I enrolled in this program to add another set of skills to my coaching toolbox. Although I have indeed accomplished that, what I got out of it was so much more. What I did not anticipate was how much insight I would have into my own relationship with food and my body, as well as how meaningful and relevant these insights were to where I am currently in my personal journey. Do you know that saying that says "when the student is ready, the teacher will appear"? Well, this experience certainly felt like that. It seemed the universe would pair me with just the right person(s) to coach me each week, and vice versa.
One significant moment involved an activity that asked us to stop the intake of caffeine for at least 7 days. I decided to combine that with the elimination diet process and stopped drinking caffeine for 21 days. By doing so I discovered that caffeine was connected to grinding my teeth for the last 30 years! I had spent years with chiropractors and dental specialists trying to find a solution, only to discover that the culprit was my beloved lattes... I am a bit sad about this because I LOVE coffee, but I am choosing my health and working on meal planning that will provide longer sustained energy.
Modifying my diet (and not “going on a diet”) along with mindful eating and intermittent fasting resulted in dropping my pant size in only a month. I have also established a better evening ritual which involves meditating before bed and finding my stress headaches have stopped, plus I'm finally overcoming insomnia that started when my long-time life partner passed away 6 years ago. I am also waking up consistently without setting an alarm and starting the day with the peaceful warrior routine, which must have altered my attitude about exercise because I am now converting a bedroom in my house into a small gym, ha! I am excited to continue with focused learning after this program and have chosen to learn more about the dietary and movement needs of pre-and post-menopausal women.
It is important to note that my pod mates were my lifeline to staying connected to the work when I met resistance from my own beliefs, and there was a lot of resistance on my part. The pod’s input, honesty, and integrity have been so important to maintaining accountability that a small subset of us have agreed to stay connected after the program ends for another round of the racing mode!