About Norma

My own struggles with depression and weight gain inspired me to investigate happiness, positive psychology, the effects of sound and movement, as well as the connection between what I ate and how I felt. I chose to find a different path than taking medications to mask my problems. Lifestyle choices are important when moving toward healthy living and action does affect the emotion. I continue to learn what my body knows is best for me.

Although I am still working on being happy, I have felt depressed and melancholic for most of my life. At age 37, my father’s passing triggered emotions of sadness that had been long buried. At that time my doctor prescribed Prozac and for a while it seemed to really help. When Effexor became available, it seemed to be more effective.There were periods of anxiety, but otherwise I seemed to move through life at an even keel. But I always felt that my feelings were not normal when I realized that I had not cried for years.

My journey began with reading books by Marty Seligman about happiness and optimism, and participation in strengths and weaknesses inventories. Twenty years later, after many attempts to quit and then gradual increases in dosage, I finally decided there had to be a better way to be happy and weaned myself off the medication over a 6 month period.

I experienced the positive impact of exercise and massage, but then discovered and became a certified laughter yoga leader which provides me the opportunity to laugh with others for no reason. The deep and varied breathing techniques are applicable throughout the day when feeling agitated, irritated, anxious, frustrated, angry and depressed. Laughing, stretching, breathing and focusing on the present moment helps stop the mind chatter that so often extends the negative emotions. Feeling relaxed and at the same time, energized, is the benefit of practicing Yoga of any type.

I balance my diet by minimizing processed foods, fast food, and the amount of wheat products eaten .Increasing the amount of whole foods and home cooking with fresh and locally grown fruits and vegetables has stabilized my energy level. Starting my day with protein at breakfast and eating more leafy green vegetables makes a huge difference in how I feel both physically and emotionally. Continuing to change my diet with minimizing sugar and incorporating herbal teas is my next opportunity to change the way I feel.

There is no one ‘perfect’ solution and it is not as easy as just popping a pill, but as the layers continue to melt away, I feel that my emotions are authentic and my awareness makes it more possible to breathe through the experience knowing that this too shall pass. At age 61, I am in control of how I feel and think, and that empowerment is enough to keep me going down the healthier path to happiness. I am learning that there are good days and there are days that are not as joy filled as I would like. I have a different attitude knowing that I am not stuck in any one spot. My life is more fluid and living in the present allows me to be the decision maker of which emotion I choose to allow for each moment. I will continue this healthier approach and will never turn back to medication masking what really needs to change for me. Depression is not a disease that has a pharmaceutical solution; it is a process of discovering myself and all that life has to offer.

My look at integrative nutrition and integrative medicine opened my eyes to many complementary approaches to health and wellness. I find it extremely important to have a safe space to share what is happening without feeling judged, ridiculed or condemned.

Working with practitioners that are focused on my truly healing gives me a sense of partnership in my well-being. I did not and could not continue on this journey as a solo pilot. My health coach keeps me focused as well as allowing me to share my struggles and triumphs. This enriching experience is what I now offer to others.

Most of us want to be healthy and are just not sure where to start or what to believe. Each one of us is so different and what works for me does not always work for you. It really is an individual journey. It is important to listen to our bodies and it is the top priority for me, as your integrative health coach, to listen to you.

I have always been curious and one of my first amazing experiences in nutrition was watching fruits and vegetables grow from a small seed to food on the table. My father raised the most beautiful vegetables in his garden and the opportunity to eat fresh vegetables and fruits was a delicious experience. My own experience with growing vegetables in my back yard garden provided the basis for home-made baby food for my three children. While teaching for over 20 years, I realized that children performed better in the classroom when allowed to drink water and eat healthy snacks. What we eat and how we eat is the second source of energy for our body, mind and spirit.

Today there are many food choices available. What to eat can be a complicated decision. Does our body need food or nutrients? My passion is to enhance lives by providing information and supporting you in making better choices.

My qualifications include:

Earned a MScED from Indiana University in Elementary Education
Studied beyond the formal degree program in many different ways to support students, parents, and families outside the academic environment
Graduated with honors from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition
Certified by Columbia University Teachers College as a Certified Health Counselor
Board certified by the American Association of Drugless Practioners
Member of the American Holistic Medical Association
Certified Laughter Yoga Leader by Laughter Yoga International

About Norma

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