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I did something. Something I’ve been wanting to do for over a year. Something that I physically could not have done just six months ago. Something I didn’t have the confidence to do a year ago. An entire weekend about me and for me. This wasn’t a weekend at the spa or some kind of conference - it was so much more than that!
For over a year, I’ve been curious about backpacking. You know, where you strap your tent, sleeping bag, food and water on your back and hike into the back country and camp out. Away from technology, chores, and the comforts of home, like chairs and running water! Real backpacking…! For over a year I’ve read blogs, checked out local outfitters (places to buy all the gear you might need for survival in the great out of doors) and looked at amazing trails and trips. I’ve talked to Neil, my wonderful husband, about it. There has been this hunger for nature that I can’t even explain. Something that has been gnawing at me to get out and explore. It’s almost like the Creator has been inviting the Created into His Creation…
Neil & I have done a lot of day hiking - local trails in Caesar Creek, in Oxford, and other areas close to home. My kid brother took us on challenging hikes with breathtaking views when we were in Alaska this Summer. He taught me to use trekking poles (hallelujah!) and shared little tips on ascending and descending steep terrain that have saved my knees! We hiked in the Great Smoky Mountains a few weeks ago where we saw beautiful waterfalls and encountered a mamma bear and her two cubs! All of these day hikes only made me hungry for more.
But here’s the thing. On every hike, I would be completely out of breath with a racing heart. I was SO out of shape! These weren’t leisurely walks in the woods. We walk like we have a purpose and are on a mission. Not running, but definitely “hoofin’ it” though all the ups and downs, hill climbing and creek crossings. See, I have been in the process of getting healthy. Since April, I have been taking back control over my health and wellness. Things had gotten out of hand and my body was letting me know that enough was enough. I was at the point where my body was screaming at me that something had to change … or else! I started listening to my body and have taken ownership of my health.
Since April, I’ve used holistic lifestyle interventions to resolve several serious health issues, like heart palpitations, pre-diabetes (type 2), and other concerns. I’m a lot better than what I was at the beginning of the year and I’ve lost around 20 lbs. Feeling healthier, I’ve increased my activity and gained confidence.
When I discovered Explorer Chicks Adventure Company, I was immediately obsessed with them. This is an organization by women, for women to get out and experience all that nature has to offer. And, they do all the planning! There are local and global excursions, one day to one-week events. They even offer virtual workshops. I found, ready for this…..a backpacking workshop! No experience needed! Explorer Chicks provided all the gear and food. I just had to show up with my personal stuff and go. In addition to the gear, they had a guide. Not just any guide, but the most kind, smart, encouraging, and fierce woman to teach us the basics of backpacking through the back country in Red River Gorge.
Here’s what my weekend looked like: I drove three and a half hours to Red River Gorge Friday afternoon and checked into the motel - by myself. Y’all, I don’t do solo road trips, let alone check into motels in the hills of KY by myself. But I did it! Then, I found a place to eat, located the trailhead for the next morning, and called it a night. Up bright and early - went to the trailhead where I met Kelsey Doolittle, Guide Extraordinaire, and 10 other incredible women. We made our lunch and breakfast for the next day and learned how to pack our backpacks. After adjusting the backpack and unpacking half the stuff I thought I needed to lighten the load, we strapped on our backpacks and just like that, we hiked into the gorge. It was easily 25-30 pounds strapped on my back. Seriously, stop what you’re doing and grab a 30-pound kid and climb stairs for the next six hours. I’ll wait…
It didn’t take long for me to realize that this would be my greatest physical and mental challenge. That backpack was no joke. The terrain was tough. Sand, rocks, roots - a beautiful variety of ecosystems that challenged every single step. Steep inclines. And what goes up, must come down. After all, it’s a gorge! But I didn’t quit. I was the last hiker in line, bringing up the rear. But I didn’t quit. Still out of breath. But I didn’t quit. Couldn’t talk and hike at the same time. But I didn’t quit. Sweat was dripping in my eyes. But I didn’t quit. My hips and quads were on fire. But I didn’t quit.
The rewards were incredible, humbling views of the gorge; a private cliff viewing of the sunrise; beautiful nature; and connecting with inspiring women. Not to mention the satisfaction and pride in finishing the adventure carrying my own gear. Full disclosure here, Kelsey hung back with me and talked me through the final climb. She even counted down the number of switchbacks left! She was kind enough to offer to carry my tent, too - she saw what a hot mess I was! But I wanted to complete it on my own. As we got closer to the parking lot and I was able to catch my breath, I actually got a little emotional and choked up a bit. I did that hard thing. I pushed myself physically, stepped WAY outside my comfort zone, faced my fears and did it!
So, here are my questions for you:
What have you been too afraid to face?
What messages from your body have you been ignoring?
When was the last time you were proud of yourself or one of your own accomplishments?
When was the last time you stepped out of your comfort zone?
Here’s what I know to be true: you are capable of incredible things.
You were made for more than what you’re settling for.
Whatever has been gnawing at you, dial in to that thing!
AND you do not have to do any of this on your own.
As your Coach, I’m on the same road you’re on, just a few steps ahead of you, but I get it! I’m here to be your guide and cheerleader.
Our world has shifted and changed so much since March of 2020. Stay home. Social distance. Masks. Disinfect. Toilet paper shortage. Weird. I remember trying to buy a thermometer so I could “self-screen” before going to work. Thermometers were nowhere to be found. Not even old school glass & mercury thermometers. Not even on Amazon. Listen, if Amazon doesn’t have it, you know things have gotten really weird! Cue the apocalypse.
And now, we’re trying to figure out this whole vaccine controversy. Is it safe? Is it better or worse than getting the actual COVID infection? Is this whole thing a world government conspiracy? Did our reality end when the Mayan calendar ran out in 2012? Just kidding, but seriously, this spins out of control quickly!
My personal reason for getting the vaccine is this: I have two grandsons. They live with my son and daughter-in-law in Germany. For this Grammy to be able to go to Germany and love on those boys, I need a vaccine. So, I got vaccinated. I haven’t died from it yet. I’m also working hard with other risk-factor mitigation lifestyle strategies like managing my weight and boosting my immune system.
If you choose to get vaccinated or not, that’s your choice. With or without the vaccine, there are things we DO know to be true about COVID. Unhealthy people who get COVID are at higher risk for trips to the ER, hospital admission, and serious complications.
What are the most common risk factors?
· Obesity
· Type 2 diabetes
· High blood pressure
· Compromised immune system
· Cardiovascular disease
Let that sink in. Obesity is a major risk factor. Why? Because obesity leads to a compromised immune system and the other risk factors mentioned above.
Let’s just take a quick second to define obesity – you might be surprised to learn the parameters.
· If your body mass index (BMI) is 25.0 to less than 30, it falls within the overweight range.
· If your BMI is 30 or higher, it falls within the obesity range.
· If your BMI is 40 or higher, it falls within the morbid obesity range. Or, BMI of 35 or higher with a co-morbid condition, like type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, etc. is considered morbidly obese.
What’s your BMI? Not sure? Click this link and plug in your height and current weight, then click “calculate”.https://bit.ly/3zVOfk0
What’s your BMI? Do your results surprise you? What are you willing to do about it?
Obese children are at risk, too. According to the CDC:
Children diagnosed with obesity may suffer worse outcomes from COVID-19. In a study of COVID-19 cases in patients aged 18 years and younger, having obesity was associated with a 3.07 times higher risk of hospitalization and a 1.42 times higher risk of severe illness (intensive care unit admission, invasive mechanical ventilation, or death) when hospitalized.7
Obesity is a big deal. The prevalence of obesity increased from 30.5% to 42.4% in the last 20 years. Just because it’s common does not mean it’s normal.
This is not about fat-shaming or guilt. No judgement, just encouragement. This is all about education, motivation, and action to bring about transformation!
With or without the vaccine, taking control of your health is the most important thing you can do as we continue to journey through the pandemic. The causes of obesity vary from person to person. Hormones, stress, emotional pain, other illnesses…healing will be just as personalized. There is no quick fix; no magic pill, shake or “diet” will cure this (if there was a miracle cure, 42% of us wouldn’t be obese!) Obesity is a lifestyle illness that requires lifestyle modifications.
As a Registered Nurse and Health & Wellness Life Coach, I want to help you and your family get healthy. This is within your control.
IT’S NOT YOUR FAULT, BUT IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.
Contact me directly at tiffani@lifecca.com or call/text at 513.256.9509
What if I told you that it is 100% possible to improve your health and wellness in 90 days?
What would be like if you had energy, reduced pain, better moods, and were able to enjoy your life?
What would your day look like if you got a good night’s sleep…every night?
All these things are not just “possible”, they can be your reality! Take a few minutes and read about my story. Then reach out to me. I’d love to help you achieve your health and wellness goals.
We just had the best time in Gatlinburg, TN! Neil and I joined our bestest friends for the Great Smoky Mountains Jeep Invasion for five days of F-U-N! We hiked trails, walked & shopped, and cruised through Pigeon Forge, the National Park, Cades Cove, and Gatlinburg for hours on end. We literally came face-to-face with a momma bear and her two cubs while we hiked on the trail to Laurel Falls. Our five days were relaxing and energizing at the same time. And, the Jeeps! My gosh, thousands of Jeeps – from very basic to all decked out. If you’re a Jeep person, then you know the variety and how personalized they are.
I’m most proud of the fact that we did the Chimney Tops trail. This is a 3.6 mile hike with an elevation gain of nearly 1,300 feet and well over 350 steps! 90 days ago, I couldn’t make it up a single flight of stairs without being completely winded! It took us 2 ½ hours – it was worth every drop of sweat to get to the lookout point. Cue the Rocky music.
We were so elated with our ability to physically keep up with the week. Neil didn’t have any back pain, even after playing 18 holes of golf! Here’s the thing, 90 days ago I couldn’t have done all the running and going. 90 days ago, I was struggling with being exhausted most of the time (I napped like it was my job!) I had just seen several doctors to try and get to the bottom of several serious health concerns: heart palpitations, fatigue, hand tremors, and weight gain. I saw physicians who did major work ups including lab work and a seven-day heart monitor. The results showed elevated cholesterol, blood sugar, and A1C – high enough to be diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes – and heart rhythm abnormalities. My heart rate was elevated at rest up to 120 beats/minute. I also had high levels of stress hormones, which partially explained the fatigue and weight gain.
The recommendation from my doctor was to go on a beta blocker to control the heart rate and rhythm or try the Mediterranean Diet and to start thinking about medications to control my cholesterol and blood sugar. As an RN, I knew that turning to pharmaceuticals to manage lifestyle diseases would be the easy route. But, it would also put me in a higher risk category for things like heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s Disease and many other life-limiting illnesses. Type 2 Diabetes is no joke. I decided to manage my lifestyle in order to get control of these lifestyle diseases. I chose to prioritize my health and wellness over ease and convenience of medications.
Here’s what I did to get a grip on my health:
Eat the foods work best for me. There’s not a one-size-fits-all “diet”. We’re all different. We all have different dietary needs. There are dietary “experiments” you can do for yourself to figure out what works best for you. With the right coaching, it’s a fun way to learn more about your unique needs.
Going beyond what to eat, I’ve changed when I eat. Intermittent fasting (IF) is an absolute game changer. IF is now considered the fountain of youth. It’s that impactful for your health.
Get good sleep at night. Seriously. A solid 7-9 hours a night. Who knew that there are sleep strategies? Now I know! And, I’m happy to help you develop your own sleep strategies.
Manage stress. Drug free. Effective. No cost. Legit stress management.
Lose weight. As a result of my efforts to manage my lifestyle, I’m losing weight. Slow and steady. No gimmicks, shakes, magic pills, etc. While my primary goal hasn’t been to lose weight, it is a much-welcomed result. I’ve decreased my body mass index enough to get out of the “obese” category!
I’m sharing these personal details for a couple reasons: As a RN and Health & Wellness Life Coach, I view health status differently than most people. I see your health as a choice you make, not something that is taken or given to you. While it’s not your fault, it is your responsibility. Take ownership of your health. Get control. I believe your healthcare decisions are made in the grocery store, not the doctor’s office. Second, I get it. I’m a few steps ahead of where you are. I’ve had to take ownership of my health and take control. I’ve taken responsibility for the outcomes of my life.
As your Coach, I empathize with you. No judgement zone here! At the same time, this isn’t time to make excuses.
Together, we can create plans to support your health and wellness goals that will last a lifetime!
A few weeks ago we celebrated Neil’s birthday. His three best and closest friends, along with our youngest son, came over to our house for a guys’ night. Two of the guys chose the date based on their busy family schedules (they have seven kids between them!) they had no idea it was his birthday. There were delish handcrafted burgers, amazing guac and chips, and several homemade sides. I provided a birthday cake and then left them to enjoy their man time. It was exactly what Neil wanted and needed. It’s how he wanted to spend his birthday on a perfect Summer evening.
This birthday wasn’t a milestone or anything significant. He turned 58. But it was important for us. See, twenty years ago, the idea of celebrating Neil was the farthest thing from my mind. Twenty years ago, we were walking through the ruins of our marriage. Rubble. Ashes. Heartache. Destruction. A far cry from anything worth celebrating. I couldn’t stand the sight of him. He had become someone unrecognizable. In fact, for quite some time, he wouldn’t even make eye contact with himself in the mirror.
We ended up separating. He moved back to Ohio, I stayed in Alaska with our two boys, then 6th and 3rd graders. Over the course of several months, we each sought life coaching. We had to peel back the layers of destructive behavior that led up to his infidelity. This took us on a path of discovering spiritual truths that would ultimately lead us to reconciliation. It was a long, painful, and difficult process. Because we chose life coaches who were skilled in the art and science of changing habits and beliefs, we were able to heal from the inside out.
I came to realize that while, his choice to cheat wasn't my fault, it was my responsibility to take accountability of my own unhealthy attitudes and actions. I also made the choice to forgive. Forgiveness doesn't always mean reconciliation, but it is an essential step to healing. Bitterness and holding a grudge would have destroyed my peace and my future.
Here’s where it gets interesting: Neil’s Coach was Carol Williams. The same Carol Williams who did our couple’s coaching. And who’s practice I have now joined as a Health & Wellness Life Coach. Over the last twenty years, she has been our Life Coach. We check in from time to time, gain insight and perspective and solid coaching. Had it not been for her, I don’t know if we would be here today: healthy and whole.
Fast forward to today – we celebrated our 30th anniversary in April 2021! We’re able to celebrate each other and enjoy life’s special moments, like his birthday a few weeks ago. I’m so passionate about helping people get unstuck and overcome whatever is holding them back because I am living proof that it’s possible!
It’s not your fault, but it is your responsibility. Read that again. It’s not your fault, but it is your responsibility.
Hi. I’m so excited that you’re taking a few minutes to let me introduce myself to you. I am passionate about helping people get unstuck – from challenging seasons in life, disappointments & heartaches, to overcoming health issues. Regardless of where you’re stuck, you can overcome the trials so that you can live your best life.
What makes me so sure? I’ve lived the reality of healing from brokenness, resolving major health issues, and walking in my God-given purpose and calling.
My name is Tiffani Schmitz. I’ve been married to the love of my life for over 30 years. Together, we have two grown sons, one daughter-in-law and two of the most amazing grandsons you’ve ever seen! In our decades of marriage, we have overcome devastating brokenness, grieved painful losses, bumped our way through raising children, and all the while, we learned how to hold tight to each other and our faith. It wasn’t always easy; however, it’s been completely worth it!
I’ve been a Registered Nurse for 30 years. In my professional career, I’ve run busy emergency departments; cared for people at end-of-life; served in a senior leadership position for a hospice organization and worked in hospital operations. I understand healthcare – as I call it, “sick care” – in the United States. There is very little attention to true health and wellness.
Personally, I’ve completely resolved migraines, Meniere’s disease, palpitations, essential tremor, high cholesterol, borderline type 2 diabetes and obesity. I should add that it’s all been done without medications. Again, not always easy, but SO worth it!
Whatever the life circumstances or health challenge that drew you to Life Coaching & Consulting, I want you to know this: it’s not your fault. Life happens. We make choices and decision based on the information we have at the time. Sometimes it’s good information, often, it’s bad. Many times, life happens, and we have no choice in the matter – like Covid! Regardless, let me take you off the hook. It’s not your fault. But we can’t stop there. It’s not your fault, but it is your responsibility…to do better and be better.
That’s where I come in. As a Health & Wellness Life Coach, I’m here to help you take ownership of your life, health and wellness. You are not a victim of your circumstances. You were made to overcome the challenges and live out your God-given purpose.
It’s not your fault, but it is your responsibility.
Let’s do this!
Life's Dreams: Your dreams, my dreams, other's dreams. We all have dreams for our life. Some came true but some were LOST.
Someone made a comment this afternoon that I had NEVER realized or thought was a possibility. "God's Dream was lost. His dream, when he created Eden, was to have a personal relationship with His creation. Instead, his creation brought Evil into God's dream of a perfect Earth."
I never imagined that God had a Dream. Not only did He have a dream, he lost it. Wow, and I thought my loss of dreams was devasting. My lost dreams are NOTHING compared to his dream.
My dreams although I thought was how my life was going to go was obviously not God's Dream for Me. Yet I still question Him. I still get mad. I still feel like a failure because My dream(s) didn't come true.
What kinds of dreams for your life were lost? How did you react? How did you cope or move on?