When the Moon Holds your Feet to the Fire

When the Moon Holds Your Feet to the Fire

This past week I've been bombarded with family, friends, clients, and more struggling with intense emotional baggage, seemingly out of no where.

Women who were rocking their careers, owning their life path, and moving forward in so many ways were suddenly paralyzed. Here's what I know...

Waning Moon
The waning moon is a time of wrapping up projects and goals. 

It is a time to face what is preventing you from actually achieving your goals. 

It is a time to finally release limiting beliefs and behaviors. 

 
And it is a time to prepare to try again in the next new moon cycle.

So if you were really rocketing forward during the last moon cycle, growing by leaps and bounds, it is understandable that the waning moon might be a little overwhelming. The moon is holding your feet to the fire and asking:

"Are you really ready?"

"Are you sure?"

And testing your commitment. 

So, what'll it be? Are you ready? Or do you need a do-over this coming month?

It may be a little late at this point, but if you are still struggling, try doing some sort of releasing ritual, chord cutting, energy clearing, etc to move that old stuff out so that you can focus on something new this month! 

Need help? I can clear your energy field for you! Just ask!

Full Moon

Today, is start of the new moon cycle - a time of intentions and goal setting. 

Lots of pressure here, but whatever you focus on in the next 2-4 days will set the tone for the rest of this cycle so choose wisely!

Set your vision now so that you can work to bring it to life over the next few weeks! 

And, don't forget, when things get tough in 3 weeks - don't back down! Own it! With love, of course!

Thank you for being here!

With love,

Beth

To learn more about me and my services, please visit my website.

Pendulum Fun

Pendulum Fun

Last week I woke up with an insane urge to learn to use a pendulum. This may not seem all that exciting to you, especially if you know a new friend of mine uses one in her business, but for me this is a huge new leap in self-acceptance.

For a while now, I've been struggling to embrace the "woo woo" side of me in "normal" circles. Heck, my own parents don't really even know what I do. (And I'm not really sure my husband does either. HA!) And that's ok. But honestly, the idea that this really is OK is incredibly new for me and sometimes I still falter. I've tried so hard my whole life to be "normal" and fit in.

But it isn't working and I'm done trying. Normal doesn't really exist anyway! What a waste of time and energy!

The truth is, I've been thinking "I'm woo woo as F. If people knew how weird I was, I'd lose it all." But am I really? I'm not that far off from "normal," am I? I just have some crazy cool abilities and that is way more amazing than any imaginary average version of normal I could ever be. And it's time to really embrace that.

So here's the deal -

• I see, hear, feel, and know things that most other people don't. Meaning I can (with your permission) read your subconscious and tell you how to get unstuck in life, where to spend your time and energy, what to let go, what's holding you back. 

• I have the ability to read and move energy to help other people heal! Think - grief, fears, limiting beliefs, trust issues, speaking your truth...you name it. It makes it so much easier than talking through our troubles sometimes. 

• Sometimes I even see and communicate with spirits. We are all surrounded by spirits, angels, guides that love us and look out for us. Sometimes they know things we don't, sometimes we just need to hear what we already know but from them. I can be that bridge for you. 

Yes, it's weird.

It's also totally awesome and I wouldn't trade it for anything.

And the more I come out of the woo woo closet, I'm realizing I'm not losing anything by owning who I am.

In fact, I've gained so much more! I've made so many new friends. Deepened countless relationships. Better served all my clients. Found better health mentally and physically for myself by letting go of resistance. Connected with my kids - they love this work and are similarly gifted - as I share who I am and help them navigate their own gifts. (My daughter is a pendulum rock star BTW!) And helped others accept their own gifts.

AND, I've had SO many requests from people wanting to learn what I do and how they can learn too, that I'm going to put together a class. If you are interested, comment here or send me a message: beth@secondnaturehealthcoaching.com 

As for the Pendulum
I'm not sure it's my calling, but it is fun to play with. And it was super fun to experience with my daughter as I watched her eyes light up with wonder.

Kids are the best!

Goal for the day - see everything through the eyes of a child.



Thank you for being here!

With love,
Beth

To learn more about me and my services, please visit my website.

Owning our Gifts

Owning Our Gifts

Sometimes I forget to stop and look where I'm going. 

Does that ever happen to you? 

I'm not talking about when I'm walking or driving, but the bigger picture of my life. Sometimes I get so caught up in the flow of the day (or week, or year) and my habits that I forget to stop and think about whether I'm still headed in a direction that resonates with me. 

Well, a few months ago I looked up for the first time in a while and realized I was on the wrong path.

I was living a life of pain and shame and blame and all kinds of other icky stuff that wasn't the real me and wasn't who I wanted to be.

It was time to change tracks.

It was time for me to really own my gift of listening. Yes, I already had on some level but there is a new level that I'm ready to reach for - sharing it without fear of rejection. Until recently I've been pretty quiet about my ability to see, hear and feel your soul's vibration. My ability to listen as your inner lantern tries to guide you. Help you hear it above the din of modern living. Support you as your follow your inner compass and find your own way home.

I'n the last few months, I have been sharing more about my abilities and helping a whole new crowd of people - people I previously assumed would reject what I have to offer (and me in the process) - to achieve a more enlightened way of living. And, even better, it is encouraging others to share and own their "woo woo" a little bit more too. By sharing my story a little bit more freely, I've found so many other healers, readers, and seekers who are also hiding from the possibility of public scrutiny.

But I am here today to say it is time. People are ready. People need us to light the way.

The universe is ready for all of us to own our gifts - whether they are "woo woo" or not.

You gift may be contagious enthusiasm or holding space for someone grieving. Spreading laughter. Teaching nontraditional learners. Giving heart-felt hugs. Building, painting, or gardening. The list is endless.

Where do you shine without effort?

What gifts, skills and talents were you born with that doesn't come quite so easily to those around you?

What more can you do to share that gift with others? You are here to share it and people are in your midst waiting to receive it. Go out and help they heal in a way only you can.



Thank you for being here.

Sincere love,

Beth


To learn more, please visit my website.

Dear reader...

It has come to my attention that people aren't terribly clear about what I do. I'll admit it can be quite confusing because I do so many things and can be something different to each of my clients depending on where exactly it is that they need support. I am working to make this clearer for potential clients, but in the meantime, I wrote you this letter. My belief is that if you are watching and reading and listening to my "stuff," then you are in the right place. You belong here in my inner circle and I am here to help you find your compass. 

Dear Soulful Leader,

I see you.

I see you. I hear you. I feel you. I know you.

Because I was you.

I see you giving and giving until there is nothing left for you because it is your nature to nurture. I know you are kind and trustworthy and honest and fair. Your passion for loving others is palpable wherever you go.

I see you trying to please everyone. Putting yourself last all too often.

I see you tired and frustrated with life as you know it.  You know something important is missing from the equation and you are eager to find it.

I hear you wonder why – why you must always be so sensitive, feel so deeply, care so much. And yet, deep down, you wouldn’t trade this for the world. You know it is a gift others would be lucky to have.

I feel your emotional turmoil manifesting physically as stress or anxiety or gut irritation. And you know it too.

But I also see you quietly shifting. Ready to give yourself permission to thrive. You trust your heart but are still listening to your mind so you take baby steps to test the waters while silently itching to jump in whole-heartedly.

You are done feeling tired, overwhelmed, trapped, resentful, and otherwise “stuck” and are ready to do things differently.

You desire…no, you are beginning to demand that something change.

You know in your heart of hearts that in order to keep being the giver, leader, healer that you are, you need to take care of yourself first.

You are ready to clear your mind, heal past stories, break through your fears, banish your limiting beliefs, and create a lifestyle that is sustainable and promotes your total wellbeing.

You are ready to lose the weight you carry for protection.

You are ready to own your self worth and deeply connect with your true self.

You are ready to break free from your self-imposed prison and can feel a transformation in your future.

You are ready to receive the support of others, and accept help for a change.

And you know you need the wisdom and guidance of those that have gone before you as you receive gifts of physical, mental, and spiritual support.

You are ready to be in love with your life again (or for the first time!).

And you are determined to do whatever it takes to change your story. You are ready to do the work and the universe is ready to support that transition. 

It is time to own your gifts and use them for the greater good. You are bright and bold and oh-so gifted. The world needs your light and is ready for you to shine. The time has come for you to commit to yourself and your purpose. 

It is time to cleanse your physical, emotional, and spiritual life so that you can begin to live from a place of clarity, wisdom, grace, and radiance.

Welcome home.

Many blessings,

Beth

To learn more, please visit my website. 

Marital Bliss (sort of)

Marital Bliss (sort of)

Did you know...my husband and I got engaged after dating for less than 5 months. At the age of 19. And we are still happily married 17+ years later. And the only reason he waited so long to ask me was because he was afraid he would scare me. Stranger yet, we barely knew each other before our first date and practically moved in together that day. And we haven't been apart (save a few mini vacations or business trips) since. 

I know this story is not the norm, but when we got together I really thought "we were different."

But doesn't EVERY couple say that? No one gets married thinking that will soon be a divorce statistic. 

Of course, everything hasn't been perfect. We fight, disagree...probably an average amount. 

Sometimes we make the most amazing team and sometimes we have to agree to disagree and walk away. 

One of the scariest things for me in marriage is growing. Every day for 17+ years we have each been having different experiences - or perceived the same experience differently. Lots of growth has happened for each of us over 17 years. We are not the same people that got married half our lives ago.  And each shift, change and decision has the potential to bring us closer or further apart. And then there's the stagnation - areas where one of us hasn't grown at all (or barely) in 17 years - which can cause disappointment and frustration for one or both parties as well. 

I may be young, and I'm far from an expert, but 17 years is a long time to be with one person these days. And to say we are still happy is a pretty amazing accomplishment. Over the years I've learned a lot, but the 2 things* that I think are the most important are:

1) Allow. Allow your spouse to be who they are. Allow them to have their own experience. Allow them to have their own journey. Allow them to have their own life. You married them for who they are, not because they are your mirror. They have gifts and experiences that complement yours. You are each amazing beings, but together your skills combine and can be unstoppable...IF you allow all of the combined skills, values, and beliefs to have value and purpose. 

and

2) Whenever there is an issue, never forget to ask yourself "What kind of spouse am I?"  It can often be easy to see the fault in others or avoid looking at our own contribution to problems. But if we take a moment to consider how we may be:

• unfair
• part of the problem
• not contributing to a solution
• focusing on the negative
• not seeing all the possibilities
• not seeing the gifts in others
• withholding love
• lacking acceptance

We may realize the other person is not as much at fault as we initially thought.

Long story, short? The idea that marital bliss - gloriously happy marriage without effort - is possible is complete false (if you ask me). However, anything of value requires effort and is worth fighting for.   And by taking these simple steps above when the issues are small, I think we can avoid ever running into the big stuff that takes marriages down. 

Thanks for being here.

Beth
www.secondnaturehealthcoaching.com 

* Obvious, I hope this goes without say, but these rules are for healthy relationships and do not apply to abusive situations.

Just realized this never posted months ago....better late than never ;) Enjoy!
....
Before you start your day, take 10 minutes for yourself. I've put together this short video and matching PDF just for you to help you understand the power of your own thoughts. Enjoy!

The Power of Thought

Do you ever wish you could be a little more patient or kind? What about happy and fulfilled? Optimistic?

I think we all do.

But guess what! I have the secret.

The secret is in the way you think.

Here. Let me teach you...

If you are an audio/visual type, click on the image below.

And if you would rather read the content like a book, click here or on the image below.

OR download the PDF and follow along with the video!



Have a beautiful day!

Beth Bunchman, MS, CHHC
303-956-8063


www.secondnaturehealthcoaching.com

Confessions of a Perfectionist

Confessions of a Perfectionist

I'm too hard on myself. I know I am. I always have been.

But somewhere along the way there was a shift. And the pendulum swung too far in the other direction.

I can't pinpoint an exact moment (although there probably was). But I think it was probably more of a wearing down. Too many years of hearing things like:

• "You're too hard on yourself."
• 
  
• "Grant yourself some grace."
• 
  
• "Nobody's perfect."
• 
  
• "You're only human."
• 
  
• "Perfectly imperfect."
• 
  
• And the like.

And at some point I started believing it. And then I took it to heart. Complacency had taken hold.

And now it sometimes seems like I have an excuse for everything.

• Sleep.
• 
  
• Exercise.
• 
  
• Eating healthy. 
• 
  
• Making an effort. 
• 
  
• Succeeding.

And a few weeks ago, I finally said:

"ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!"

I get to choose. I'm setting the schedule and the pace.

And so, I went back to basics to find my groove. And I'm working on it. I'm getting there.

• I'm listening to my intuition and hearing my guides. 
• 
  
• I'm trying harder (done with excuses) but being kinder with myself when I fall short. 
• 
  
• I'm thinking long term, big picture, instead of living only in the moment. 
• 
  
• And I'm happier, less anxious, and more productive. 

Thanks for being here.

Beth
www.secondnaturehealthcoaching.com 

Biology Major turned Writer

Sometimes the path finds you...

Sometimes I look back on my younger years and think I was such a follower. Not an original thought in my head. Completely unable to think for myself. 

And then people ask me questions like:

"What inspired you to become a writer?" 

Which makes me pause. I don't necessarily think of myself as a writer and it feels like a foreign identifier. The truth is, I was a biology major in college. While diligently following my pre-vet, chem and bio-chem course load with nearly straight A's, I had the wild idea (against everyone's "better judgement") to take several writing classes electively. 

Looking back, it was completely foolish. I knew nothing about writing and it was certain to tank my perfect GPA. But I did it because "it will be good for me" and "I just have this feeling I'll need it some day." 

At the time I wasn't really one for thinking for myself or listening to my intuition but I think these were key moments in that shift for me. I felt completely out of my element in those classes but the teachers were all so encouraging. 

At the time, I thought they were just trying to be nice to the lone biology student, but now I realize I probably don't give myself enough credit. 

Though never tested for any "problems", I've always struggle to carry on thoughtful conversations. I'm a thinker and a processor. I often can't keep up with conversations and have far more valuable information in my head than I can manage to share verbally. 

I've found that I communicate much easier via print since it gives me time to listen, really hear the questions, process, analyze, and create a coherent thought. 

I also prefer to receive information via text because it gives me the opportunity to review it and refer back to it. 

This has led me to journaling, blogging, creating a newsletter, publishing articles, and now my very own book. 

And so, I guess that makes me a writer. :) 

(I'll work on accepting that compliment! Thank you for the question Barbara!)

As a coach and author, I enjoy thinking (and helping others think) about possibilities, simplicity, purpose, connection, layers of self, mental health, total wellness, and so on. So these are the things I tend to write about. I'm glad you are enjoying them.

Thanks for being here!

Beth
www.secondnaturehealthcoaching.com 

If anyone else has a question, please comment below or send it to: beth@secondnaturehealthcoaching.com

Have a beautiful day!

Mirror, Mirror on the wall...

Mirror, Mirror On the Wall

Have you ever done something you aren't proud of?

A couple weeks ago, I was running late to get my kids to school. My 10 year old daughter has become the queen of dilly-dallying (I swear just to watch my head explode) and I had forgotten I was out of gas.

I stopped into my regular gas station and (lo, and behold) guess what...they had changed the pumps. You know, to the new fancy kind with TVs.

Well, I have a hard time with change and find the idea that we need to watch TV (receive additional marketing input) while we pump gas depressing. So, I boil over from frustrated to irritated.

But I press on. No time to think about "what this world is coming to" right now.

I put in my card. Punch in my zip code. Load the nozzle into my card.

AAAAANNNNDDDDDD......

Get an error message.

Then, "Please see attendant."

GAH! I do not have time for this. If we had just kept the stupid "old" pumps (that weren't old), this would not be happening to me right now. Seriously! Can't a girl catch a break?

I try again. No luck.

SO I head inside to a line of people and a single cashier who is on the phone. (Obviously I'm not the only one having trouble. He must be on the phone with the company trying to get support).

I wait my turn. Impatient but quiet.

When it is my turn, I express my frustration and move on.

-----

Fast forward a few days. I need gas again. Not running nearly as late, but late enough. It happens again.

I won't go into detail about what I said either time because I am embarrassed. But I was irritable, unkind, and full of blame. (I did not yell or curse - not that it wasn't on my mind).

----

Fast forward another several days. I am not falling for this again. Out of spite, I venture out of my way to a different gas station.

And, guess what.

THE SAME THING HAPPENS!!!

And then I realize. I'm using the wrong zip code.

I try again with the correct zip code and everything works just fine.

And then it hits me.


Moral of the story....

There are plenty of lessons to learn from this experience (time management, vehicle maintenance, parenting, attitude adjusting, and gratitude all easily come to mind). But for me, the most important one was "Who am I? Who do I want to be? and How do I want to be perceived?"

I always pay at the pump. This gentleman has never met me before (nor anyone else in that store). This was an awful first impression. And, hopefully, not a good picture of who I really am.

Definitely not who I want to be. 

And so. Since then I've been looking harder at who I am and how I show up in the world. Not just when I'm running a meeting, marketing, coaching, or posting to social media...

But who I am when I don't think people are looking. When I don't intend to be noticed. When I'm "just" mom, or the lady in the checkout line, or the girl next to you in Jazzercise, or another car on the road....

What about you? Who do you want to be?




Thanks for being here.

Beth
www.secondnaturehealthcoaching.com

I wanna be a mall walker when I grow up...

So, the other day, I ended up in a mall.

This is highly uncharacteristic of me. Not only do I struggle with the consumerism and marketing messages but I just plain have a REALLY hard time with the noise, lights, and energy of that environment.

Anyway, I needed my car services at the dealership next door. I typically stay at the dealership and use their handy work stations to accomplish something productive - newsletters, blogging, taking an online classes, catching up on email...you get the point. But on this particular day, I was hankerin' for a trip to Target. (I'm such a rebel, I know!) But Target just happens to be next door...in the M.A.L.L.

And it felt early enough, and exciting enough, that I could handle it. SO I went.

It was bitterly cold that day and only 9am (the sun was barely up!) so I opted for the free shuttle from the dealership. He kindly dropped me off at the nearest mall entrance and I began my trek to the other end of the mall.

I quickly felt that dread and anxiety that is all too familiar to me. But I pressed on. (It was far better than hoofing it outside in the shadows and wind, after all!)

I decided to make it a personal growth exercise.

• Slow down. What are your running from?
• 
  
• Breathe. 
• 
  
• Relax the shoulders.
• 
  
• Use your senses to be present. (Be intentional about my intake, rather than overwhelmed). 

And it worked.

I soon realized the mall was closed. HA! I was one of very few people in the mall. All the stores were still locked up, most of the lights still off. It was just me and the "old folks" (in various stages of health and ability) cruisin' the halls.

But, more importantly, what I realized was that everyone else seemed so cheerful. Most were walking with a buddy - some conversing, some not. Nearly everyone gave me a smile or nod. Several even extended a greeting.

This was not the mall I was used to. And I liked it. I wanted to stay and walk. Join these lovely people in their journey. Learn from them. (They obviously knew so much more than I did. And not just about malls.) And continue to grow.

I did finish my journey to Target (and then back around the outside since the mall entrance was closed.) but then moved on with my day. But I do plan to visit again soon.

And, long term, I'd love to be one of the 70+ ladies at Jazzercise. Fit as can be. Still jumping and dancing. But if my future holds mall walking instead. I'll be ok with that too.

Thanks for being here.

Beth
www.secondnaturehealthcoaching.com

Where did you get your inspiration to become a coach?

Wow! What a great questions! Let's see...

So, I think I've always been a bit of a coach - meaning that people tend to see me as wise beyond my years when it comes to things like spirituality, purpose, and the big picture. 

I'm also a thinker and analyzer. And I love to brainstorm... 

But I guess those are things that make me a great coach, not really my inspiration for becoming one. 

I've always been a bit of an environmentalist but not really very cognizant when it came to my own health.  

When I had kids, they started struggling with allergies and eczema, respiratory problems, food allergies...I became more aware. We started changing the products we used - personal care, cleaning, laundry. 

Then I started struggling with my own health - rashes, GI distress, mental health problems. I wasn't getting answers from western medicine and started thinking outside the box. 

I began by learning about nutrition, gut health, a variety of mental and "self-care" practices, and listening to my intuition and I was able to heal my own body. 

Friends and acquaintances who had watched my journey started seeking my counsel on the things that had seen me and my kids overcome - food allergies, skin issues, mental health struggles. It was so rewarding to help people who were struggling and couldn't find answers anywhere else. 

I eventually realized this was my purpose. To help others make these big life-changing shifts, that were both good for them and our planet, in a way that felt do-able. Possible. Normal. 

I started selling Verefina products as a way to teaching about natural skin care (and tossed the other info in when I had a willing ear). But it wasn't enough. So I went back to school to become a holistic health coach and later received my certificate in mental health first aid and wellness recovery action planning.

It has been a great adventure and I look forward to sharing this mission with more people in the years to come!

Thanks for the question Barbara. 

If anyone else has a question, please comment below or send it to: beth@secondnaturehealthcoaching.com

Have a beautiful day!