GREAT NEWS!

Hi All,

I believe that in order to overcome challenges such as stress/anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, whatever the challenge that makes you pick up that phone to call me, I know that to get the results you are seeking it’s necessary to have optimal emotional AND physical health. The quality of our health is related to the quality of our life.  I arm you with plenty of skills, tools and strategies for a healthy mindset, but that doesn’t do much good if you are sick and tired all the time!  

 I offer you the tools I believe bring the best results for emotional health; Cognitive Therapy and Strategic Intervention.  I want to be able to deliver the same quality tools and knowledge for your body too!

If you follow me on facebook, twitter or my blog you already know my interest in health. I decided to increase this knowledge in a formal training program. I am excited to tell you that I am currently enrolled at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. I am receiving very detailed and careful instruction on how to coach others around food and lifestyle choices. I will be able to incorporate this into my existing work much more in depth. I will work with you on how to reach your health goals, including stress reduction, increasing energy, losing weight (for good) and improving your confidence and overall emotional health.  

I look forward to sharing more with you about my journey. I will be inviting people to health consultations in the near future to have the opportunity to support them to create a life everyone deserves not one on reserve! 

I hope you are well and look forward to talking with you soon!   Warmly, Peg  

                                  YOUR LIFE AT ITS BEST

Peg Haust-Arliss, LCSW-R is a Certified Cognitive Therapist, Robbins-Madanes Coach and Relationship Educator residing in Upstate New York.  

Her passionate mission is to help people overcome anxiety and other life challenges using a holistic approach and to do her part to create a shift from a reactive, symptom-driven, disease approach to a proactive, practical, empowering, and all natural approach.   

Learn more about Peg and her services:

www.PegHaust.com  

www.LiveMoreLifeCoaching.com 
Connect with her:

Facebook 

Twitter

UPW 2012: UNLEASH THE POWER WITHIN

I just arrived home from my very first UPW experience. For those of you who don't know UPW is one of Anthony Robbin's live events. If you know me, you know this has been a goal since 2008.  I embarked on this adventure with my dear and awesome friend Joleene Des Rosiers Moody and it was just that an ADVENTURE! And let me tell you it wasn't ALL easy peazy there was some serious soul digging, mind bending stuff going on!
My journey didn't start out easy either.  If you know me, you know I have a history of anxiety challenges and now help others overcome theirs. But, on the way to the airport, my old driving fear was reactivated while on the thruway! NOT GOOD! What does this mean?! Does it mean I'm not supposed to go? Is this my intuition or my fear??!! I quickly reminded myself that I am getting out of my comfort zone and the anxiety was my old pattern trying to keep me in it! Well, I am not having it! For good measure, I got on the phone and called another kick ass friend Heather Paris who reinforced what I already knew: "It's because you're living Peg!" Yes, Heather, yes indeed!
The flight was great and we found ourselves seated next to a woman who was also on her way to the event small world? Coincidence? Hours later we made it to sunny Orlando and we were on our way to our hotel. 

 We registered early and had time before the event started. Good opportunity for Joleene to catch a nap for she had the not so perfect timing of getting sick and not getting good sleep the night before. Good opportunity for me to find some much needed nourishment. But, I found myself wandering aimlessly in search of food. I managed to find some fruit and nuts, but greens seemed to be an endangered species! Come on food industry STEP UP!

When we first walked into the very LARGE convention center we couldn't resist a cheezy photo
opp with the big guy.


 We had good seats, but it was COLD!!! So cold that the welcome bag of goodies made sure to include gloves! Poor Joleene missed part of it to literally run to Walgreens for thermal under clothes and we brought the hotel blankets! But, we did not need them when we MOVED. And there was a lot of moving! I love to dance and at one point we were directed (?) commanded (?)  to play air guitar to ZZ Top; I was in my zone!

Day one prepared us for the firewalk. The firewalk is not about walking on fire, but rather a metaphor to know that one can persevere and get through the inevitable "fires" of life. All four days are geared toward one thing: helping us to breakthrough  challenges and patterns that keep us stuck.
I went to UPW to hone my skills as a Robbins-Madanes Coach, to experience the tools and techniques that I have learned through my training with RMT. I accomplished that, and so much more! I met amazing people. I left with a new excitement for creating and serving; serving my clients, taking care of my family and friends and taking care of me! Yes, it challenged me, it shook up my old fears, but that was just some  growing pains and we need growing pains because what doesn't grow......

Peg Haust-Arliss, LCSW-R is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Cognitive Therapist and Robbins-Madanes Life Coach and Relationship Educator residing in Upstate New York.  

Her passionate mission is to help people overcome anxiety and other life challenges using a holistic approach and to do her part to create a shift from a reactive, symptom-driven, disease mindset approach to a proactive, practical, empowering, all natural approach for emotional wellness.    

Learn more about Peg and her services at www.PegHaust.com  

www.LiveMoreLifeCoach.com 
Connect with her on Facebook 

                                  Twitter

                         

A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO MENTAL HEALTH

What is a holistic approach? You may have heard the terms holistic approach used to coin an alternative way of treating physical disorders in the medical field.  Acupuncture and chiropractic treatments are two examples.  I hesitate to use the word “alternative,” because as time goes on these treatments are becoming mainstream and much more accepted in our culture.  In fact, [1]According to CNN one-half of all medical schools now offer courses in holistic health care.

A holistic approach to mental health treatment incorporates the whole person; mind, body and spirit.  From this perspective, all three are intertwined working together, not independently. What affects one affects the other.  Let’s say you start psychotherapy because you are experiencing excessive anxiety and depression. After a thorough assessment, the therapist learns that the person is also struggling with recurring colds, low energy and an overall unhealthy feeling. Working with a therapist on a psychological level alone may be beneficial to an extent, but it might be difficult to stay motivated to do the work when feeling sick and tired all the time.   

What might one expect from a mental health practitioner incorporating mind, body and soul into their practice? Below is a brief description of each component and what it may entail.  

The psychology of emotions is what all mental health practitioners focus on using one approach or an eclectic mix of approaches. “Talk therapy,” is a therapist helping one to overcome emotional challenges or work through life stressors using their preferred psychological approach. Some therapists only address one’s psychology much like some medical practitioners only address one’s biology.  There are many options from traditional psychotherapy approaches to energy therapies. Do your research and find a good fit for you. Some common approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviorial Therapy (DBT), Psychodynamic Therapy, Humanistic Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Family Systems, Human Needs Psychology, Strategic Intervention (SI), Neuro Linquistic Programming (NLP), Hypnosis, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) just to name a few.    

As mentioned earlier, it’s difficult to feel emotionally well when feeling sick and tired all the time. But, is there a connection? The holistic approach believes there is and a therapist who practices this approach will make sure to ask questions about current physical activity and nutrition habits.  Depending on his/her background the therapist may help clients to understand the food/mood connection and make suggestions or they may offer referrals to experts in the fields of holistic nutrition, acupuncture, chiropractic medicine, yoga, Reike and others. 

Is your spirit soaring or do you feel spiritually spent? Renewing your soul is vital to a happy fulfilling life. A holistic therapist incorporates the spirit and explores with the client personalized ways to revitalize passion for life so often missing in people. A good therapist will work from the client's belief system to help them create the fulfillment in life that they deserve.

      The greatest gift you have to give is that of your own self-transformation.”  

      Lao Tzu

Peg Haust-Arliss, LCSW-R is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Cognitive Therapist and Robbins-Madanes Life Coach and Relationship Educator residing in Upstate New York.  

Her passionate mission is to help people overcome anxiety and other life challenges using a holistic approach and to do her part to create a shift from a reactive, symptom-driven, disease mindset approach to a proactive, practical, empowering, all natural approach for emotional wellness.    

Learn more about Peg and her services at www.PegHaust.com

                         

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[1] [1]Citation: Disabled World News (2009-01-16) - The World Health Organization estimates 65 - 80 percent of the population use holistic naturopathic medicine as a primary form of health care: http://www.disabled-world.com/medical/alternative/holistic/care-statistics.php#ixzz20tXUkooJ

I PROMISE MYSELF:

"To be so strong that nothing can disturb my peace of mind.

To talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person I meet.

To make all my friends feel that there is something worthwhile in them.

To look at the sunny side of everything and make my optimism come true.

To think only of the best, to work only for the best

and to expect only the best.

To be just as enthusiastic about the success of

others as I am about my own.

To forget the mistakes of the past and press on the the

greater achievements of the future.

To wear a cheerful expression at all times and give a smile

to every living creature I meet.

To give so much time to improving myself that I

have no time to criticize others.

To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear,

and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

To think well of myself and to proclaim this fact to the world,

not in loud words, but in great deeds.

to live in the faith that the whole world is on my side,

so long as I am true to the best that is in me".

Christian D. Larson

The Secret to Success in 2012 and Beyond!

Well, here we are 2012. The year that some believe is the countdown to the end of days. If that's the case, I am making sure that this is the best year of my life!  Seriously, if the end of the world is not leverage for you, and you are like most of us, your New Years Resolution won't make it past February. You know the story, we go full force then burn out, we procrastinate all year then set extremely high goals and expectations only to give up and go right back to same old, same old.  There is much advice available on how to make sure you are not the majority; a typical statistic. All good advice indeed! But, there is something missing; a major key factor in creating lasting change for your life. Yes, we need to change our behaviors, yes we need to set routine, and big YES to do all of that we need to change our mindset. Change your thoughts and you change your life is something I teach regularly.
But, what I think is missing, a key factor to individual lasting change, is a focus change. A focus change to contribution. Contribution to something or someone other than ourselves.  For my look back on 2011, I see this very clearly.  I acheived more of my personal goals for 2011 then any other year. The difference, I think, was my decision to focus on giving back and getting more involved in causes close to my heart.
Simply put, I believe that we are much more likely to follow through with goals and intentions if we are feeling good; period. You are not going to want to stick to healthy habits if you're in a state of anxiety, sadness, anger, frustration, insecurity or any other disempowering state, THAT'S when we "fall off the wagon". THAT'S when we go back to old habits.  Isn't it true?  I believe that a sure fire way to prevent resolution failure is a focus on contribution, a lifestyle of contribution.  I have found that when I am helping others, I am at my best. When I am at my best I more naturally and easily have the mindset needed to accomplish what I set out to accomplish! You cannot not feel good when you're making a difference. And please remember, it does not have to mean big huge things that cost money. It just means looking for any opportunity at all; making someone laugh that looks miserable, giving a sincere compliment to someone, holding the door for someone, you get the idea. I know this may sound trite, but believe me it's not. You have the power to make a big difference and you probably don't even realize it.  Many opportunities are there if you just look!
So, this year, give it a try. Let your top "Resolution" be focusing on helping others and see how you do on all your other resolutions like weight loss, healthy eating, getting out of debt and quitting smoking.  I predict that you will have a much easier time of it and much more fun in the process. Would love to hear about your experiences! Here's to 2012!!

Life According to Plan?

So, last nights movie was The Adjustment Bureau with Matt Damon. I had no idea what it was about, but I figured I couldn't go wrong with Matt Damon right? Turns out it's about an affair between a politician and a ballerina affected by mysterious forces keeping them apart. A romantic tale of "you and me against the world," and in this case the world is the hands of fate; Destiny. Two lovers apparently not meant to be together, it doesn't fit the plan. The "hands of fate" in this case is a team of fedora wearing men; the Adjustment Bureau, whose attempts to keep them in line and make sure they stay on their chosen path proves challenging at best.  Coincidences? I think not, there are no coincidences, that is the Adjustment Bureau hard at work. They will make you late for meetings, miss important calls, delay you at the airport, whatever they have to do. Hell, they will even erase your brain if they have to! They allow us to believe we have free will, and they have even given us a chance to make our own way; but they assure us that we managed to screw that up big time!  

Ok, so, it was a fun romantic story blah blah blah. But, it made me think about my life; just how much has been free will and how much has been "Divine Intervention"  Hmmm....  A trip down memory lane....Age 12 I KNEW I was supposed to marry John Travolta.  As any typical star obsessed tween, I prayed and cried and cried and prayed.  Vinny Barbarino the only boy for me; there could be no other!  My best friend and I planned our bus trip to Englewood, NJ to introduce ourselves to his mother!  Crazy girls! But as destiny would have it, not the bus trip, nor the wedding were in the cards. That man's heart belonged to Ms. Kelly Preston.  Ok, seriously, what about my dreams of being a rock star hair stylist? Surely, that's not too much to ask for. I worked hard, put myself through Cosmo school, but again, a coincidence that I could not cut hair to save my life? Another failure, another dream shattered. So it seemed. Animals, that's it! I am determined to work for a shelter or vet or something! That is my path. Again, been there, done that, didn't last for "some reason." I seem to have always gotten what I set my sights on, but curiously none of them ever lasted.  Quit making me waste so much time with free will would you please? Do a better job at keeping me on my path! Why did I have to waste six years in a painful relationship? Why did I have to have a public speaking phobia and panic disorder for years that prevented me from pursuing my real dream since I was 18 of being a counselor?  It's not fair! Oh, all the missed signs that are all so clear to me now. But, guess what, it has all worked out. I am, right now,  in the right place at the right time.  Looking back, the most important, most impactful events for me have been the ones I did not expect. Coincidence that I saw my husband to be while stopped at the same traffic light at 4 am? Our eyes meeting briefly as I asked, who is that? Later he unexpectedly shows up in my home town pub on what happened to be my birthday. Really?  Or, I "just happen" to be channel surfing and land on Tony Robbins infomercial and without hesitation, acting only on inspired thought, order my first product.  Since then, and because of that moment, my world opened up and in it I have found amazing new friends, teachers, mentors and opportunities. My path is different because of one seemingly simple coincidence. Different or on track?  Even writing this blog post is only happening because I finally decided to take the time to order the free for three month HBO offer!    Little things, big things, and all those seemingly "bad" things had to happen. Those experiences have shaped me and given me the ability to help people in ways I may not have been able to today.  I have a special appreciation for my husband that I never would have known otherwise.  I've been tested, challenged and stretched. But, I have found strengths I did not know existed!  Seems so suddenly apparent lately. Why?  Because I think I am finally learning to just BE, let go, finally accept. It's been a long time coming!   If you really know me, you probably know I am still considering that notion. Giving up Certainty is never easy when you've held onto it as long as I have!  But, with great teachers and friends (that just happen to show up?) I'm starting to imagine and question what could, what would happen, if I continue just a little bit more and a little bit more....

So, we are nearing the end of 2011. I hope you are creating your goals and dreams for 2012. Do I have a plan?  Me without a plan? Not happening.  Of course I have a plan! A well defined, goal directed, manageable, well controlled course; a plan in the grand scheme of things, a direction for my life. I got it all figured out, 2012 here I come!  But, I wonder what the boys of the black fedoras of fate will have to say about it. I will be sure to pay attention. I am now more aware, looking for opportunities, roads not taken that are sometimes screaming at me like a billboard on a truck or sometimes a mere whisper in a dream.  I will stick to my plan, but I will also welcome a date with destiny. 

The Value of Happiness

I am a happy person. Even when I'm not happy, I'm happy. Huh? What's that mean? No, I don't mean I'm happy all the time. For God's sakes that would annoy even me!  It's not that I never feel frustrated, angry, hurt, scared, insecure...... Of course not, but what I do mean is that in my core, where I live emotionally IS happiness.  How did I drive that emotion in my core? How did it become my core despite the dramas and traumas that I have experienced and that life inevitably brings to us all?  I believe one reason is because I hold happiness as one of my highest values. Happiness as a value? I know, it sounds weird, because most of us don't define it as a value. We may identify family, friends, God, a strong work ethic, time for ourselves or contribution as our values just to name a few. But, how these other values show up in our lives, I believe, is directly related to the emotional states we value. So, if we don't highly value a great quality state of emotion, how can all our other values be experienced to their highest potential? I don't believe they can.  

"There can be no transforming of darkness into light and of apathy into movement without emotion." Carl Jung

So, what about you? How much do you value happiness? How do you know if you do or not? Does this sound like you:  "If I allow myself to be happy something bad will happen then I'll be devastated, it's better to be prepared."  You know, the "waiting for the other shoe to drop" idea.  Or, how about: "If I allow myself to feel and show happiness others might take advantage of me, or I might not be respected." This one I like to call "Elle Woods Syndrome". Remember Elle Woods in Legally Blonde? The epitome of happiness, yet so judged by others. Some of us don't don't believe we have anything to be happy about. We all know at least one soul like that don't we? The downers, the complainers, the negative Nellies. Oh sure, we've all visited there right? But, where are you spending most of your time emotionally?  We feel what we focus on, our experience of life is determined by the meaning we give things and the emotional states we choose to value. (Yes, I said choose!)
There is much we cannot choose in this life; things we have have no control over. We cannot control what others do or say, what they think of us or not think of us. But, we can control 100% what we feel, the meanings we give things, the values we hold. If we choose to value happiness, or gratitude, or joy, or peace as our primary values just think how that could impact all the other aspects of our lives, you know, the other values we hold dear? It also serves as a foundation when pain inevitably does arrive in our lives.   
It's holiday time again. I am always amazed how fast time flies. Life is short my friends; please don't waste it! Look around, look in, look up, look down. What do you have to be happy about right now? What might you be taking for granted? What do you need to remember to be happy and grateful for? Right now, in this moment, see it, hear it, it's Thanksgiving, so smell it and taste it too!  Now feel it!  Got it? Feeling it? Guess what, I knew it; nothing bad happened! Now just do that over and over and over.......Happy Holidays Everyone!