myheartdances - Arvhived Newsletter

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A Balanced Perspective Weekly
February 20, 2008

Life Coaching, Professional Women's Groups,
Organic Cooking Classes, and Inspiration

MyHeartDances^(TM) was developed to support individuals in living from their heart and going after what they want in life. Our mission is to support you in deciding to be honest with yourself and be honest with others so you can face your fears and go after your dreams to "let your heart dance!" www.myheartdances.com

1. Does Following Your Heart Bring All It Promises?
2. Video Interview with Actress Anna Berger - (PART 2)
3. 2008 Cooking Classes
4. Life Coaching and Wellness Packages

1. Does Following Your Heart Bring All It Promises?

Does reaching your goals bring the satisfaction in life it seems to promise?

My Memoir

Right now I am working on a memoir that I am writing through a year long autobiography program at City College . It is perhaps the most difficult project I have ever attempted. Or maybe it just seems that way since I am in the midst of it now. Ever since I moved to New York seven years ago, I hoped that someday I would be able to write about the experience of how I got here. I want to tell about how I felt trapped, questioning who I was, leaving my career, questioning my faith in God, arriving in New York , coming back around to a changed and more humble faith in God, and ultimately becoming more honest with myself.

I am writing about things I don't want to remember, parts of my life that are very hard to look at. I'm writing about them because I think they are critical to the story. As difficult as it is, it is also very healing - healing for parts of my past that I still felt ashamed of.

Scary Choices

The changes I made in my life seven years ago were the scariest choices I have ever made, and they were also the most thrilling. Letting go of what I knew was safe and comfortable to find truth. Sometimes I wondered, "What if it is truth I am in fact leaving?" - but I knew that thought was just fear.

So, does reaching your goals, going for your dream, really bring the satisfaction it seems to promise?

I can only answer this question from my own journey.

No Simple Answer

I don't think this question is a simple one. My life is certainly far more fulfilling than it was before. I have a deeper knowledge of who I am, and because I gave myself the opportunity to live in a place where I have access to all the things I enjoy - walking for my main source of transportation, parks, dancing, academia - I find myself enjoying life more in my body and less in my head. I'm living out what I want to be doing instead of thinking about what I want to be doing.

But life is complicated. While there is a deeper satisfaction, there are still problems. New York is a very lonely city - I know this is true for many who live here. Achieving what you desire does not answer all of your problems, it's just part of the journey - a necessary part of the journey I believe - but still just part.

Still Forks in the Road

And I still come to forks in the road where I am tempted to take the comfortable route - I'm given a choice again - comfortable route or following my heart - going with the flow, or being honest. The choice is sometimes easy, but it is often still a hard one. But maybe what I do get, from choosing my heart over what is comfortable, even when it's a scary decision - is peace. I have peace within myself because I know I'm not contradicting who I am. I have peace because I trust that I am doing the right thing. My identity grows stronger and that knowledge of who I am allows me to build more intimate relationships - because I'm not hiding.

So. Does following your heart bring all you think it will? Perhaps not. But it still brings something absolutely amazing and not worth missing out on.

Part 1 and Part 2 of this series should be in the newsletter archives soon:
What Does It Mean To Follow Your Heart? (part 1)
Will All Your Dreams Come True? (part 2)

P.S. I have one spot available in my women's group for March. Please contact me if you are interested.

melissa@myheartdances.com or 917-689-653

2. Actress Anna Berger interviewed by Peter Rinaldi (PART 2)

A close friend of mine, Peter Rinaldi, has an active blog called the Boutros Boutros Follies. It is hosted by several members who post an assortment of entertaining stories on varied topics delivered through different forms of media.

This week, Peter, an independent filmmaker, has posted Part 2 of 7 video interviews with actress Anna Berger. Click here for Part 1.

Anna has had a steady career working in film, TV, and on Broadway for over 60 years. Her resume is too long to list here, but she has worked with notable names such as Mae West and John Garfield. She recently did a film with Adam Sandler and is currently touring her own one woman show. Her story is delightful and inspiring and a great example of doing what you love

3. 2008 Cooking Classes

Organic Food, Organic FUN, and Good Company

"Thank you for sharing your home, knowledge, great recipes, and warm friends. There's something very intimate about creating and sharing a meal with others. It was interesting to learn about your holistic health background and cook with new ingredients. I look forward to taking more classes with you." - Heather

February 24 - 11am (Sunday)
Thai Peanut Soup
Vegetable Spring Rolls
Lime Peanut Sauce
Coconut Millet

March 13 - (Breakfast Creations) 6:30/Thursday
Scrumptious Breakfast Sandwich
Pumpkin Pancakes
Breakfast Burrito
Carob-Banana Smoothie
(this class is not vegan)

April 10 - (Dessert Night) 6:30/Thursday
Mooless Chocolate Mousse
Vegan Peanut Butter Pie
Almond Carob Coconut Balls
Cashew Creme

Pre-register Today - Only $50 per class -
Gift Certificates Available
All classes are held on the Upper West Side

Class is from 6:30 until 8:30 unless otherwise noted.
All classes include the following:

*Hands-on instruction
*Meet new people
*Learn cool facts and tips about the food you're preparing
*Get healthy tips
*Receive a copy of the recipe to take home
*Enjoy a DELICIOUS meal at the end of class!
Made by The Fabulous You!

Please contact Melissa at Melissa@myheartdances.com for more details and to register, or call 917-689-6530

**Classes are fun, relaxed, and not intimidating! They are great for beginners!

**Private classes are also available, more details at: http://www.myheartdances.com/services/cook_class.htm

4. Life Coaching and Wellness Packages

The Lifestyle Makeover

I don't know what I'm doing with my life. I'm not satisfied with my career, my relationships are not going anywhere. I'm not really where I want to be.

Sound like you? This package will cover career, relationships, spirituality, and health. You'll gain a stronger hold on your identity, and find satisfaction moving forward towards discovering and completing personal goals and projects.

6 sessions - $675

The Nutrition and Health Makeover

I don't eat what I should, nor do I stick to an exercise plan. I'm not even sure if I know what I should eat! I find myself snacking on junk food and eating poorly when I'ma t work or traveling. I want to have more energy and be fit. I want to grow old healthy!

This package is for the typical New Yorker. You want to be conscious about your health, but you are not making it happen. You want more energy and to eat better. In this plan, we'll get down to the nitty gritty about what is getting in the way for you, and how you can achieve a healthier you without cramping your lifestyle. We'll create a therapeutic lifestyle plan that works just for you!

3 sessions - $375

The Weight Loss Makeover

I'm tired of not sticking to my diets. I'm ready to make a commitment to my health. I want to see my real body underneath this cushion. I want to feel good when I walk down the street and enter a room.

Sticking to a weight loss plan is hard. No doubt about it! This program is designed to get you off the dieting cycle and get you on a plan to achieve results. It's for individuals who are ready to make a change and commit to giving this gift to themselves. No more quick fix attempts. This is the real deal!

10 sessions - $1125

I Am - Strategic Solutions for Women in their 20's

I love working with young women! It's a time in life where you are testing your own identity and power in this world, yet sometimes you feel conflicted by the pressure of your parents' and peers' ideas about what track you should be on. You have your own mind and you want to use it... but sometimes you're not sure about your different opinions. This program deals with self-image, self-respect, confidence, and effective decision making.

5 sessions - $575 (sliding scale available for this program, please call or e-mail me for details).

***

All programs can be adjusted to fit your specific needs. Number of sessions can be increased or decreased based on your goals.

Payment plans available.

Contact me with any inquiries

melissa@myheartdances.com 917-689-6530

"For whatever reason, people are so inclined to spend money on a health club membership and working out their body, but when it comes to working on the mind and emotions, people are more hesitant. I remember the session that we had together and all of the advise and direction that you provided was truly excellent. You really made a very positive impact on my life and I can tell that you are exceptionally gifted in this area. You have a very intuitive sense and are able to put all the pieces together very quickly and correctly. These are very good skills for the type of coaching that you do, and I hope more people will see how they can benefit from the coaching that you provide." -J.R.

4. Pilates w/ Charlotte Blake

Charlotte Blake just started a new Pilates class at 6:30 on Monday nights on Broadway at 26th St.

More info at: www.charlotteblake.blogspot.com

Charlotte Blake is offering a special to myheartdances subscribers.

20% off the regular price of private personal training sessions with her.
It's only good if you purchase by the end of the month.

Charlotte is a certified personal trainer, Pilates instructor, and holds a BFA in dance.

I have worked with her in the past, receiving private ballet instruction. I love her! She has a wonderful presence and is a very good teacher.

More information at www.charlotteblake.blogspot.com

Call me to schedule an appointment: 917-689-6530
melissa@myheartdances.com

Sessions are $125 to $75

For more detailed info on private coaching:

http://www.myheartdances.com/services/private_couns.htm

For a further explanation of fees:

http://www.myheartdances.com/services/fees.htm

"You are non-judgmental and so real and practical about dealing with these issues. I tell everyone about you. You are so young, but you are so smart and have great insight. I love working with you, and I'm a tough customer." GG, NYC

As always, thanks for reading and please send comments
and feedback
melissa@myheartdances.com

™ was developed to support individuals in living from their heart and going after what they want in life. Our mission is to support you in deciding to be honest with yourself and be honest with others so you can face your fears and go after your dreams to "let your heart dance!"