Healthy Living, Stress Management
Lizzie Cook
5 Practical Tips for Finding Joy Amidst ...

What is in your control? We all grow up believing in specific systems and institutions. As I navigate raising teenage children while caring for aging parents, I’m struck with the reality of our current culture’s changes. From resilience and transformation to the pursuit of joy amidst uncertainty, in this episode of Integrated Being I draw on insights from Ryan Holiday's Daily Stoic and Sahil Bloom's framework on wealth in 5 Types of Wealth to share five practical tips for navigating uncertainty while finding joy in everyday moments.

5 Practical Tips for Finding Joy Amidst Uncertainty
Ben Vaughn
Trust, Creativity, and Purpose: Leading Through ...

"Don't be afraid to try new things." In an increasingly chaotic world, one thing has become clear: trust is in short supply. Whether in industries like energy, technology, or even our personal lives, distrust has created roadblocks to progress, innovation, and meaningful connections. But amidst the noise and uncertainty, there is hope—and it lies in rediscovering creativity, fostering trust, and finding purpose. In today’s podcast and blog post, let’s explore how to reclaim creativity by building trust and navigating the chaos of daily life.

Trust, Creativity, and Purpose: Leading Through Chaos
Healthy Living
Ben Vaughn
Embracing the Term "Philosophy": A Love for ...

What are your New Year’s goals? As the New Year unfolds, many of us reflect on the past and set intentions for the future. But have you ever paused to explore the philosophy behind those intentions? Philosophy isn’t just for scholars; it’s about the love of wisdom and how we integrate that wisdom into our daily lives. My approach to wellness focuses on unlocking joy and creating purposeful connections between the mind, body, and spirit. In today’s blog & podcast episode, let’s dive into what embracing philosophy as a way of life looks like.

Embracing the Term "Philosophy": A Love for Wisdom and Life Learning
Healthy Living
Ben Vaughn
Ending the Year with Joy, Connection, and ...

As the end of the year approaches, we find ourselves in a whirlwind of emotions, activities… & let’s be honest, a little overconsumption. It’s a time of reflection, celebration, and connection, but it can also be an overwhelming season. This year, I’m leaning into simplifying and reconnecting with what truly matters—joy, intentionality, and presence. This week on the Integrated Being Podcast, my co-host Brianna and I discuss tips for ending the year with joy, connection, & reflection. Regardless of your current state of overwhelm, this episode will give you actionable steps and helpful little reminders to savor the moment and bring more peace to your holiday season.

Ending the Year with Joy, Connection, and Reflection
Healthy Living
Ben Vaughn
The Power of Community and Tradition: Building ...

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel disconnected. As we rush from one task to the next, we often lose sight of the importance of meaningful connections. Community and tradition—two fundamental aspects of human experience—are powerful tools that not only ground us but also enrich our lives with purpose and joy.

This week on the Integrated Being Podcast, my co-host Brianna and I explored how community and tradition shape our well-being. Whether you're navigating the complexities of adulthood, building a family, or rediscovering yourself after major life transitions, the bonds we create and the rituals we uphold play a vital role in finding balance and fulfillment.

The Power of Community and Tradition: Building Connections That Last

Stress Management

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5 Steps to Setting Your Daily Schedule (& Being Able to Delegate More Effectively)

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5 Steps to Setting Your Daily Schedule (& Being Able to Delegate More Effectively)

Strive to be a better version of who you were yesterday.

A lack of clarity can kill productivity. When you don’t have a clear mind, it’s impossible to get a clear idea of what you need to get done. By taking control of your day – your routine, your goals – you can then determine what can best be done by the people around you.

Delegating isn’t easy. We’ve always heard that to have something done right, you have to do it yourself, right? But when you command your own schedule, you’re empowered to have others working toward a common goal.

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How to Create a Vision for Success & Achieve Long-Term Results

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How to Create a Vision for Success & Achieve Long-Term Results

You want it? Then make it happen! Two friends are chatting about their diets. The first one says, “I want to be healthy and feel great.” The second one says, “I intend to be healthy and feel great.” Which one do you think is going to get healthy and feel great? Yep—the one who intends it. Wanting is simply wishing you can have or do a particular thing it. Intending means you’re committed to achieving something by making a plan for success—and sticking to it!

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3 Self Care Ideas to Practice During Uncertain Times

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3 Self Care Ideas to Practice During Uncertain Times

Because all things are temporary, source your joy from the timeless center of your deeper self.

Especially in uncertain times, self-care is important. Taking steps to detoxify your life and take control of your health – in turn boosting your immune system so you feel healthy and ready to take on whatever challenges come your way – are key right now. When life feels overwhelming, carving out small moments of your day to do something for you, will help you show up for those around you.

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How to Be Happier Everyday (In 3 Easy Steps)

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What makes you smile? Laugh? Go giddy with glee? Get happier with my magic formula & recipe … For some, it’s a walk barefoot through the grass. For another, it’s a spin on a roller coaster, a solo movie date, or a perfectly ripe mango.  

So… when was the last time you did something that makes you happy? If it’s been a while, consider this: Happiness lowers stress levels, increases immune system function, and lowers your risk of disease. It also makes life easier. Here are 3 easy steps to starting being happier every day!

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How to Be Happier Everyday (In 3 Easy Steps)

 

My magic formula for daily pleasure is simple doing one pleasurable thing per day (or more!)… This is the most powerful antidote for gray, boring, or stressful days. Try these 3 easy steps to get started & boost your level of happiness right away!

STEP #1 Make an “I love” list.

Make an “I love” list and list everything that you enjoy—nothing is too small or too large. If you enjoy it, get it on the list. 

STEP #2 Take a look at how you spend your days & decide when you could fit in a little pleasure.

Take a look at how you spend your days. When could you fit in a little pleasure? Perhaps you could leave the office at lunch to walk in the park? Maybe you could play your favorite music while doing the dishes? Book yourself a massage this weekend? 

STEP #3 Repeat daily.

Repeat this process daily — or more often, as needed. 

 

Mango Cream Recipe

To get you started down the road of pleasure, give this luscious mango cream recipe a try this week!

 Prep Time: 10 minutes - Serves 4 

Ingredients:

  1. 1 mango, peeled and diced 

  2. 1/4 cup orange juice 

  3. 1 tablespoon lemon juice 

  4. 1 tablespoon agave nectar (optional) 

  5. 1 cup organic whipping cream or carton of soft tofu or large ripe banana 

Directions:

  1. Process first 4 ingredients in a blender. 

  2. Blend for 1 minute, or until pureed. 

  3. Pour puree into a medium bowl. 

  4. Beat whipping cream at medium speed with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. If using tofu or banana whir in a food processor or blender until smooth and creamy. 

  5. Fold whipped cream or tofu or banana into mango puree, using a knife to swirl in a marbled effect. 

Enjoy!

xo, Lizzie

Is Life Coaching right for you?

If you’re still feeling under it all and overwhelmed by everything life is throwing your way right now, it may be time the perfect time to look into working with a Life Coach… Maintaining a healthy diet, finding the right balance with your body, detoxing your home, and staying on top of family, work and life demands is not an easy trail to navigate. I’m here as a Life Coach to help you sort through all of the information that’s out there and make a plan that’s relevant to you and your specific lifestyle wants & needs. Want to learn more about what life coaching can do for you? Click the link below to schedule a 15 min chat to learn more…

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Feeling Too Busy? 10 Daily Habits to Prioritize Your Life As a Working Mom

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Feeling Too Busy? 10 Daily Habits to Prioritize Your Life As a Working Mom

Never lose sight of the divine in yourself and others.

"I am too busy." This has never been something I found myself saying, and now more than ever, I find myself avoiding the sentiment altogether. When I have a lot going on in my life, I turn inward to something I have been doing for 20 years.

I reflect on what my actual steps are to keep me motivated and moving forward.

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Is It Possible to Find a Work + Life Balance?

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“Work-life balance was a mistake from the start. Because we don't really want balance. We want satisfaction.” -Matthew Kelly, author Balance is a waste of time… Balance is a sticky subject among many people. We have careers, partners, children, family commitments, charity work, classes, hobbies, worship time—plus, big desires to improve our health. How can one possibly balance so many things? I’m going to let you in on a little secret here… You can’t. 

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Is It Possible to Find a Work + Life Balance?

How can one possibly balance so many things? I’m going to let you in on a little secret here… You can’t. 

Work + Life Balance: Is It A Myth?

“Harmony” is an easier goal than balance. Harmony means everything is co-existing in a spirit of cooperation. But whatever you want to call it —harmony, balance, or “fitting it all in”— there is a secret to doing more of what you want and less of what you don’t want. 

Want to hear the secret? I just need to warn you that although the equation sounds simple, it actually takes massive willpower to execute. It also requires that you get absolutely clear on what you want your life to look like, and what you do not want in your life.

Ready? Okay, here’s the secret…

4 Steps to Finding the Secret to Work + Life Balance

(or Harmony, as I like to call it): 

  1. First ask yourself what isn’t serving you. What doesn’t need to be in your life? What is dragging you down? Keeping you awake at night? 

  2. Second, get rid of (or fix) the things you identified in step 1. Have you identified a few things? Now get rid of them. (Or fix them. Now.) 

  3. Third, ask yourself what you want in your life—or in this week or day? What do you want to accomplish? What do you want to do? Who do you want to be with?

  4. Lastly, focus your energy on these things you identified in step 3. Anything that doesn’t fit into this larger scheme… let it go (or learn how to say “no”). 

Ready to dive in and make a few changes? Give these tips a try and see how much more harmonious your life can be.

No balance required. 

xo, Lizzie

GET EVEN HEALTHIER!

Are you curious about how to harmonize your health goals? How to fit wellness into your busy schedule? Let’s talk! Schedule an initial complimentary consultation with me today—or pass this offer on to someone you care about!

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Don’t forget to save this article to Pinterest for healthy living tips you can come back to again & again! Click the “share” button below or simply click the “pin it” button in the top left corner of any photo to save it.

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How to Use the Power of Forgiveness to Stop Unhealthy Eating

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How to Use the Power of Forgiveness to Stop Unhealthy Eating

Have you ever downed an entire package of chips, crackers, or cookies? Ate pizza or cake until you felt sick? Drank more coffee or wine than your body wanted? Do you remember how you were feeling at the time? I ask because sometimes we overeat to help distract us from emotional pain.

Think about it: have you noticed that sometimes when you overeat you’re not hungry at all? What you are is lonely. Or angry. Or sad. Or resentful. Or frustrated. Or something else. What hurt are YOU holding on to?