Stacey Shipman

Introducing Healthy South Shore

Stacey Shipman — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 20:19:15 +0000

I haven’t blogged in a while and I have a good reason. I’ve been working hard on my new project and today I’m excited to announce the official launch of Healthy South Shore.

Healthy South Shore (HSS) is your best resource for practical health and fitness information south of Boston. Topics include fitness, nutrition, cooking, outdoor activities, family activities, stress relief, alternative health, as well as up to date news and information related to health and wellness on the South Shore and beyond. Healthy South Shore is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week online. New content is added weekly. You can visit the new website at www.healthysouthshore.com or read the full press release.

Healthy South Shore has lived in my head for five years and I’m excited to see it become a reality.

The mission of the site is simple: to make healthy living easy and to connect the community to their resources. All while becoming the go-to health and fitness resource south of Boston.

The site include articles and how-to video’s organized into five channels: Get Fit!, Get Healthy!, Get Cooking!, Get Stress Relief!, Get Inspired!

The site also includes a resource directory, community calendar (free to list events right now), as well as marketing opportunities for area businesses looking to connect with health conscious consumers south of Boston.

If you’re interested, Healthy South Shore offers a variety of ways to stay connected and receive regular updates.

Free newsletter. As a subscriber, you’ll receive updates from Healthy South Shore two times per month including the latest articles, videos and event notifications. To get email updates enter your email address on the Healthy South Shore home page.
Twitter: Follow us @healthyss
Facebook: Join the conversation and like the page at Facebook.com/healthysouthshore

Although Healthy South Shore is a localized resource, a lot of the content is universal. I invite you to take a look around the site, read the articles, watch a video, check for local health and fitness events or browse the resource directory. We’re constantly updating the site and appreciate your feedback. Get in touch any time!

You can also download your free Healthy South Shore Healthy Living Tips e-book containing tips from area health/wellness professionals and every day people fitting healthy activities into their busy lifestyles.

Click here to download your e-book.

Please feel free to share the e-book with friends and colleagues who might benefit from the information.

Next week I’ll relaunch this blog/website with a new and clear focus. Until then enjoy the rest of your week. And thank you for your support of this blog over the past few years.

What Do You Desire (from your work)?

Stacey Shipman — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 22:20:10 +0000

Do you enjoy your work? Are you passionate about it?

As I work to launch Healthy South Shore, a new online health and fitness magazine for folks south of Boston, I’m reminded of the question that got me here.

And that question had nothing to do with purpose.

And it had nothing to do with passion.

The question:

What do you desire?

I heard this question last April at a 2-day workshop I attended at Babson College. The impact of the question is long lasting. When I find myself drifting in thought to all of the “possibilities” in my life I ask “what do you desire?”

The answers keep me on track.

Last April I desired:

A resource for people in my area to connect with their local health/fitness resources – the people, wellness centers and parks.
A resource that allows the community to get to know their resources and perhaps feel less afraid about hiring them.
An opportunity to showcase the talents and expertise of these resources through web video and articles.

Prior to that I asked “what am I passionate about?” because that’s what the experts suggested I ask.

As a result I struggled to find work I enjoyed. I have a personal interest in and passion for health and wellness.

The logical response might be to become a personal trainer or health coach. I did. I quickly learned that I’m not passionate about serving in that type of role.

Asking “what do I desire” allowed me to:

Imagine what I want to create.
Think differently about how to create work that fit both my personal interest and my skills.
Think differently about my work over all.

Healthy South Shore is a direct result of asking that question. I now find myself in a much better suited sales/marketing role. Back to my roots.

And I’ve never felt better about my work. It’s challenging, fun, exciting and overwhelming all at the same time. I love it.

If you struggle, as I did, trying to figure out your “true calling”, “passion work” or whatever else you are looking for when it comes to employment, consider asking the question:

What do you desire?

See what comes up for you. Are you surprised?

Care to share your answer to the question in the comments?

The Word for 2012: CONNECT

Stacey Shipman — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 12:59:47 +0000

A few years ago my friend Lance at the Jungle of Life started to announce his word for the year. I saw it as a chance to set an intention and did the same.

In 2009 my word was FREEDOM. I needed to free myself from myself – my fear, limiting beliefs – in order to create work and a life that I could feel good about.

In 2010 I chose the word FOCUS. Since quitting the corporate world I had explored many different avenues yet couldn’t settle on a business focus or idea. I needed to choose one thing.

In 2011 I chose the word ACTION. In 2011 I took action towards a career vision that had lurked for 5 years. I created Healthy South Shore, an online magazine and resource providing comprehensive health/fitness information to folks South of Boston. The official site is set to launch this week.

Which leads me to my word for 2012. This year the word didn’t appear as easily as the last three. I thought about what I want to accomplish this year, what I need to do to make Healthy South Shore a success. I thought about about I need to do to accomplish my personal goals as well.

For 2012 I choose the word

CONNECT

In 2012 I want to connect to:

Other people. I want to build relationships that are mutually beneficial and create a win-win. That is, we help each other grow personally and professionally. Support and professional networks are critical to success.

Social Media. In 2011 I began to understand the benefits of social media. I’d like to continue making connections through social media in 2012 and use the tools strategically. I’d love to connect on Twitter!

This blog and you, the reader. The focus for this year: what it’s like to create work you enjoy and feel good about. I’ll share stories and lessons from creating and growing Healthy South Shore – the personal and professional lessons. Posts will likely include small business topics, using yoga/meditation for personal/professional effectiveness, writing more creatively and simply enjoying life. To connect here you can subscribe to the RSS feed or get email updates. (For health/fitness information I hope you’ll check out Healthy South Shore. You don’t need to live there to benefit!)

Myself. Specifically to my personal power, voice and ability to create a successful business, promote my work, lead others, and create healthy communities.

I look forward to making new connections and deepening others in 2012.

How about you? Do you create a word or intention for the new year? Care to share in the comments?

Happy New Year!

End of Year Reflections & Happy New Year!

Stacey Shipman — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 16:51:59 +0000

I love this time of year. Holiday parties, time with family, fires in the fireplace and a creamy hot chocolate bring lots of warm feelings during this otherwise chilly month. I also love that as the year comes to a close, I have a chance to reflect on all that has happened.

Have you thought about what 2011 has meant for you?

As I look back on my plans for 2011 I learned that:

Plans need timelines. This year I’ll make plans and put timelines next to them. Without timelines plans are sometimes forgotten.

Things change. Some of my plans for 2011 changed and took on a new direction – all for the better.

Don’t forget the baby steps. While I didn’t fully accomplish all of my plans, I did take steps in the right direction. Forward motion counts.

Celebrate your success (no matter how large or small). As a self-employed professional I’m the only one who can say “great job!” It’s easy to forget to do that. As the year ends I will acknowledge the steps I did take and how those steps will set the stage for 2012.

Below are a few of the questions I think about as I look back over the year. (and my answers for 2011):

How did you take care of yourself?

My yoga practice slipped a bit. Yoga helps me feel grounded and focused. I want to incorporate more yoga into my daily routine in 2012.

What did you accomplish?

As I look back on my plans for 2011, I accomplished some, others fell off the list entirely and others I will carry over into 2012.

How did you celebrate your successes?

I will acknowledge the steps I did take to make some of my plans a reality.

How did you grow personally and professionally?

I took steps to make a professional dream (Healthy South Shore, launching in January) a reality.

Which areas of your life could be richer?

My personal life is pretty rich – I feel good personally. This year I will focus on feeling good professionally and growing Healthy South Shore.

As 2011 ends, consider reflecting for just a moment on the year. Remember to celebrate your successes, celebrate your family and friends and most importantly, celebrate YOU!

Wishing you a very happy holiday and an abundant new year!

How was 2011 for you? What did you accomplish? What can you celebrate?

Holiday Delight: Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Candies (Recipe)

Stacey Shipman — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 14:24:25 +0000

I posted a picture of these sweet treats on Facebook and several people asked for the recipe.

Every Christmas I make these chocolate peanut butter candies and they are always a crowd pleaser. Low fat? No way! It’s the holidays so enjoy, in moderation, of course. (They freeze well if you have leftovers!)

Although easy to make, rolling the peanut butter balls does take a little bit of time. Get the family involved for more fun.

Enjoy!

Ingredients

1 stick margarine or butter, softened

1 ½ cup peanut butter

4 cups confectioner (powdered) sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

12 oz chocolate chips

¼ slab paraffin wax (found in baking aisle and yes, this the same wax used in canning)

Directions

Cream all but chocolate chips and wax. Roll into balls, about 1 inch. Chill approximately 8 hours or overnight.

Melt chocolate chips and wax in double boiler. Dip peanut butter balls with spoon into chocolate. Place on wax paper lined baking sheet. Chill another 8 hours or overnight.

This recipe makes about 80 (maybe more) small (one-bite) candies. These are so small and tasty it’s easy to keep popping them into your mouth. Instead, take small bites to really savor the flavor. You won’t need to eat as many if you eat them slowly.

Enjoy!

Meditation Isn’t Easy But the Practice is Worth it

Stacey Shipman — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 16:03:09 +0000

A blog post came through my Twitter feed that caught my attention: Meditation Has Annoyed Me.

I hear it a lot. People tell me they tried and they can’t stop thinking. They get frustrated and quit.

I remember the first time I meditated. I was a student in a 200-hour yoga teacher training program. Our instructor walked in and said, “We’ll start with a 30 minute seated meditation today.”

Although I didn’t say anything verbally, my body language spoke volumes. My mouth dropped open and I furrowed my brow as if to say, “You want me to do what?”

I sat. I fidgeted. My legs started tingling. My back hurt. I couldn’t settle my thoughts. I felt angry and aggravated.

When we finished I silently promised myself I would NEVER meditate again. (Nice attitude from a soon-to-be yoga teacher!)

I don’t remember when I started again or why. I do remember that I started slowly – 5 minutes at a time. I could handle five minutes. On my own I increased the amount of time I sat by 2 – 3 minute increments until I made it to 20 minutes. – Today I can sit anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes “comfortably”.

Here is the thing about meditation: It’s a practice. You sit, free of distractions and focus your attention on a word, mantra, breath.

Your thoughts won’t stop. The practice is noticing your thoughts, detaching from them and bringing your attention back to that point of focus (word, mantra, breath).

Feeling frustrated? It’s part of the process. What else are you impatient or frustrated with in your life?

A few tidbits I’ve learned from meditation (certainly not a comprehensive list):

Silence is uncomfortable because it forces you to be with yourself. You start to feel things you haven’t felt in a while or ever. Let them come up if you want to heal and feel better.
Meditation keeps me focused. Meditation settles my thoughts (doesn’t stop them) when I feel overwhelmed or irritated and keeps me on track.
Sitting does get “easier”. Now I know if I fidget something is not right in my life. I need to let it come up and out.
Meditation keeps me in control. If I feel like I’m about to over react, I breathe. If I find myself reaching for food that I’m not hungry for I sit quietly for a few minutes. The “hunger” goes away because the “hunger” had nothing to do with food.
Compassion. Meditation has truly helped me open my heart and my mind to others.

The practice is not about stopping your thoughts but instead how quickly you notice your thoughts and stories, detach from them and bring your attention back to your breath/word/mantra. Also, how do you feel when you’re done?

Resource: Susan Piver meditation teacher and author recently wrote a posted called Am I Doing it Right? She offers a few thoughts to help keep you on track with your meditation practice.

Do you meditate? How has it helped you? Are you afraid of it? I’d love to know what you think.

3 Ways to Use Resistance as an Opportunity

Stacey Shipman — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 18:39:31 +0000

Are you ever met with resistance in your personal or professional life? Maybe a client that wasn’t quite ready to engage your services or an audience member who sat with crossed arms snickering through your presentation? Maybe you meet with resistance from friends and family. Did you know that resistance offers a great opportunity to create a connection?

I recently attended a seminar about using resistance as an opportunity instead of a roadblock. Although the seminar was designed for organizational consultants, I thought these tips could be useful for health, wellness and solo professionals dealing with client resistance (or anyone who deals with people on a regular basis).

Sonia Nevis of the Gestault International Study Center on Cape Cod led the seminar. Below are the key takeaways on how to use resistance as an opportunity.

Resistance as an opportunity for connection

When met with resistance, think about making a connection instead of solving a problem. Get curious, ask questions, validate concerns, allow the individual to come up with his/her own answer.

Example: Imagine you are a health/wellness professional dealing with client resistance about time or money. Instead of giving up get curious and make a connection by validating concerns. Next, get curious and ask questions like “What activities do you currently engage in?” “What health-related goals are you looking to achieve?” “Would you prefer to achieve those on your own or with support?” Avoid selling or fixing and think only about making the connection.

Connection is more important than context

Many people want to be hired or seen as an expert, promoting credentials and success. Instead, be seen as a trusted advisor – no matter the issue. Remember, people do business with those they know like and trust.

Example: I recently met with the VP of HR at a local bank about the possibility of working together on her company’s wellness program. She wants to offer cooking classes, looked at me and said “You could teach them!” I don’t teach cooking classes, stress management is my thing, but because we made a connection she assumed and trusted I could do it.

Before you try to teach someone, make sure there is trust

Have you ever tried to teach someone an idea, strategy or process before there they trust you? I have and it leads to even more resistance.

Example: I recently attended a health and wellness expo. As I approached one table after another vendors all approached me the same way. “Welcome, we offer yoga, reiki, fitness…” not one person stopped and asked a question about me. They sold me before they connected with me and not one of them followed up with after the event. A missed opportunity.

How do you handle resistance? Have you ever considered it an opportunity? Will you in the future?

6 Tendencies to Overcome for a Successful Health/Wellness Initiative (At home, school or work)

Stacey Shipman — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 11:52:41 +0000

Are you having a hard time sticking to a wellness routine?

Or maybe you’re an organization having a hard time getting employees to participate in your company’s wellness initiative.

If so you’ll be interested in knowing about behavioral economics and how that impacts your wellness program.

I recently attended a program sponsored by the Worksite Wellness Council of Massachusetts called How to Inspire Your Employees to Make Sustainable Behavior Changes (that last beyond January!). Erika Illiano, Aon Hewitt’s Boston Communication Practice Leader presented the information.

In the short time we had together Erika shared 6 behavioral economic factors to overcome if you want to experience a successful workplace wellness initiative. These behaviors are valid in areas other than wellness and other than the workplace. I share them with you below.

6 Behavioral Factors to Overcome for a Successful Workplace Wellness Program

Inertia and the Bias towards Status Quo. When people are comfortable where they are, getting them to take action is a challenge. Make the programs as easy as possible for engagement and participation.

Temporal discounting: Tyranny of Present vs Promise of Future. Promising weight loss results of 20 pounds in 6 months isn’t going to cut it. Think short term gain – what incentive are you offering today?

Loss Aversion: Losing hurts worse than winning feels good. Instead of promising the benefits of better health, speak to what you have to lose – money, time, not being around for your kids, and even your life. Losing hurts worse.

Social Norms: What’s everyone else doing? Erika said, “Smoking is addictive, quitting contagious.” Creating a culture where participating in health and wellness initiatives is the norm will work to your advantage. Get senior leaders involved (a must for successful wellness initiatives). You create social norms when EVERYONE at ANY LEVEL is participating.

Choices: Liberation or Paralysis. People make better choices with few choices. Consider creating a theme for the year instead of trying to be all things to all people. What health concerns are driving your costs up? Stress, diabetes, heart disease? Focus your attention on that.

Availability. Get creative with wellness program availability. For example, instead of email send a text message about wellness events or healthy living tips.

Your turn: What do you think? What tendencies do you or your organization have to overcome to create successful wellness programs?

Need assistance creating, implementing or managing your health/wellness programs? I work with organizations who want to keep stress and costs down while increasing the heatlh and success of employees and the organization. Click here to learn more about my consulting services for education, health care and business organizations.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Stacey Shipman — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 13:57:26 +0000

Wishing you a very Happy Thanksgiving (in the US) and a healthy and happy holiday season.

Today and every day I’m thankful for my family, my health, my colleagues, my ability to help people feel better through my work, the roof over my head, the clothes on my back and the food on my table. I’m also thankful for your continued support.

What are you thankful for today and how can you make that appreciation last beyond the holiday?

For more on my thoughts about being thankful, check out my post on Healthy South Shore – complete with a challenge.

Enjoy your holiday weekend!

5 Reasons to Join Toastmasters

Stacey Shipman — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 14:18:31 +0000

Want to improve your skills and confidence as a speaker or leader?

I highly recommend Toastmasters. I share my top 5 reasons why in a post published on the Hingham Patch blog – 5 Reasons to Join Toastmasters.

Whether you’re a professional speaker, looking to become one or simply want to feel more confident and comfortable communicating with others, Toastmasters can help you in more ways than you realize. I know it helped me.

You can read the full post here: 5 Reasons to Join Toastmasters

And if you live on the South Shore of Massachusetts, I invite you to visit my home club Hanover Toastmasters on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month. Visit the website for time and location details.

To find a club near you visit Toastmasters International.

Are you or have you been a member? How did you benefit?