My Mind, Body, Spirit Transformation

Posted on by Joanne Guidoccio

Today, we have Dr. Ellen Albertson sharing her inspiring journey to wellness.

Here’s Dr. Ellen!

drellenToday I love my body. I’ve stopped worrying about it and started enjoying it. My body is a marvelous temple, a vehicle that transports me through life and facilitates emotion and pleasure.

But it wasn’t always like this. At first, I believed the path to wellbeing was weight loss. I thought that obtaining the “perfect” body would solve all my problems. But focusing on weight WAS the problem—blocking joy, personal growth and connecting with my genius and passion.

I was a weight loss warrior/worrier focusing ridiculous amounts of time and energy on weight and helping my clients do the same thing. Counting calories, restricting food, following rigid meal plans, beating myself up for eating a cookie, exercising excessively and weighing and judging people, FOR WHAT?

Trying to control my body was destroying my life. I was addicted to exercise. If I didn’t work out I freaked out! I ran away from problems and uncomfortable emotions and punished my body for not being “perfect”. No one knew because I looked “great.” Besides, as a personal fitness trainer I worked in the insane fitness industry where grueling workouts are glorified.

My daughter, Aly hit puberty. Distraught by her changing body, she started mirroring my dysfunctional, body hating behavior. Going clothing shopping was worse than root canal. She’d emerge from the dressing room in tears because nothing fit. Her behavior was a powerful wake-up call that roused me from my self-centered, self-loathing trance. To help her, I had to make peace with my body and food.

I started therapy and learned to safely connect with feelings and emotions. I confronted fears and questioned many long held beliefs, including my ridiculous fear of fat and view that everyone could and should strive to have a perfect, thin body. When thoughts like, “I feel fat” crossed my mind I crossed examined them. For example, I was out on a winter walk when I started feeling heavy. I realized I felt fat not because of body weight, but because I was wearing a bulky coat to stay warm.

Gradually my body stopped being a dumping ground for all that was wrong with my life. Movement and eating became joyful again. When I looked in the mirror instead of flaws and imperfections I saw beauty and glimpsed my soul. I realized my body was not my masterpiece, my life was.

That’s when I discovered Self-compassion, learning to treat yourself the way you would a good friend. I was working on my doctoral dissertation and wanted to provide women with something more than flat abs and a sexy bum. My dissertation chair suggested I offer meditation. Initially, I was uncomfortable with the idea because I didn’t meditate. Years ago I had meditated and been passionate about spirituality, but life and my quest for the perfect body had crowded out space to expand my soul.

The minute I said yes to meditation doors started opening. Kristin Neff, a pioneer in the field of Mindful Self-compassion (MSC) agreed to be on my dissertation committee. I studied extensively with Kristin and eventually become a Mindful Self-compassion teacher. MSC changed my life. As I meditated and practiced self-compassion I started to fall in love with my Self. The drive for perfection was replaced by self-acceptance, and the nagging, critical voice that had haunted me disappeared.

When things were difficult in my life I used to automatically say, “I feel fat”, restrict my eating and go for a run. Now when things are difficult I give myself what I need to feel better. I’ve stopped struggling and started flowing. Each day is an opportunity to see what there is to see, feel what there is to feel and know what there is to know. And difficulties are just doorways to grow and glow.

Today, My life is filled with passion, purpose and meaning. Sometimes it’s a hot mess, but now I can accept and handle it. I love and care for myself deeply, and I’m able to use my gifts of healing, insight and intuition to help others heal and live happier, more fulfilling lives.

Here’s what I want to leave you with:

Let go of who you think you’re supposed to be and embrace who you are. When life feels heavy, harmonize the dance of your life with the song in your heart and flow with grace, beauty and ease.

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Bio

Dr. Ellen is a Psychologist, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Certified Wellcoach® and Reiki Master. The Glow & Grow Coach, Dr. Ellen teaches women how to harmonize the dance of their lives with the song in their hearts and flow with grace, beauty and ease. She’s passionate about helping others let go of who they think they’re supposed to be & embrace who they are.

The former online Nutrition Expert for Women’s Health, Men’s Health and The Abs Diet, Dr. Ellen has helped thousands of women overcome negative body image and weight issues and enlighten body, mind, heart & spirit. After working for two decades in the diet industry and struggling with food and weight issues, she broke free from the body perfection trap. She discovered self-compassion, and transformed her life and coaching practice.

An expert on women’s wellbeing, Dr. Ellen has appeared on Extra, The Maury Povitch Show, the Food Network and NBC World News and has been quoted in Psychology Today, Family Circle, Eating Well and USA Today. Dr. Ellen’s articles on health and nutrition have appeared in Self, Better Homes & Gardens and Good Housekeeping. She is the author of 4 books including: Hawking God, Food as Foreplay: Recipes for Romance, Love & Lust and the soon to be released The Dietitian & The Diabetic: How to Help Your Husband Defeat Diabetes without Losing Your Mind or Your Marriage.

Where to find Dr. Ellen…

Facebook | Twitter

giftboxClick to get your free gift from Dr. Ellen ~ The Catapult Your Confidence Kit. It contains a workbook, guide and MP3 designed to help people shift their mood and build self-love and self-worth.


Joanne here!

Dr. Ellen, thanks for an inspirational post! Best of luck with your upcoming release, The Dietitian and the Diabetic.


Spotlight on The Missing Housewife

Posted on by Joanne Guidoccio

I’m happy to feature Iris Wynne’s latest release.

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Blurb

A man convicted of murder pleads his innocence to no avail until the likeness of a woman he supposedly murdered shows up alive in Shanghai.
Steve Wade is an ex-cop and now private investigator. His reputation for solving crimes is growing.

His newest client is a man charged with a murder he says he did not commit. The convict’s sister has evidence that the person he supposedly murdered is alive and living in Shanghai after an old classmate of hers sees a double of the murdered victim while touring parts of Asia.>

Is the murder victim, a woman, really alive and the man charged with her murder innocent?

Steve does not know what to think. Should he believe a convicted killer who was once a drug addict living on the streets? Steve however does not want an innocent man to spend the rest of his life in jail.

It’s a dilemma he must think through and to try to prove the convicted murderer’s innocence.

Excerpt

She had left her group and her husband in order to go to the Peace Hotel washroom which was one of or perhaps even the nicest washroom she had ever seen. Its decor was all black and white marble with gold faucets matching the gold chandeliers along the walls that lit the room. Each toilet had its own cubicle and a shiny black door. American style—no hole in the ground—to every tourist’s delight.

And that is when she saw her.

Connie stared at the woman beside her who was washing her face. A ghost from the past; a woman who was ostensibly dead four years ago. She blinked back at the woman a few times. She hadn’t seen her in over ten years. She had known her since childhood which was embedded forever as a memory.

And Connie Stern’s memory was exceptional. She was the type of person who never forgot a face.

The woman beside her was tall and slim. Her hair, once a shiny dark hue, was now peppered with gray. But those eyes were the same, an unusual dark green that glowed like emeralds. That was her trademark along with her natural beauty. She was the second child of a famous music producer from Toronto. His five beautiful daughters had lived in Rosedale, one of the wealthiest areas in Toronto. The youngest three were from another marriage, but they all lived together in harmony with the second wife, or so the story goes.

If that was Patricia Gold, she would be in her forties and the woman across from her was definitely that age. Her attractiveness was gone, though, after years of living on the street.

It had been a surprise in the community, to say the least, when she left her husband and children in search of drugs. Connie could not believe it when it happened. She had known Patricia well growing up and never saw a sign of it, of the unhappiness or the addiction to drugs. She did know, however, that Patricia wanted to be thinner so she could model. She glanced at her again. The woman glimpsed back at her briefly as she washed her hands.

Connie thought of Patricia’s husband, whom she knew in high school. He was popular and could pick any girl he wanted. When they married, she and Patricia were no longer friends which always happened in a big city. Different universities, new jobs, and location changes all caused people to make new friends. Nevertheless, they were the perfect couple, everyone thought. Connie always had fond memories of her.

Connie put her hands in the dryer, peering over at the woman again. She remembered one of the last times seeing her. It was years ago when she and her own husband were walking their kids in strollers when Patricia and her husband drove by and asked them for directions to the nearest park. Their children were sitting in the back seat, silently staring up at them. It was only Connie who had recognized them but said nothing as her husband rambled off the directions. Too much time had passed for either of them to say anything. Everyone looked different with age anyway. Still, she never forgot a face.

Another time, she had seen her at a bar midtown, around Yonge and Eglinton. Connie and two of her friends had decided to go out on the town without kids or spouses, like old times. She hated it though, missing her husband and children, and was just as happy to be home with them. Let the singles have the single life, she had thought. But she did see Patricia Gold there, all dressed up, looking lovely, holding a drink with another old friend who Connie also knew in high school. Her friend was a runner and to this day would be seen running down Avenue Road as if the devil was trying to catch up to her.

And that was the last time she saw Patricia, until now, that is, if it was her.

She held her breath. “Patricia?”

The woman looked up and turned to her with a frown.

“Patricia Gold, is that really you?”

The woman’s green eyes opened wide along with her mouth. She stared back for a second and then ran out of the washroom, leaving Connie staring back at the swinging door. Connie put her hands down on the white granite sink and wondered, of all things, if the sink was real gold, gold plated or just painted gold. The chandeliers flickered and her reflection staring back at her in the mirror looked flushed and confused. Did she see a ghost or was it a double? She did what the other woman did and rinsed her face. She was wrong—she had hoped—and shook her head trying to ignore what had just happened. She would continue her vacation and carry on as if nothing had happened.

Buy Links

Amazon Canada | Amazon U.S. | Kobo

Bio

IrisWynne (2)I’m a book lover, a daydreamer and a hopeless romantic. I’m a writer of cozy mysteries with an element of romance. I’m a mother of two girls and in my spare time I dog walk, play golf and tennis. I also grab a game of Mah Jongg whenever I can which inspired me to write my first book, The Missing Mah Jongg Player.

Where to find Iris…

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram (iriswynne5)


10 Best Moments in My First 50 Years

Posted on by Joanne Guidoccio

I’m thrilled to welcome author Carly Jordynn to the Power of 10 series. Today, Carly shares ten of her best moments and her upcoming release, Shifter.

Here’s Carly!

I’ve chosen to list my ten best moments during my first 50 years of life.

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10. Buying my first house was a wonderful experience, nerve-wracking, but great. I will never forget the pride of first time home ownership, decorating, and making it your own. I was a nervous wreck when I applied for the loan, but it all went through without a hitch.

9. My wedding day. Even though the marriage ended in divorce, I will never forget that day, my dress, the guests, and how I felt becoming a Mrs.

8. My Baptism. I was in elementary school when I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. I followed up with Baptism in the fourth grade. It was a special time. Many of my school teachers attended my Church so they were able to celebrate with me.

7. My senior year in high school was fabulous. There were so many activities, dates, and milestones. I was nominated for Basketball Homecoming Queen, Prom was an interesting evening shared with my date and our friends, I attended my first concert my senior year, Graduation was exciting, but sad in a way . . . everyone going their own way.

6. Graduating from college. It took me a long time to find a major and stick to it. I had a lot of false starts along the way, but finally made it through. I dated a lot during college so this probably didn’t help my GPA or making up my mind as to what I wanted to be when I grew up. I made so many good friends at the Baptist Student Union. Those friendships are still strong today.

5. My home life. I’m an only child and have two really wonderful parents who have loved and supported me over the years. Yes, I was spoiled, but not overly so. I am blessed to have these two for my folks.

4. First kisses. I love the newness of a relationship and those first kisses shared. It’s an exciting time. I still get butterflies when I think of some of the first kisses I have received.

3. Saying goodbye to a special friend. He passed away, but I will always treasure our time together. It makes me smile to think of him. I know that sounds weird, but towards the end we had some really fabulous conversations. There was no need to pretend to be cool, or anything like that. We were bare bones honest with each other. Those talks mean the absolute world to me and I am grateful for that time.

2. Becoming a published author. I couldn’t string a sentence together in high school nor in college. Realizing my dream of becoming an author after that was just amazing. I love every minute of my writing life. I have met some wonderful authors along the way who have been supportive and helpful. I have met industry professionals who have offered wonderful advice. I get giddy when somebody asks me to sign a book for them, asks for an interview, or asks me to talk to them about writing.

1. Becoming a mother when I adopted my daughter from Guatemala. What an adventure that has been. So many things did not turn out right and had the potential for disaster. Every setback resolved itself. God gave me my daughter . . . somebody else just had to give birth for me.

Blurb

Sasha Bishop is the Slayer. With her Halfling and Vampire allies by her side, she had fought and won a vampire war. Now some of her classmates are missing. When they resurface as vampires; they accuse Sasha as being their Sire. The trouble begins when Sasha’s 168-year old, vampire boyfriend, Hutch, sides with the newborns. It takes the war to a whole new level.

Angry and hurt, Sasha finds comfort with handsome vampire, Rhydian McDavid, who has an alarming connection to her Slayer past. Now, she must pair up with some unlikely allies to stop a vampire massacre at the Prom, all while being crowned the Prom Queen.

The battle doesn’t stop there. The Vamps of Craig’s Creek are back with a vengeance and plan on making Graduation a buffet. A storm, tornado, and some surprising revelations, guarantee Sasha’s life will never be the same.

Excerpt

Alarm bells went off in my head. “1848? Where have you been?” I then slapped my hand over my mouth as realization came over me. Rhydian laughed, shaking me up and down where I sat on his stomach.

“It’s all becoming clear isn’t it, Slayer?”

I put my hand on his chest. “You know Hutch, don’t you?”

He laughed again.
“Yes, I knew Andrew when he first came to Villa Mirage.”

“Did you know Joseph and Molly?” I asked. Joseph and Molly were my great-great-grandparents. Joseph had been Hutch’s best friend and Molly had been the Slayer. She was killed two weeks shy of her seventeenth birthday.

He sat up so I was now on his lap. We were nose to nose again. My lips parted of their own accord. His head came closer to mine and then he laughed. “I won’t be your rebound Vamp, Sasha.”

I felt heat rise into my cheeks. What was I doing? I loved Hutch.

Rhydian’s words were like a splash of cold water to my senses. Anger coursed over me. I stood and yanked him up with me. I reached for my stake in my boot and came up empty handed.

Rhydian held my stake up and grinned. “I’m disappointed. I thought the Slayer would have known I was stealing her weapons.”

I grabbed for the stake. He held it over his head, just out of my reach. I jumped for it and grabbed the stake triumphantly. That is when he grabbed me. He drew me close against his body. My heart thumped into overdrive. He grabbed the back of my head and crushed his lips into mine. It wasn’t a gentle kiss. This was a full out assault. He pulled me tighter against him, almost like pulling me into himself. My hands wrapped around his neck of their own accord. My stake dropped harmlessly to the ground. When he finally lowered me, I was unsteady, my lips throbbing. I looked into his eyes, almost afraid of what I would see there. His eyes were troubled, like he didn’t expect to feel anything from what we just did. What started out as a joke on his part to make me angry had backfired.

I bent to retrieve my stake and came up empty handed again. I knew I had dropped it somewhere. I felt Rhydian stiffen next to me. I turned slowly, knowing who I would see.

“Looking for this?” Hutch held my stake out to me.

I stared at him wordlessly. No noise would come out. What had I done?

Hutch glanced at Rhydian. “What are you doing back in Villa Mirage?”

Rhydian slipped his arm around me. I flinched from his touch. “Oh come on, Sasha. Don’t be that way. You know you liked that kiss.”

Anger, shame, horror, and dread washed over me. “Did you know? Did you know Hutch was out there?”

He laughed. “Of course, and if you had been paying attention, you would have known too.”

I turned to Hutch.

“I’m sorry.”

“Save it, Sasha,” he barked. “I have eyes. I don’t need a play-by-play of the details.”

Bio

carlabiddleCarly Jordynn is a writer from Northern Kentucky who loves to weave tales of fantasy, paranormal, and romance. When she isn’t writing a book, she writes lyrics for the Christian band, Phil Parks and One Step Closer.

Carly loves to travel. You can find her at various conferences and other author events throughout the year. Her hobbies include: travel, photography, reading, party-planning, dinner with friends, and hanging out with her family.

Carly is a member of the Romance Writers of America and the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.

Where to find Carly…

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Amazon | Pinterest | Blog


Pearls of Second Act Wisdom

Posted on by Joanne Guidoccio

pearlofwisdom

In July 2013, I started the Second Acts series on my blog. My original intention was to feature the reinvention stories of twelve women as part of the launch to my debut novel, Between Land and Sea, Book 1 of the Mediterranean Trilogy.

I was pleased with the response and decided to extend the timeline. Almost three years have passed, and the Second Acts keep on coming.

Continue reading on the Soul Mate Authors blog.


10 Lovely Rose Colors and Their Meanings

Posted on by Joanne Guidoccio

I’m happy to welcome author Erin Bevan to the Power of 10 series. Today, Erin shares the meaning behind rose colors and her latest release, Text Me.

Here’s Erin!

erinbevanValentine’s Day is over and done with now, and I’m sure your local florist is reaping the benefits of the lovely holiday. Were their red roses sitting on your counter top from the holiday? Or what about pink or white? Have you ever stopped to think about what the color of the roses represent?

Well, think no more. I am going to tell you. Here are ten lovely rose colors and their meanings.

Red– Romance. (I’m sure we all knew that one!)

White– Purity, Innocence, Secrecy. (I feel a story coming on with white roses! Some deep dark secrets involved. Taps tips of fingers together and laughs-Mwa Ha Ha Ha!)

Dark Pink– Appreciation or Gratitude.

Light Pink– Admiration or Sympathy.

Yellow– Joy, Delight, Friendship. (Maybe this is why everyone considers yellow a “happy” color?)

Orange– Fascination or Desire.

Peach– Appreciation or Sincerity.

Coral– Desire (Mmm… I think I gave my kid’s teacher coral roses once. Oops!)

Lavender– Love at First Sight or Enchantment.

Yellow with Red Tips– Falling in Love (Aww!!)

Which color would you prefer to get? I think dark pink would be nice. Everyone likes to feel appreciated every once in a while, right? Next year, when you send out your flowers, use this little cheat sheet as a guide. Don’t be like me and send roses of desire to your kids’ teachers! Unless, you do desire them, then I say go for it!

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Blurb

When Erika’s ex becomes her boss less than a year after dumping her by text, she gets desperate to find a date to the corporate Valentine’s dance so he doesn’t suspect she still has feelings for him. Though not a fan of texting for the obvious reason, she doesn’t have much choice but to tap the keypad in order to gain the attention of the only viable candidate from the classified ads.

Grayson made the mistake of listening to his brother a year ago and has regretted what he did to Erika ever since. But his brother’s next suggestion just might be his salvation when he takes out an ad for a Valentine’s date…and Erika answers.

Using a pseudo name and keeping contact to text messages only, Grayson’s plans to make Erika fall back in love with him appears to be working…until the date of the dance draws near, and she pushes a meeting—face to face.

Excerpt

Valentine’s Day.

She sank deeper into the couch. What was she going to do? She couldn’t show up alone to the company dance. Not with the chance of Grayson being there. No way.

“Maybe go to another speed dating session?” She grabbed a tissue off the coffee table and wiped the excess slime from her fingers.

“My hairdresser’s single. You want me to ask him?”

“Your hairdresser’s gay. I don’t think he’d be interested in me.”

“Really?” Megan gave her a funny stare.

“Really.” Erika snorted. “Have you not seen the picture of him and his ex-partner at his station?”

“That was his partner?” Her friend’s mouth gapped open. “I thought it was his brother.”

She shook her head. Her friend was one of the smartest people she knew, but common sense eluded the girl.

Megan popped more hearts in her mouth. “That explains so much now,” she mumbled around the candy. “No wonder my hair always looks good.”

“Yes, it does.” Erika sipped her wine.

Her friend swallowed. “Well, I’m sorry, honey. I don’t know any single guys. If I did, I’d try to date them myself.”

“That’s okay.” She sighed and slumped back onto the sofa.

“Is Grayson single?”

“I don’t know. Why are you asking?” She narrowed her gaze. “You want to date him?”

“No.” Her friend said “no” as if it was the most obvious answer in the world.

“I’m thinking about you. You wouldn’t go back out with Grayson again, would you? Please say no.” Megan’s shoulders sagged.

Go back out with Grayson. She never thought she’d be given another chance. Would she go back out with him after the way he treated her? Of course not. She deserved better, despite how wonderful he had been.

“I don’t think so. He really hurt me. I can’t give him that privilege again.”

“Good for you.” Her roommate perked up and patted her on the back. “Stay strong. You’ll find someone.”

“You’re right. I’m going to have a date for that corporate Valentine’s dance, even if I have to search the classifieds.”

“Surely, it won’t come to that.” Megan held up her glass for a toast.

Erika clinked hers with her friend’s. “Yeah, surely.”

Her roommate sat her glass down on the table and reached for more hearts.

“Here, give me one of those.”

“I love reading the little sayings.” Megan passed her a heart and tossed her dark hair behind her shoulder. “What’s yours say?”

She flipped over the candy to see the phrase. Bright pink letters stared back at her. Oh, you can’t be serious. “‘Text me’. Seriously?”

Megan burst out laughing.

“You would find that funny.” Erika popped the heart in her mouth and obliterated the little saying she had grown to hate so much.

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Bio

Erin Bevan is a wife and mother of three. An avid reader, one day she decided to try her luck in writing stories of her own, and the idea paid off. She spends her days deep in the heart of Texas, fighting mosquitoes, cleaning dirty faces, and writing when the kids nap. If it’s a really good day, she even finds time to brush her hair.

Where to find Erin…

Website | Facebook | Twitter