The Meaning of Trees

So, I just turned 45 and for a while I have been on a journey of self-care. I am experiencing so many changes and finding myself at so many crossroads.

I just graduated with my M.Ed in school counseling and adjustment counseling, and I have joined a local CrossFit gym. I am about to finish up an internship counseling students in schools and I am searching for a counseling job in a local school.

With all these changes coming at the same time, I realized that not only do I have a bunch of education under my belt, but that there is value in sharing what I know and using my past experiences to help others. I am at a place where I have something valuable to share, and the passion to pay it forward.

This is why I chose the name PranaTree:

About 10 years ago, I was in a really tough place in my life. I was sad and sick and disappointed in what my 30s were shaping up to become. During my illness, I encountered so many compassionate people who helped me medically, emotionally and spiritually. I credit these people for planting seeds of strength and nurturing them into a tiny seedling of hope.

Years later, hope became a dream and the dream became a plan. I remember back when I was feeling my lowest, I thought of the people who dedicated their lives to helping others, myself included, and I thought to myself, "I NEED to find a way to pay this forward."

I just celebrated my 45th birthday and would not change any of the experiences that led me to this day and this version of myself. Those experiences were the seasons, and the seasons were sometimes harsh, but I truly believe that I would have little to give had I not gone through those years of difficult seasons.

I have always loved trees because they stand strong through seasons, they draw back and hibernate when they need to, they connect their root systems together to survive difficult times, and sometimes they appear dead to everyone, but are working systemically to revitalize them selves and the world around them. They cleanse the air and give oxygen to the earth. Their seed give food, and every Spring new leaves grow, providing shade and protection to the creatures that need it.

We all have the seeds inside and sometimes just need a bit of nurturing to get out there and grow. I am ready to pay it forward.

Now, I offer PranaTree Health Coaching. For information,  reach out, ask a question, or take a look at my website at pranatreehealth.com.

Why Online Health Coaching is Amazing and 3 Reasons You Should Try It

Wondering if this is healthy,
or the right portion size?
Log on and ask your
Online Health Coach.

Need health coaching but don't have time to go to yet another appointment? Or, you've made an appointment and it's gross out, or you don't feel like getting dressed... whatever...

We've all been there. We've booked a service of some kind, but don't feel like going. The beauty of health coaching is that you don't have to go anywhere to get all the benefits of a conversation. Because you are talking about things, you can do that from the comfort of your home in your P.J.s, your best suit or your birthday suit. (as long as it's not a video chat, no one will know!) Here are 3 reasons you should try online health coaching!

1. Get Ready to Change
Health Coaching uses a technique called Motivational Interviewing which helps people move beyond ambivalence and encourages them to become ready for and embrace change. Research suggests that online coaching is as effective as in-person coaching in promoting behavior change (Bus, Peyer, Bai, Ellingson & Welk, 2018).

2. Coaches Are Everywhere
You can choose a coach from anywhere in the world. You aren't limited to finding a coach who lives in your local area. If you're a woman with four kids looking for self care and there is an online coach who offers amazing self care techniques, but who lives 900 miles away, and no one is available locally for in-person coaching, you don't have to fret. Just chat up that online coach and your commute to their office is from your chair to your device. No packing up the kids or finding a sitter; just pick a time that is convenient for you and start chatting.

3. Coaches Are Available When You Are
You can set an appointment that works for you. Although many online coaches are sole proprietors and still set hours, chances are you can find a coach when you want one. Some set up formal appointments, but other Health Coaching companies may have a large number of coaches available all the time.

People want things to be easy and convenient. Making permanent changes to your health takes a lot of work, but finding and working with an online coach is so easy that it takes the effort out of making and keeping appointments.

If you are thinking about trying online coaching for the first time, I am trying out an online platform for my individual coaching services. If it takes off and people love their results, I will open my schedule for more online coaching. Check out my website at PranaTreeHealth.com to get more information and see if online coaching is right for you.