I recently arrived back home from a beach vacation in Corolla, North Carolina.
Whenever I do something out of the ordinary like that, I always try to keep in mind, what I can bring back home from such an experience, and how I can integrate chosen takeaways into my every day. 
In that week, I was given the much craved time and space to clear out stagnant mental cobwebs, re-ignite my inner flame, and melt into alignment with the wisdom of how I truly want this life to feel. As a casual devotee of Danielle Laporte's Desire Map, I try to direct my choices in such a way that they are in service of my Core Desired Feelings of the moment.
Currently the prevailing desired feeling is: Ease. 

I desire my life to feel easy.

OK ok...I know how that sounds (naive, whiney, entitled, childish etc), but please bear with me.

For me, feeling ease allows me to flow through my days, with little struggle, softening through resistance, and reduction of suffering. 
Floating in salt-water, surrendering to the current, smiling up at the sky, and keeping a non-committal eye out for dolphins, reminds me that the extra baggage, incessant nagging thoughts, and insecurities are moot.
Feeling small, yet embraced in the vastness, reminds me that not much of what I worry about actually matters...Sand on my eyebrow, a bit of unblended sunscreen on my shoulder, a leftover curve or two on my belly from the Holiday Eating Seasons of Winters Past, water on the corner of my book, the work that awaits me upon my return...  

In the moment
in the water
in the now...
none of it really matters.

This is the feeling I desire to pack up in my suitcase, and take home with me.
Don't sweat the small stuff, right? 
Ease absolutely arrives more readily when on vacation, when the focus is self-care, pleasure, and fun. So, how can those concepts be integrated and brought into focus in everyday life?

Here are some things I am doing:

Wear only clothes that feel good on my body, aligned with my personality, and flow with my form as I move.

Environment. Spend time with nature, in whatever way is available to me at the moment: Enhance my home environment, light candles, use essential oils, place fresh flowers on the nightstand, open the blinds and let the light in.

Stay hydrated, both inside and out. I chug water like it's going out of style, and I love the vanilla spice body butter from Una Biologicals, as well as straight up Sweet Almond Oil

Zzzzz  - -  Get enough sleep! I thought that being on vacation, I would want to be up all night playing, partying, and having fun by the pool, but it's been feeling really decadent to embrace the Irish Goodbye, peace out, and lay my head at 10pm.

Full on nourishment. Allow my body to be sated through taking appropriate supplements,  consuming fresh and seasonal foods, enjoying the company of community, reading for FUN, and never forgetting the importance of a decent and delicious snack.

Step back from social media a bit, and be in awareness of what's around me. Not everything has to be recorded and posted online. 
I don't need to obsess over the latest feud or tragedy that's filling the feeds.
I realized that I'll criticize 24 hour news channels, but lately, Facebook and Twitter aren't that much different. It's definitely important to stay informed of the challenges the world faces, but in moderation. Spending more time on more personalized and curated online spaces soothes my soul and lets me dream of beauty and comfort.

Over to you! 
What brings you a sense of ease?
How could you allow for more of that in your daily life?
How would you advise another person to let go and take it easy? 
Let me know in the comments below, or send me a message! I'd love to hear what you think.

Is this a struggle for you? To imagine a life that feels joyful and easy, even though you strongly wish it to be possible?
If so, I invite you to schedule your DISCOVERY CALL and explore how we can kickstart change, and create more flow and ease in your every day. 
​
All my love,
​Caitlin

1) Curated mystery gift box of self-care treats, tailored and chosen just for you. - Ali Kaye!


2) Care package of pharmaceutical grade nutritional supplements from Usana including:
1 month supply of Usana's famous HealthPak,
1 bottle of Vitamin D
1 bottle of Proflavanol C - Emily Stilwell! 

 3) A scholarship to my Signature 3 Month Health Coaching Program! - Dana Huttlin!​

Congratulations, Ladies! I'll be in touch soon to arrange delivery of your prizes. 

All my love, 
​Caitlin

Greetings Well-Beings! 

 I don't know about you, but as I walk through my years on in this life, the Winters feel longer, more harsh, and more difficult to get through. Every year, I wish for the crocuses to pop up, the smell of dirt to return, and the salt to be on the rim of my margarita, instead of
on my boots.

I once read an article by the brilliant life coach Martha Beck about "Having a February", which, as I've interpreted, is basically having a month long Monday.  
I don't know if it's Seasonal Affective Disorder, the lack of fresh air from staying out of the cold weather, or the post holiday blues combined with the pre-spring apprehension, but what I do know, is that now is the perfect time to create small but powerful shifts in your day-to-day focus.
Shifts that will enhance your quality of life, making this typically challenging time, feel joyful, healthy and serene. 
​
Sylvia Plath once wrote:
“If neurotic is wanting two mutually exclusive things at one and the same time, then I'm neurotic as hell. I'll be flying back and forth between one mutually exclusive thing and another for the rest of my days.”

I feel this is a fitting sentiment, because as eager as I always am to get winter over and done with, I equally love digging my heels in, engaging and indulging in the warm and grounding vibe this season gives us.
I love having a reason to throw on a gigantic sweater, make a comforting beverage, and allow some things lie dormant, even if just for a while. 

Enter:
Cold Hands, Warm Hearth 
Winter Lifestyle Nourishment Instagram Challenge
Why Cold Hands Warm Hearth?
​The hearth has long been the symbol of the heart of the home, where nourishment of the body and soul come together. When I think if hearth, I think of love, warmth, good cozy food, a toasty fire, hot delicious beverages, the comfort of family, and close friends. The hearth is the spatial host for winter bliss. It is the spirit of The Hearth that I hope to awaken, in order to joyfully close out the remainder of this month feeling integrated and ready to greet the spring feeling rested, taken care of, and nourished in your body and soul.

That's why I've created this challenge, so for 15 days, we can nourish our souls, and nurture the summer that lives inside all of us. Taking the time to engage in these pleasures in the depths of this season, to focus on the sensuousness and grounding we can experience in our bodies and souls.

BONUS!
THERE WILL BE PRIZES
Every time you post a picture of you doing a challenge with #CHWH2016 and tag me on Instagram (@CaitlinWalker11) or on Facebook, you will be entered to win one of THREE incredible prizes:

1. A carefully curated mystery gift box of self-care treats, tailored and chosen just for you. 
2. A winter care package of pharmaceutical grade nutritional supplements from Usana including:
1 month supply of Usana's famous HealthPak,
1 bottle of Vitamin D
1 bottle of Proflavanol C
3. A scholarship to my Signature 3 Month Health Coaching Program!

Instead of having a February, let’s have our way with it instead.
Are you in?
Click to sign up!

I have a pretty large family.
Any given celebration consists of at least 20 humans, 3 dogs, 3 cats, the occasional water dragon, and the bunny before he went tits-up. As you can likely relate, navigating all of those personalities, interpersonal conflicts, and lifestyles, ain't easy.

Although my family tends to get along unusually well, I always feel like I need a bit of extra guidance and mental preparation before being fed to those very loving and well-intentioned sharks.
I usually do this by listening to an inspiring book or podcast during the drive home, being reminded of the kind of person I want to be, and reminding myself not to be so easily triggered.
Or, if I do get triggered, it gives me the perspective to help me understand why, and how to manage it.
This works exceedingly well...most of the time.

Due to feeling pretty tender throughout most of this month, I felt the need for an add on to my inspiration immersion. This is where the Oracle cards come into play. I love them because they give you a quick and dirty concept to consider in relation to your current quandry. There are a number of wonderful decks out there, but my current favorite is Doreen Virtue's Daily Guidance from your Angels.
I love using these cards whenever I feel a little spacey, in need of direction, or am in search of a loving nudge. 
There are many ways of using these cards, but what I personally do is shuffle the cards and ask a question.

"What to I need to know/keep in mind for going home this Thanksgiving?"
:::shuffle shuffle shuffle:::
Sometimes one will literally fall out of the deck at my feet. Other times, I fan them out and let the wand choose the wizard.
:::shuffle shuffle shuffle::: 

​ It wasn't until Black Friday that I realized that this concept was something I had embodied, almost by accident! Although I had considered the meaning of the card, I quickly filed it away in my brain. 
I realized that I spent most of Thanksgiving Day playing Hide & Seek with my little cousins, watching my mother make a Limber Louie puppet dance for the dogs, and learning some new party tricks from my uncle.
It was so fun to be able to show my cousins all the hiding spots my brother and I found when we were kids, and even discover some new ones they found on their own.
Experiencing the gathering through the lens of "Play" gave me permission to not take myself and others so seriously. (Like when Nana threatens to remove your new nose piercing with needle nose pliers while you sleep!)
(TRUE STORY)
I was able to have a really fantastic time, not get into any awkward disagreements, and really engage with my family on a new level. As a result
This is far from the first time I've picked this card lately, so I'm going to try to let go of the serious, and play, as much as I possibly can. What do you think? Play as a part of your wellness practice?
I invite you to take the Angel's advice, stop what you're doing and PLAY!
​
Please share in the comments, what are your most favorite and silly ways to play?

I hope you enjoyed this perfectly imperfect piece of my soul.

Starting over. Begin again. Start from Square One. 
There's no shame in that. 
I believe it's how we evolve.
Reset. Regroup. Rebloom.
Peaks and Valleys. Ebbs and Flows. Contract and Expand.
Embrace the Scribble

My intention is to continue to create content for you to follow along in my health coaching journey, both as a coach, and as an eternal student.
I hope to deliver valuable resources (Fun Facts!) to you, to help you live your favorite life.
I desire to give you the raw authentic truth of my experience, so you know you're in good company.
Finally, I present to you a place to rest your heart and mind.
May you find comfort, laughter, wisdom, and community in this space.

I invite you to inquire, to dare, to comment, to engage.
I'm here for you. 
All my love, 
Caitlin

Could that summer have gone by any faster?!
Some of you will disagree with me, but, although I would love a few more afternoons by the pool, I'm enamored with the turn of the season. It feels like a new opportunity to start fresh. Just google "September is the new January" and you'll see what I mean. I can't help but be reminded of that scene from You've Got Mail when Joe Fox says to Kathleen Kelly:

"Don't you love New York in the fall? It makes me want to buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address."

In the spirit of starting anew, I am beyond excited to announce that I am expanding my practice, and now offer Health Coaching!

If you are ready to make some positive changes in your life, and learn how to design and achieve YOUR goals, You're invited to schedule a FREE initial health consultation with me. Either click the link, or sign up below! 

You will have the opportunity to be heard, and get a sense of what it feels like to have more support in your life by working with me in my health coaching program.
Wishing you love, peace, and bouquets of pencils,
Caitlin

PS: These appointments are filling up quickly, so sign up soon!

 Get off your tush, push play, and shake whatever ya got! 

Lunar New Year - Year of the Horse
In celebration of the Lunar New Year, a number of ladies joined us at East End Eden for a night of visioning, manifesting, and sisterhood. 
The main event was the creation of beautiful Lumenarias to bring light and energy to our dreams. 
We each pulled a card from Dr. Northrup's "Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom Healing Cards" and read from "The Secret Language of Destiny"
I've dabbled around with creating vision boards, writing out my goals, and let's be honest, Pinterest, but actually being able to light up your dreams took it to an entirely different level. 

This activity really couldn't be easier, you'll need the following:
Mod Podge
Paint Brushes
Magazines/Paper inspiration
Scissors
Glass Jar
Votive candles

All you do is pick out the words and images in your materials that speak to you, rip or cut them out, then paste them onto the jar using the Mod Podge. 
They dry completely clear. 
Place the candle inside, set an intention, and light up your vision!

Happy New Year!
Hello!  I hope this message finds you enjoying a happy and healthy start to 2014. 
There are some exciting happenings over here at WBW: 

• Availability has increased, so you have more opportunities to treat your body right. See below for new hours.
• Newsletters are going out to keep you all informed of last minute openings, discounts, events, and wellness resources. 
  
• Workshops and Events are being scheduled at East End Eden! Let me know if you are interested in hosting a wellness event!
• February Reset Sugar Detox is ON! Stay tuned for details.