I Have To Do WHAT???

As you may know, I have been studying holistic health and nutrition at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition since the end of October 2013. I've been learning a great deal and have been feeling quite comfortable absorbing all this new information at my own pace, in the comfort of my home (while homeschooling my kids at the same time). However, things are changing quickly now. 

I feel like I am being pushed off the passive student chair and kicked into real-life action! Already, after not even 4 months, I am required to start doing Health Consultations with clients! (I graduate officially in October 2014). Of course, we start practising gently with the people we trust the most -friends, family, fellow students- but I'm really just a step away from posting an add on Kijiji asking total strangers to sit with me for a free Health Consultation! I was a little resistant at first, (ok, very resistant). I have to admit I felt some fear and anxiety. I was not expecting the leap from student to consultant to happen so fast! But you know what? I'm ok with it now. Not sure how I'll feel when I sober up...(just kidding!)

Seriously, it took me a couple of weeks to get mentally prepared to go out and work in the "real world". I reviewed all the step-by-step instructions given by the school to lead a successful first consultation. I realized I actually do have a lot of information and insight to offer to people who are looking for ways to live happier, healthier lives. I plan on integrating some basic consciousness / awareness notions in my practice because I believe they play a key role in reducing stress and allowing true healing to happen. I also think I'm a good listener, and that's the most important part when working with clients.

So, last Sunday, I practised my very first health consultation with my "peer coach" -a friend who lives in my city who's also enrolled at the IIN. She said I did a great job. Of course, as a peer coach, it's her job to say that, but I trust her judgement! Tomorrow, I'll be practising with my sister-in-law. In a few days, who knows, I could be practising with you! (just email me if you are interested! www.lisevilleneuve.com)

What's amazing about the Institute for Integrative Nutrition is that they really offer a complete package that gives us all the tools to get out there and start working within one year. They cover all the bases -education, business, marketing, self-care, and they address the common insecurities most students face. They get us off our butts and into action in no time, and they empower us to make positive changes in the world by helping others help themselves. 

After I completed my degree in Psychology from University, I had no clue how to quickly turn that into a job. Thanks IIN, you have shown me exactly what I needed to learn...and it's not over yet...there are several months of training to go.

***By the way, for those of you possibly interested in being my "guinea pigs" for a free health consultation, let me just explain how this works: 1) You fill in a brief questionnaire (health history) that asks general questions about your health and diet. 2) You email it back to me and then we set a time to go over it together. 3) You basically get a chance to talk about yourself, your health goals and challenges (everything we discuss is confidential). 4) I listen, mirror back to you some of the things you said (it's sometimes surprising for some people to hear back what they just said), we identify your main health concerns together and then I tell you about my health coaching program. 5) You pretend to sign up, I congratulate you and we both fly off into Nirvana...well, something like that. Contact me at consciouslivingsolutions@gmail.com if you'd like more info about this free consultation. Thanks for being part of my training!***

Warmly,

Lise
www.lisevilleneuve.com
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Introducing Mr.& Mrs. "Bitch Chore" Chart

I am proud to say I've designed and introduced this "Bitch Chore" chart in our household three weeks ago. At first, my husband thought I was out of my mind, or PMS-ing again. Then he noticed the maid flyer I had posted on our fridge. He knew I meant business this time.

The truth is that up until I started school at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, I had more spare time for cleaning. Lately though, I had been feeling frustrated about having to do most of the cleaning without it even being noticed. I'm now busier than ever juggling my school, the kids and our various activities, and I don't want to feel angry or resentful every time I wear those sexy green rubber gloves. The truth is, cleaning our place every week doesn't take THAT much time. It just takes a little motivation and organization.

So, I thought that instead of paying a maid, we could pay ourselves for the chores we do around the house, that way we would feel less frustrated and we could actually spend a little money on ourselves guilt-free. We are now putting our earnings in our "Health & Wellness Fund", so anything that helps improve our physical, emotional or spiritual health is an acceptable expense. For example, I've already earned enough to purchase a good quality natural supplement I will add to my morning smoothies. I can't use the excuse "I don't have the budget for this supplement", because I do now.

And how is my husband doing with this chart, you ask? Amazingly well! He earned more money than me on the very first week! ($23 versus $21,50) Why does this work so well with him? 

-First of all, with a clear description of everything that needs doing around the house, he is more inclined to pitch in. There is no nagging involved here, no obligation to do anything, and men love that! 

-Second, the more chores HE does, the less money I'll make and the less I will get to spend! I think it's in men's DNA to want to try and reduce their spouses spending in any way they can! 

-Third, I think it appeals to his competitive nature : he's going to show me how he can earn more than me! (and that's totally cool!)

-Fourth, it's a good feeling to add up the earnings at the end of the week and see how much he made. Cleaning the throne is way more fun when you make $2 / toilet!

-Fifth, I think he believes a beer making kit qualifies as a "spiritual health and wellness enhancer"...

Perhaps I'll let that one slip...as long as a trip to Cuba fits in the same category!

Warmly,
Lise (www.lisevilleneuve.com)

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