Words are energy. Whether they come from others or ourselves, spoken aloud or kept silent, the words we choose can significantly impact our body's health. The universe responds in kind to the energy we put out. Think of this as karma, the golden rule, or simply reaping what you sow. If you sow health, you will reap health. If you sow corn, you reap corn—not tomatoes.

Sickness and disease do occur. We must acknowledge this reality. However, our relationship with illness makes all the difference. If you haven't seen the movie "The Secret," watch it. The film illustrates how our thoughts and words shape our reality.

Consider the story of a healthy, active woman in her 50s who was unexpectedly diagnosed with cancer. She refused to label herself as a cancer patient or think or say, "I have cancer." Instead, she declared, "This is not my cancer" and "I am cancer-free." While continuing her treatment, she maintained this positive self-talk. Remarkably, her cancer reversed, and doctors believed she had been misdiagnosed. This story underscores the power of words.

Before you label yourself or someone else as "having" anything, think twice. Try saying, "My body is experiencing a cold," and focus on thoughts of health. Test this for yourself. This principle underpins both hypochondria and placebo effects. If you convince yourself you're sick when you're healthy, your body may manifest the sickness you fear.

​Here's to a healthy you, a healthy life, and a healthy body!

"Should is a could with shame sprinkled on top of it."

When I first heard this quote during my life coaching certification program, it blew my mind. Let’s unpack it a bit.

"Should" carries an energy of judgment. What in life should we really do? Perhaps be kind, supportive, and loving. But "should" implies an external standard we must meet, whether it’s from our parents, religion, society, or the law. However, life is all about choices. Everything we do is responded to with equal energy by the universe. Karma is a law, and our actions, words, and thoughts bring corresponding results. So, there really is no "should," only "could."

Most "shoulds" are expectations instilled in us by society and our upbringing since childhood. "We should walk in a crosswalk," "we should eat healthy," or "we should have children." But life is about your choices. If you're doing something to score good grades on the report card of life and family, you'll likely experience stress. However, viewing everything as your choice empowers you rather than stressing you with the pressure of making others happy.

A "should" is a push, and pushes are stressful. A "could" is a pull, and pulls are inspiring and motivating. So, reflect on your life. Do the "shoulds" stress you out? What if you could transform all your "shoulds" into "coulds" and own them with passion? How might that impact your stress levels?

​Consider making choices that empower you and see how it transforms your life.

Stress is an emotion, not a way of life. It's an energy we experience, not who we are. Emotions are typically triggered by our thoughts about an experience, situation, or person. They are responses we feel in our bodies to external circumstances.

The simplest and most primal emotion is fear. Fear experienced when your life is at stake—like witnessing a plane crash or facing a tiger—elicits a powerful energy in the body. This fear is designed to save our lives. However, in today's world, fear often arises from things like deadlines, bosses, illness, or even driving. It's our perception of these events that causes the fear.

Stress, as an experience, is created by our minds and expectations. In every situation, we have a choice: be a victim of stress or reject the power it holds over us. This doesn't mean ignoring stress. Instead, build and practice tools to counteract its effects.

​​I choose to reject stress in my life. It's my purpose to share this perspective with the world. A life without stress is possible. I'm not there yet, but compared to ten, five, or even one year ago, my stress levels have significantly decreased. I wish the same for you!