We all know what we SHOULD be doing to create balanced and healthy lives, but many of us just can’t find the time.  However, instead of saying “I don’t have time,” try saying, “It’s not a priority,” and see how that sits.  For example, on a personal note, I never seem to have time the time to organize my storage area in the basement.  In reality, it is just not a priority to me; other things are more important to me.

Switching the language it is easy with some things, but with others, it isn’t as easy.  Try it.  “I can’t help you with your homework tonight, Honey, because is not a priority.”  “I did not exercise this week because it is not a priority.”  “Making healthy lunches to take to work is not a priority, so I had to order out.” “Eating healthy, protein based breakfasts every day is not a priority.” “Making healthy, home-cooked meals is not a priority for me, so I eat out frequently or eat a lot of processed, quick foods." ” If these phrases don’t sit well, that is the point. Notice how that simple shift in language puts things into perspective. Changing the language reminds us that time is a choice. If we don’t like how we are spending an hour, we really CAN choose differently.

Stephen Covey offered sound advice when it comes to priorities.  He stated, “The key is not to prioritize what is on your schedule; the key is to schedule your priorities."

So, this new year, schedule YOUR priorities.  You will invariably transform your life as a result.  Good luck!

I was recently trained in Virtual Gastric Band Hypnosis, and I learned a great deal from it. One shocking aspect of the program...it was made clear that we only eat three meals a day; that is it.  So, I decided to test this theory out to see what it felt like; as a typical "grazer," I was accustomed to eating several small meals a day.

In order to truly experience the process, I underwent hypnosis and had the band installed on me. After hypnosis, it was surprisingly easy to make the adjustment to this new eating pattern.  In just a couple of weeks, I was definitely able to see the benefits. First of all, it is easy to lose track of calories consumed by "grazing."  It is easy to keep track of three meals. Plus, "grazing" doesn't allow the body to burn fat, as it is always busy burning food.

This practice isn't so far-fetched, actually. When you think about it, most of us only ate three meals a day when growing up; there was never snack time, and we did not have an obesity problem.  I am sure our ancestors also ate three meals a day...that was it, and they were a lot more active than many of us are today.  It makes sense.

Therefore, it is confirmed; there is definitely something to this, and that is exactly why eating three regular meals a day is one of the simple  "rules" to be followed in the Virtual Gastric Band Hypnosis Program.

Also, as a result of following the entire program, I noticed I do not have food cravings like I sometimes had while "grazing;" I am also aware when I am comfortably satisfied, eating much more mindfully than I have eaten in the past.  Further, I had a few stubborn pounds that refused to leave...well, they have since departed.  Most importantly, I see many clients benefiting from the program as well, reporting the same findings I too have discovered.

If you want to find out more about this great program and see if you are right for hypnosis, feel free to call to set up a no obligation screening appointment.  (716) 949 - 4575

Did you ever try to will yourself to be successful with a goal (weight loss, smoking cessation, to be more confident, etc), but you found that you still ended up repeating those old habits/patterns/thought processes once again? Annoying, isn't it?  Oftentimes, many just give up, enslaved by their behavior forever.

The graphic above clearly demonstrates why this failure happens.  Willing yourself to accomplish your goal engages only 10% of your mind; it is a conscious activity.  So, even with 10% engaged, 90% is not!  The silent majority is storing other patterns, habits, and plans for you; you now can clearly see how the odds are stacked against you. 

Fortunately, it doesn't have to be this way. There is a way to quickly, easily, and effectively target that 90%, and it is through hypnosis. Hypnosis, taps into that ever important silent majority, that 90%! By tapping into your wonderful imagination and creativity, we are able to directly target those habits and finally break patterns necessary for long-lasting change. It is as simple as that.

So, what is your part in the hypnotic process?  It is easy for most and rather fun, but it requires active teamwork (no, despite common misconceptions about hypnosis, you will not be asleep or unconscious). To understand your important roll, imagine you are watching a movie.  I will supply the narration to your "movie," (using carefully selected words and images that are targeted specifically to you); you must supply the images, making them as alive and vibrant as possible, engaging the same behavior you would if you were reading a book, taking words and transforming them into images.  This simple but effective activity engages that 90% of the brain needed for lasting change! 

If you are ready to target this 90% to make a lasting change, call today for a free screening, to see if you are a good candidate for hypnosis - (716) 949 - 4575.  You will be happy you did!

For additional motivation, Dragonfly Hypnosis is now offering a positive affirmation CD for success that clients can listen to throughout the day; no hypnotic induction is needed (yes, you CAN listen to it while driving). Its purpose is to override/replace the negativity that we are bombarded with throughout the day, from our own negative self-talk, to the negativity of the media and others who surround us. Along with work performed during "live" sessions at Dragonfly Hypnosis, and the frequent use reinforcement CD's that accompany "live sessions" (included with the price/session), it should prove to be a powerful addition for lasting change; I am confident you will find value in listening to it.

"We dig our graves with our teeth."
                                                  - French Proverb

This saying truly evokes a ghastly image, an image of someone diligently constructing a final resting spot - each and every day - with such painstaking effort, with one's teeth, no less!

However, when you stop to think about it, no doubt you can see the truth behind the image in relation to the foods we choose to consume on a day-to-day basis, and how those foods affect our well being.  Think of friends and loved ones whose lives were cut short because of food/weight related issues: heart disease, cancers, diabetes; the list goes on and on. The truth is, with each and every spoonful of subpar food we choose to put into our mouths, we are choosing an early grave. 

So why do we persist? Some people rationalize eating these deceitfully tasty foods by saying, "I want to enjoy life."  "I don't want to feel like I am restricting myself." (As a former overweight person, I too uttered phrases just like that.) However, if we take a step back, we can see the irony of this thinking.  Those who are claiming to want their freedom to enjoy unhealthy foods are actually restricting themselves with their eating habits!  They could either end up not being able to participate fully in life because of health issues/weight issues, or worse, the lives that they say they love to enjoy may actually be cut short, landing them in early graves (which, I imagine, is very restricting).  They actually have LESS time to create precious memories with their children, spouses, grand children, etc.,  What a sacrifice!  What seemingly selfish behavior!  

However, I believe most of these "pleasure-seeking" people are not selfish at all. I believe most just get so overwhelmed with the idea of changing, and they just don't know where to begin.  Sadly, some don't believe they can be any other way. So, to cope, they make the claim to enjoy that poor lifestyle, knowing full well where it could lead them, knowing full well how it restricts them from participating fully in life. 

They need to realize that poor eating is a habit that was developed somewhere in life. Perhaps these unhealthy habits were set up in early childhood - a parent soothing a crying child with a cookie, subconsciously teaching that child to reach for sugar when in comfort is needed.  Perhaps the pattern began in college - a student reaching for quick, sugary foods for a quick pick-me-up, not realizing the crash that takes place after the initial jolt...not fully realizing how ingesting sugar makes one crave more.  A pattern of behavior, that is all it is.  It is not a destiny.

Given this, how does one begin to break these patterns? Simple. We change by making one healthy decision at a time - over and over - that is how.  Instead of making an entire over-haul, try consistently replacing ONE unhealthy food item with something healthy.  You can start with your beverage of choice.  Instead of reaching for that sugar-laden soft drink or frappe, replace it with a nice, cool glass of water with an added zip of fresh, zesty lemon.  That is it.  Doable, huh?  The following week..or two (it is your call), replace another item...and so on.  Feeling a bit more confident in yourself?  Try replacing ONE unhealthy meal for a healthier option.  Enjoy that for awhile, then move on to another meal.  Eventually, become more mindful of the snacks you choose, and choose healthier options.

Start small; it is okay - there is no time constraints. There is no right way to do it. The important thing is to start making changes instead of making excuses. Before long, you will have walked away from that pattern of eating unhealthy foods.  You can stop digging your grave with your teeth, turn your face to the bright, warm sun, and start enjoying a long, happy, fulfilling life.

Of course, for added help with making these healthy choices, give hypnosis a try.    If you truly have the desire to change, you will see just how beneficial it can be to break unhealthy patterns and start new ones. =) 

“We are the judge, the prison, the guard, the key-holder, and the prisoner; it’s up to us if we are going to be free or not.”
~ Deni Davcevsk

At times, many find themselves playing victims in life.  Victims often find themselves saying phrases such as, "My bad childhood makes me react this way; my failed relationships cause me to be this way, I was hurt by my trusted friend, and I can no longer trust people, etc..."  Sadly, unfortunate events happen to everyone. However, making a habit of saying condemning/negative phrases like that DOES build prisons within one's mind, keeping one locked as a prisoner in a dangerous mindset, the mindset of failure, the mindset of negativity.  We must work to free ourselves from these dangerous thought patterns and build healthier patterns and beliefs, empowering us to be free at last.   Our past does not define our future...unless WE give it the power to do so.  We truly do shape our realities...one thought at a time.

Eliminating worry does NOT mean the absence of concern. Rather, eliminating worry means keeping a safe distance between the issue and your own inner peace. Eliminating worry means remaining objective and remembering we are "not a body with a soul. We are a soul with a body...a soul having a human experience." What we are is much greater than any temporary issue that tries to penetrate that inner peace.

“I hope that in this year to come, you make mistakes.

Because if you are making mistakes, then you are making new things, trying new things, learning, living, pushing yourself, changing yourself, changing your world. You're doing things you've never done before, and more importantly, you're doing SOMETHING.

So that's my wish for you, and all of us, and my wish for myself. Make new mistakes. Make glorious, amazing mistakes. Make mistakes nobody's ever made before. Don't freeze, don't stop, don't worry that it isn't good enough, or it isn't perfect, whatever it is: art, or love, or work or family or life.

Whatever it is you're scared of doing, do it.  Make your mistakes, next year and forever.” 
                                                                                                                                ― Neil Gaiman

Sometimes we forget that mistakes and failure are truly not one in the same.  A mistake is an
unsuccessful attempt, but it is proactive in nature.  However, failure can be finalizing; it implies giving up.  How many people give up before even trying, so fearful of making a dreaded "mistake?" 

Even though I struggle at some level with the terminology of "mistake," as it
already implies erroneous behavior, I know why Gainman uses it; he wants us to
embrace our less than perfect "humanness."  That, my friend, is a very
freeing concept!  May we all embrace our "humanness" in 2013 and strive to meet our full potential!

So, do you LOVE to exercise?  Do you find yourself looking forward to going to the gym for a refreshing workout?  If you do,congratulations! You have already discovered your most powerful tool – your imagination!

However, if you are like most, you view the experience as a “necessary evil.”  You may find yourself counting the seconds while performing your cardio workout, trying without success to distract yourself from the boredom you may be feeling. You may find yourself rushing through
your free-weight routine because you just aren't feeling motivated. 

So, why do some people love working out, but many dread it?  What is the secret?  The secret lies within the internal dialogue in which you engage during the entire process.
Let me demonstrate the difference:

Necessary Evil Internal Dialogue:

“How much time is left on this machine?  Ugh…maybe there is something good on tv…that will help distract me…Gosh, only 10 calories burned there…all that work!  If I don’t do this, I will surely start showing the effects of all those holiday goodies. Wow!  I can’t believe how much weight I put on…I am feeling so winded…Ouch!  What is that pull in my knee?  Why does this look so easy for everyone else…but I am dying here…WHAT?  Only 2 more minutes went by!!!!!!”

What messages are you delivering to your brain?  You are telling your brain that exercise is a painful, boring experience, but, nevertheless, something you HAVE to do.  Remember this, nobody
likes to feel forced into anything! You will subconsciously fight against it in the first place!

Love Exercise Dialogue:

“Wow!  I love the sound of my breathing…I can just feel that air rushing into my lungs
and filling every cell with energy!  (Notice the sensation.)  I love the feeling of my muscles at work; it really makes me feel alive! (Notice this sensation as well.) I feel myself growing slimmer with each step; I love that feeling of being healthy and of being active…I can just picture my heart getting stronger and stronger, beating rhythmically…sustaining me..."

Notice all the good feelings. Picture yourself at your ideal size in your ideal outfit.  Imagine merging
into that image with each movement you make.  Picture yourself performing all of those wonderful activities you once thought you wouldn't be able to do. Use that wonderful imagination you were
given!

What messages are you now sending to your brain?  You are telling yourself that exercise is enjoyable, sustaining, life giving, healthy, beneficial, etc. You will begin to view exercise as something positive and enjoyable, and you will feel much more motivated to engage in an active lifestyle, no longer fighting against it.

So, what if you are not quite feeling the “love to exercise dialogue?”  That is okay.  Most won’t feel the love immediately.  Just be patient with yourself.  Listen to your internal dialogue, and keep repeating those positive messages.  In time, they will become your natural beliefs.

It was once said by Albert Einstein, “Imagination is everything.  It is the preview of  life’s coming attractions.”  
  
Recently, a client was sharing some of her
failed tactics for weight loss. Her most recent one involved tacking up a picture of an obese person on her refrigerator. Her reasoning – it would remind her of what she would look like if she continued snacking mindlessly between meals.  On the surface, it seemed like a harmless idea, didn’t it?  

What she didn’t realize, however, was that she was actually sabotaging herself, as she was subconsciously influencing herself each day to become that image. That image was actually serving as her “coming attraction,” and subconsciously she was slowly finding herself moving toward that image rather than away from it. Yikes!  In fact, many clients use similar tactics in an attempt to scare themselves into a different behavioral outcome, but the opposite of the desired outcome ends up taking place.  Why?  Like a magnet, we are pulled in the direction of our thoughts.

What could she do instead of focusing on the negative? You’ve got it, focus on positive images! Tack up a picture of someone with a healthy, lean body.  Buy that stylish outfit in that ideal
size and display it in a prominent place. Create a positive message board. The choices are endless.  

How does hypnosis fit into all this?  It is simple; hypnosis helps create a powerful “coming attraction.” During live hypnosis sessions, positive images and experiences are created in the mind’s eye. Those images/healthy outcomes are then reinforced outside of the sessional work through use of a reinforcement recording (approximately 30 minutes/day for approximately 21 days).  With all of this focused attention, the subconscious mind will “get the message,“ and
your body will begin following along with it, driving toward those healthy images, making them a reality…making your life the masterpiece you deserve!