoring, naming and sharing our emotions that allow us to live authentic, exquisite, fulfilling lives.  It’s the difference between merely existing and truly living.  So let’s stretch and support one another through the challenging zones that help us connect, heal and inspire.  Let’s live and be authentically well. 

Until next time,

Lori

Dr. Lori Gray Boothroyd is a fully licensed psychologist and a professional certified coach, specializing in whole health psychology and facilitating retreat experiences.  She is dedicated to helping women eliminate emotional eating and banish “yo-yo” dieting forever!  Lori co-authored the book “Going Home: A Positive Emotional Guide to Promote Life Generating Behaviors” with her husband, Dr. Gregory Boothroyd. They reside with their furry family in Traverse City, Michigan.