Mean what you say....and say what you mean!

Words....they have the power to heal, motivate,and encourage. Words.....also have the power to destroy, tear down, and cripple. I find it astounding how loosely people speak to each other sometimes in relationships. As if the words they say will be quickly forgiven or looked past in an instant. It just isn't true. I have been married for several years, married into a family where words have been thrown around like a volleyball their entire lives. I see how it destroys children, makes disrespectful teenagers, and poor intimate relationships. I have seen how people can truly hurt others with their communication. I can see how generations will be affected by the actions of today. It is very important to treat people in your life with deep respect and mutual admiration. Your children will see how you relate and become the mirror image of you. Generations always reap what you sow.

Why do unhealthy people resist change?

It is one of those questions I ask myself all the time, "Why do unhealthy people resist change?" You would imagine that an unhealthy person would want to get healthy and in many cases they do, but for some it really is a struggle. I am not even talking about the physical aspect of things, I am talking about the over all person from the inside out. Relationships can make people toxic and unhealthy, yet they stick around those people who will continue to abuse them, their trust, resources, etc. It makes no sense to me. However, if everyone were content and healthy I would be out of a job and we would all be in heaven. This side of heaven people will always have issues. It is how one handle things that make the difference.
There are some who have been living so unhealthy in so many areas of their life that if the healthy "bug" came up behind them and bit them in the rear end, they still would not be able to recognize it or even accept it. In fact, they may even reject 'healthy' because they do not know any better.
Most of the time the one(s) who are living in an unhealthy situation will not see it until something drastic happens. Recognizing that there needs to be lifestyle changes is the one key piece that will make the true difference.
We have heard the phrase, 'you can lead a horse to water but you can not make him drink,' it is cliche i know but very true. You can tell someone the truth, even if it hurts. You may also show them a better way, but you will never be able to make them change.
People change when they want to change and when their pain is greater for them then the fear of change itself.
What can you do as a person surrounded by unhealthy people?
Here are a few to start:
1. Be the change you want to see- all you can do is live your life the way you want to live and live it out healthy, true, and whole. Sooner or later those around you that have been spinning out of control will either spin out of your life all together or they will see a difference and maybe one day want some of that difference.
2. Keep healthy boundaries- stand your ground. Those who are unhealthy will reject your boundaries and manipulate you to feel guilty, feel sorry for taking a stand, for leaving, etc... STAND your GROUND!
Pick up the book Boundaries, by Cloud and Townsend.... awesome resource!!! Every family in America should read this book.
3. Seek Counseling- there is no shame in seeking wise counsel. Seek it...and find it...and do it! 
These are just a couple things but know that every day, every person has a choice. They have a choice to survive or thrive. Thriving is the way I want to live....how about you?

How to make protein bars

Most people buy protein bars at the grocery store or vitamin stores to provide extra energy, supplement meals, or to lose weight. Most over the counter protein bars do contain the added protein that maybe you are looking for but they also contain a wide range of preservatives and added ingredients that just are not necessary. By making the protein bars in your home you can add or take away ingredients and you can make a weeks worth at a time. By making the bars this way it not only saves you time but you can see what you are putting in your body.
I thought I would share one of my favorites. You can make your own recipes by adding or taking away certain ingredients. This one is super easy and fast and makes a great breakfast on the go or a snack.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Trail Mix Protein Bar
1 cup of organic peanut butter
1 cup of Agave nectar ( can also use one packet of Stevia dissolved in 1 cup lukewarm water)
6 scoops of vegan chocolate protein powder
2 cups of Oatmeal (uncooked)
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup slivered almonds
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Melt the peanut butter and stir in the agave nectar then mix that into the remaining ingredients and blend on a low speed. You may need to add 1/2 cup water if your consistency is too dry.
Spread with a spatula in a 9x13 pan and refrigerate, cut into squares, and take on the go!
** I use a protein powder that is plant based protein, gluten free and vegan. You can use other brands but this one does not contain whey which most do and this is much healthier for your body. You can purchase the protein by visiting my websites and looking under products- Daily Fit Essentials-
www.mylittlelifecoach.com or
http://purehealthybeauty.myarbonne.com/

I hope you enjoy them. This one is delicious and it is hard to believe you are eating healthy!
photo:kendracannoy