Confessions of The Peace Coaches

August 31, 2015August 31, 2015 | Robynn

I have a ConFeSsiOn. You know Popeye’s famous line, “I’ve had all I can stands, I can’t stands no more.” . . . ?

Yep, that pretty much describes me.

A little over a week ago, Lara and I celebrated a big success – we published our book: Peace with Food: Eat What You Want. Never Diet Again. Live a Happy Life. A book that we had been working on for over three years. That was a HuGE win for us.

But the thrill of victory, for me, was short lived because almost immediately after publishing our book I was jolted with this harsh reality: although we had found the key to Peace with Food, I had No PeAcE with My TiMe and my schedule! And I’m a Peace Coach!!

It’s not for a lack of trying. I have tried numerous time-management methods, to no avail.

And not for a lack of accomplishment. I am a consummate tracker of my progress. I journal and I track. Have been doing so for years. And I’ve accumulated a lot of checkmarks.

Give me a graph-paper notebook and it’s like giving a baby candy. For some reason, checking those little boxes is SO very motivating for me to such a degree that I file away those checkoff lists so I can see all the things I have accomplished.

Motivating, yes, but satisfying in the deepest part of the soul, no. In regards to my time and my schedule there is a nagging sense that I am far from my target. That I am MiSsiNg SoMeThiNg. As Bill Hybels would say, a holy discontent.

I want to go from successfully checking off my checkmarks to SiGniFiCaNcE and SouL SaTisFacTion.

So, what now?

The awesome thing, is that in our search for peace with food, Lara and I discovered that the principles we used are transferable to the rest of life!

So, back to the drawing board I go. I’m embarking on a new journey. This time, my focus is to find peace with my time and my schedule and here’s how I intend to do that by using the peace principles Lara and I discovered in finding Peace with Food:

1.) Know myself – I have been doing a lot of ReFleCtiNg and soul searching. The first half of this post describes my discoveries to date. I will continue to reflect and record throughout this journey

2.) Educate myself – I will be spending a lot of time in the next months and possibly even the next few years on this subject. Here is some of what I plan to do:

Read John C. Maxwell’s new book, Intentional Living the moment it comes out this fall! I also plan on doing his 7- Day Experiment and 30-Day Challenge that coincides with the book.
Speak to my MenToRs about how they have found peace with their time and schedule.
Read other books on this subject.
Of course, I can’t leave out the GoD FacToR. This will actually be my first go-to. I’ll use what I call the PR36 Principle: (Proverbs 3:6)

3.) Experiment – I will continually be experimenting with the input and insight I get from mentors and the books I read to see what works best for me. I’ll also be trying some different systems such as Stephen Covey’s.

That being said, the most important thing is this: I don’t just want a new system, a new plan, or the latest and greatest technique that promises me that I will be able to get more done in less time.

No, I want something on the InSiDe Of Me To ChAnGe, specifically the way I look at my time, knowing that this life is very short and each moment that passes is one that will never come my way again.

Stay tuned. . . I’m a WoRk In ProGrEsS and I will continue to update you on my journey. 🙂

Do you have peace with your time and schedule? If so, please share!

Day 28 – 1% Change {90-Day Challenge} The Power of Progress Points

August 30, 2015October 31, 2015 | Robynn

Have a bias toward action – let’s see something happen now. You can break that big plan into small steps and take the first step right away.
~Indira Gandhi

Change can be slow. Painfully slow. But from time to time it’s good to take note of your PrOgrEsS PoiNts – all those little improvements you’ve made over an extended period of time that are so tiny, that if you weren’t intentionally looking for them you would miss them.

One progress point I have on the map is DriNkiNg H2O. A little over a year ago I gave up diet cola which I miss greatly, but I did so, because it gave me severe headaches. It took me years to finally kick the habit, but I did it. And now I drink tons of H2O.

That was a huge progress point for me, but I also have many small ones such as drinking a cup of green tea with sweetener.

What say you? What are your progress points – both BiG oNeS aNd SmAll OnEs?

Once you plot them you may be surprised to see that you are making progress. If on the other hand, you realize that you aren’t making any progress, then why not begin today having a BiAs FoR aCtiOn?

Keep at your 1% Change and let’s make it a great day!

Hashtag to self: #biastowardaction

P.S. You are seeing a snapshot of my life taken earlier this summer. For the previous post in this series click HERE.

Day 25 – 1% Change {90-Day Challenge} Peaceful Mind

August 28, 2015October 31, 2015 | Robynn

Life is a series of steps. Things are done gradually. Once in a while there is a giant step, but most of the time we are taking small, seemingly insignificant steps on the stairway of life.
~Ralph Ransom

Ugh!! Have a knee injury so I am not working out. 😦

That is a FrOwN-y FaCe because I really like working out. It really makes me food good in sooo many ways.

But on the BriGhT SiDe, I have been eating well. 🙂

The meals, at the conference I’m at, have been buffet style, so I have been going for fruits, vegetables, and protein. Because I am coming off of a couple of rough eating days and want to get right back on track, I am staying away from eating a lot of carbs. That’s okay, because turns out they are Mr. Right-There foods anyway, so I don’t mind passing on them. If I did have sweets calling my name, I would plan for them (I may have a donut from Dunkin’ Donuts tomorrow in the airport), but SuRpRiSe, SuRpRiSe!! this girl who loves sweets is not desiring them! That is a testament to giving myself permission to eat whatever I want as long as it gives peace. This took me a lot of practice, but I am finally starting to nail it.

This CoNcEpT is HuGe. I really don’t have out-of-control urges for food anymore because I never feel like I have a mental stock-pile of foods that I am craving, or planning to binge on,

I’ve learned that porking out, for the most part, was due to cause and effect – denying myself of the food I loved resulting in spiraling out of control.

MiRaCuLoUsLy, when I began to give myself the foods I desired (in a controlled manner that gave peace) the effect was satisfaction, closure, and peace.

No more food fantasies! I love it that my mind is not obsessed with thoughts of foods!

Ahhhh, finally a PeAcEfUL MiNd!

Hashtag to self: #peacefulmind

P.S. You are seeing a snapshot of my life taken earlier this summer. For the previous post in this series click HERE. For the next post in this series click HERE.

Day 23 – 1% Change {90-Day Challenge} Get Understanding

August 25, 2015October 31, 2015 | Robynn

You must take personal responsibility. You cannot change the circumstances, the seasons, or the wind, but you can change yourself. That is something you have charge of.
~Jim Rohn

Today is a fresh start. And I have a BriGhT OutLooK. 🙂

I’m at a conference, in Atlanta, where I am becoming a Certified Human Behavior Consultant by one of mentors, Dr. Robert A. Rohm.

One of the things that I have heard Dr. Rohm say over and over is, “AbOvE aLL eLsE, get understanding.” This training is teaching us how to UndeRsTaNd OuRseLvEs aNd OtHers. I’m hoping I can use this incredible wisdom and apply it to Peace with Food.

As I think about this statement, “Above all else, get understanding.”, I realize that HeReIn LiEs tHe SeCrEt to Peace with Food – Get Understanding. Until you understand yourself and your relationship to food, your body, the scale, and your thoughts on this subject, as well as how to Follow Peace, you can never experience Peace with Food. It really is that simple.

I have come to learn that the more understanding I have, the more peace I have.

Hashtag to self: #getunderstanding

(P.S. You are seeing a snapshot of my life taken earlier this summer. For the previous post in this series CLICK HERE.)

Lara & Robynn Talk About the Book

August 25, 2015 | Robynn Coates

The Big Day: Our Book Is Now Available!

August 22, 2015August 22, 2015 | Lara

Today is the big day! Our book, Peace with Food, is now available online (click book below):

Many of you may have been surprised to hear that we wrote a book about our struggles with food, body image, and weight.

For years we have felt called to be the voice for individuals who have the same struggle. This is a very common challenge, but one that is rarely talked about because—let’s face it—it can be awkward, humbling, and embarrassing. People always joke at needing to “lose a few more pounds” but the conversation ends there. Don’t you agree?

We became so tired of comparing ourselves to other women, feeling tormented by our favorite foods, always starting a “Monday” diet, and being chained to the scale. Thankfully, God brought us together and, because of our honest discussion in this life-long battle, we were able to write this book.

Peace with Food shares all of our personal struggles, how we overcame them, and all the tools and guidance to help others share this same victory. It explains what our lives look like now and how we are able to live in peace. No more diets. No more rules. Weight Lost. Best of all…peace.

We committed 4 years to this book for one simple reason: to help people. We want to initiate the conversation that can help set people free. Please give others that voice by passing this on. You never know what life you are changing by one simple click. Be the person that can make a difference for someone else…we’ll love you forever for it 🙂

May Peace Be With You Always–

*********************
BOOK TESTIMONIALS:

“Let me first say I loved loved LOVED the book. Reading it and the personal connection…I felt like they were speaking the words I couldn’t find to explain on my own. I really like how opposite the two of them are (one loves exercise vs. the other dislikes it, for example) to show that it works for everyone. They gained my trust immediately bec”ause I could tell they were normal people, just like me. They are not extreme exercisers or experts in nutrition. They are everyday Moms who have found peace with food and are passionate about teaching others to do the same. I felt like each personal connection was clearly speaking to me. I would read, and in my head, say comments like: “oh yes! How did she know? That one read my mind!”
-Joe-Shane Vondracek

“The analogies to real world situations were great. The concepts are awesome and I can honestly say that it has changed how I look at food and dieting.” -Lacy Neal

“I have talked to many people about the book! I feel like it has changed my life :)” -Misty Deeds

“I like that this is not a diet book but a way to be mindful of what we eat and how it makes us feel.” -Megan Griffins

“I love it and every time I read it I thought of a ton of people that need the book NOW! I think you ladies are awesome and I loved reading your story at the beginning. I felt an instant connection with you both. ” – Sommer Tucker

“I haven’t ever had peace with food and I didn’t even know it until this book made me realize it.” ~Anonymous

“Most diet books tell you what to eat but never dive into the side that really matters for sustained loss and change—the mindset—the reasons why we eat how we eat. Peace with Food goes into all of that WITHOUT telling you what to eat and still have success!” Siobhan Burch

“As a former high school and collegiate wrestler, I know the frustration and the sea of negative emotions on the road to losing hundreds of pounds only to gain them back…plus more. I only wish this book were available years ago, because it provides many easy-to-use and practical tools that you can start using today to get permanent results. I highly encourage you to read this book now and choose the path that leads to: peace with food!”
–Bob Manard

“PWF is unlike anything I have tried before. For the first time in my life I am getting to know myself, I am trying new foods, and finally finding food enjoyable. This is the easiest, most fulfilling plan I have ever tried. It’s not only helped me to make healthier food choices, I have found I am intentionally looking for peace in other areas of my life. I have stuck with this plan longer than anything I have tried in the past, and can say with confidence my life is richer in so many ways having found peace with food.” –Lisa Emma Collins

“Peace with Food has filtered into other areas of my life. It really is that powerful.” -Wendy Hodges Taylor

“The book title was like a life raft thrown to me just in time.” ~Candace Dale

“This book made me realize this: That I don’t struggle alone. Not every strategy is for everyone. Don’t feel guilty and/or hang on to the guilt of what you do or don’t do.” ~Janelle Stukey

“Peace with Food is a great approach to conquering your “Diet Dilemma”. No matter what your approach is to dieting Peace With Food is a great tool to help you stay focused on the root of real Transformation which is Peace. I recommend this book to anyone who is uncomfortable with diets, and exercise plans.”
~ Minister Dangerfield

“I LOVED this book. As a guy who pays a ton of attention to health, it was very informative. BUT what I enjoyed the most was the PERSONAL side of the writers.” -Steve Murry

Day 19 – 1% Change {90-Day Challenge} Hang On

August 21, 2015October 31, 2015 | Robynn

{This post is for the person of faith. If that’s not you, no worries. You can read it if you like or simply bypass it.}

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:2-4 (NIV)

Wow. Things don’t seem to be letting up at all. Today I am facing such great discouragement. I’m down. Maybe even sad.

It doesn’t help that it is a downpour outside. And on top of that there is other stuff going on in my life that contributes to tHe FuNk.

My father had emergency brain surgery this past week. At times we didn’t know if he would make it.

I feel like I have been punched in the stomach and have had all the air knocked out of me. BUT, I’m holding on. Today I am specifically holding on to hope by saying James 1:2-4 out loud over and over and reminding myself that the testing of my faith produces perseverance. Yes, this test is producing the very thing I am after!

If you find yourself in a season of funk, HaNg On. This ride won’t last forever.

If, on the other hand, life is bliss, I hope to join you soon. You can just file this away for down the road when you are facing a rainy day.

However you find yourself today, know I’m thinking of ya and SeNdiNg a PrAyEr that you’ll be strengthened and encouraged as you FoLLoW PeAcE.

Hashtag to self: #hangon

P.S. You are seeing a snapshot of my life taken earlier this summer. For the previous post in this series click HERE.

Click HERE for the next post in this series.

Living the Dream

August 19, 2015 | Robynn

People talk about LiViNg tHe DrEaM. Of course, Living the Dream means different things for different people. What does it mean to you? What would your life look like if you were Living the Dream? What is standing in the way of that image becoming your reality?

Living the Dream for me is living a life of FrEeDoM aNd PeAcE. This is a BiG dEaL for me because these qualities were so elusive for much of my life. And now that I have them, my passion is to help others experience them as well.

For much of my adult life I struggled with overeating. I lived in the ReLeNtLeSs PuRsUiT of finding peace and freedom with eating, but my efforts always seemed in vain. Four or five years ago I was so frustrated that I determined I would find peace and freedom with food if it were the last thing I did.

Lara joined me in the PeAcE WiTh FoOd journey and we contracted with ourselves and each other that we would never diet again. I even wrote out a contract and signed it. My dieting days were over.

Our approach was simple. We would become scientists, determining what worked and what didn’t. Nothing was off limits. Our only criteria was that we would FoLLoW PeAcE.

In the course of what I call my SeVeN yEaR ExPeriMenT I lost probably close to 20 pounds seven different times. That’s a total of 140 pounds!! If I tabulated how much weight I have lost and then regained, in the course of my life, I think it is quite possible that number would be in the thousands. No joke.

I have always been able to lose the weight. That’s not the issue. Hey, you can loose weight a million-and-one ways (check out the Twinkie Diet!) if you limit your calories. But rather, my focus was on what would keep me in the game. What could I do for life? I was intrigued with experimenting with as many plans as possible. I wanted to know what worked and what didn’t. Any eating strategy that didn’t offer a LiFeTiMe SaTisFacTion guarantee was a deal-breaker for me.

Today, Lara and I are experiencing freedom and peace. We are Living the Dream. And we want to share with you how you too can have freedom and peace with food. (And with life for that matter!)

On August 22nd our book, Peace with Food: Eat What You Want. Never Diet Again. Live a Happy Life. – which has been over three years in the making – is being released!

To say we are excited is an understatement.

During the pre-launch stage we shared our book with dozens of people and our hypothesis was correct: Peace with Food was life-changing. Turns out it had the same impact on others that it had on us.

Peace with Food has changed our lives. It is changing others’ lives. And it CaN cHaNge YoUr Life too!

Do you have Peace with Food? Are you Living the Dream?

If not, won’t you come take the journey with us?

You can have P E A C E.

You can be F R E E.

And you can live your BeSt LiFe EvEr!