A Balanced Perspective Weekly
October 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. Is Food Your Problem?
2. Do Other Women Think Like You?
3. Life Coaching Packages
4. Healthy BUT DELICIOUS Cooking Classes

1. Is Food Your Problem

Do You Enjoy This Newsletter?

Before I begin this week's article, I just want to let all of my subscribers know that I am trying to expand my readership. Can you think of 5 to 7 people you know who you think would enjoy reading this newsletter? If so, would you forward it to them? Thanks!

I published this article last summer and had a request to repeat it. Here it is:

Is Food Your Problem?

The other night I was up late worrying about something. It was actually keeping me from sleeping. The thought was turning over and over in my head. I had to make a decision and I was conflicted about it. Next thing I knew, my attention was turned to three peanut butter cookies that were sitting in my refrigerator. I was no longer thinking about my problem, I was thinking about the cookies. So much easier!

I wasn't hungry, and these particular cookies did not taste that great, but I was also thinking to myself...if I just go ahead and eat the cookies, I won't have to think about them anymore. They'll be gone. Problem solved.

Hmmm...That's exactly what I was hoping for with my other problem.

Misplacing the Problem

Then I snapped out of it. I realized that I had shifted my problem onto the cookies in my refrigerator. Like I said, I was thinking... "If I just eat the cookies, they'll be gone and I won't have to think (worry) about them anymore. Then I can get some sleep." My problem was no longer the problem I was having that I couldn't do anything about at the moment, it became a problem I could do something about - cookies in my refrigerator that were calling me to eat them.

Why would cookies keep me up? They wouldn't because cookies were certainly not the problem. Ten minutes prior, I was obsessing over a problem that I had and couldn't come to a conclusion on. There was nothing I could do about the problem at that moment. I was supposed to be sleeping. But if I shifted my problem to the cookies...well, that was something I could solve. I could eat them. And then just go to bed.

It's Second Nature

I think if we are obsessing over food and it is not a physiological issue (i.e. hunger or a craving triggered by a physiological need for nutrients) then in most cases it is probably a transfer of something we are anxious or stressed about.

Sometimes when we have a problem with food, we don't clearly see how we do this. It has become so second nature to always be solving the problem of food, weight, and body image, that we don't realize that food is only a replacement for other problems we are not dealing well with.

Sometimes we take the pressure off of our "food problem" by saying: "Screw the diet...I'm going to have the ice cream." Part of the reason you were probably feeling so much pressure is because you are probably feeling pressure in other areas of life that seem less solvable. (That, or your diet is too extreme).

Finding A Solution

So what did I do? Well, when I realized what was happening, I just shifted back to trying to solve my original problem, and I completely forgot about the cookies. Next time you find yourself obsessing over food, particularly when you are not in need of food...write down a list of your problems, anxieties, stressors, or to do list and prioritize it. Note which problems cause you the most anxiety, or which tasks you are avoiding. Be honest with yourself. Begin to tackle these issues head on. Find out what you need to do to solve them. Make a decision, complete it, and move on. Don't linger too long.

Struggling with some issues you really want to tackle? Coaching can be a big help! Give me a call. Often times our relationships, life goals, food, career, etc. are linked together. Coaching is a great way to be create constructive solutions and get objective feedback.

If you are not subscribed to this newsletter, but would like to receive articles like this each week along with the event updates below, sign up here: A Balanced Perspective Weekly

Be sure to confirm your subscription with the link in the confirmation e-mail that you will receive immediately after you subscribe.
xoxo

Melissa

2. Women's Groups

A. Women 20-34

This group is for young women who want to build more confidence in their own choices about what they are doing with their life. This is a time when we often ask questions about what we really want to do and if we are making the right choices when it comes to relationships, career, where we want to live, etc. Our parents and friends often try to influence us, but in the end, we have to decide.

This Month's Topics:

Identity
Self-Esteem and Body Image
Romantic Relationships
Group meets on Sundays from 11:00 - 12:30

$75 per month. Month to month.

If you are interested, please contact me:
melissa@myheartdances.com

----

B. Women's Professional Group

This is my longstanding Wednesday night women's group. There are women in this group from their mid 20's to 50's. We meet every Wednesday night from 6:45 - 8:15. It's a small group and we have built great relationships. We would love for you to join us.

I am taking registration for October. October group begins Wed. Oct. 8

Our women's group meeting last Halloween

Upcoming sessions are:

Sept. 24 - Setting goals for the fall

Oct. 8 - Self-esteem and Body Image Night

Oct. 15 - Identity

Oct. 22 - Romantic Relationships and Dating in the City.

The cost is $75 per month.

Contact me if you are interested: melissa@myheartdances.com

3. Life Coaching 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).Six Weeks to Making Significant Progress on a Goal

Banishing Procrastination

If you have been procrastinating on something or many things, this program is designed to help you get clear on what it is you want and why you are not making progress. In six weeks we will set you on a path to taking steps towards staying accountable and achieving what you want. Relationships, Career, and Personal Projects are areas you may have been wanting to change or move forward on.

3 sessions ($375) or 6 sessions ($675) based on your goals and needs.

***

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

For information about other packages, please contact me.

Payment plans available.

Individual sessions without the purchase of a package are available.

To find out more about coaching: http://www.myheartdances.com/services/private_couns.htm

Contact me with any inquiries

melissa@myheartdances.com 917-689-6530

4. Healthy BUT DELICIOUS Cooking Classes

Organic Food, Organic FUN, and Good Company

Located on the Upper West Side

Informal, relaxed environment. Class limited to six participants.

BEGINNERS ENCOURAGED.

Class is from 6:30 until 8:30p.m. unless otherwise noted.

And includes all of the following

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

November 20
Veggie Burgers (these are much better than the store bought kind!)
Garlic and Chive Mashed Potatoes
Kenyan Style Collard Greens (these are wild and amazing!)
Mooless Chocolate Mousse

December 5
Sweet Potato Miso Soup
Buckwheat w/Tahini Sauce
Sunset Salad w/ Parsley Ginger Dressing
Cashew Creme

2008 classes to be announced soon!

Pre-Register Today -
Only $50 per class; $90 when you sign up with a friend. Sign up for two classes, $90 per person, sign up for three $130 per person. All classes are held on the Upper West Side
and can be taken individually (you do not have to sign up for a series)

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

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

Gift Certificates are available for holidays, birthdays, etc.

Read What Past Students Have Said:

"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

"I truly enjoyed the cooking class. It was more than I expected. I met some really interesting people, and Melissa was a great instructor, patient and very informative. Not to mention the dish we made (salmon burgers, quinoa,and our very own salad dressing) were all so easy to make and very tasty and satisfying. I look forward to taking another class soon" - Valerie-Saun Alerte

Melissa King
Private coaching, workshops, organic cooking classes,
professional women's groups, and weight loss groups
www.myheartdances.com
917-689-6530