Tag Archives: Dr. Paige Hunter

On Privilege Poverty and Purposeful Profits

Cashed in on some frequent flier miles I’ve been saving for years. Hopped on a plane. First class. Flew over 20+ hours. Enjoyed the amenities. Movies. Slippers. Toothbrushes. Mouthwash. I don’t take this privilege for granted.

In fact, I collect the toothbrushes.

Toothbrushes bring smiles. It’s not just about oral health. It’s about taking sunshine to someone who can’t find one in their neck of the woods or doesn’t have the funds to buy it. It’s humbling.

I’m the traveling entrepreneur. I’ve got a stash of hotel combs, sewing kits, shampoos, lotions, soaps and shower gels from everywhere I go. I must travel light.

I constantly ask myself “what can I bring to show appreciation or open up dialogues with those I meet?” It’s the smallest things that can bring a smile.

women

In Myanmar I got a boulder-sized knot in my throat and held back tears as I walked away from a man who told me his story. He and his wife sleep in separate hostels. Their home was in the countryside but the opportunity for work resides in Yangon where they both work 14-15 hours a day. Inflation has made it impossible for them to get ahead. They meet for tea three times a week on a meager $300 USD a month between the two of them. I left them two peppermint tea bags and a small box of chocolates for their next date night. There are times one’s truth is so painful.

The taxi ride to the airport was uncomfortable– and awkwardly comforting as I’m confronted with such privilege. I’m hearing my Mother’s words of wisdom play back from my childhood. It plays over and over.

“To whom much is given, much is required.”

I’m alive and learning. I’m noticing the hundreds of men and women missing limbs in Cambodia. War’s landmines can leave an impression. I asked, Soviat, the Tuk Tuk driver, “how are the Cambodian people doing after the war?” He tells me his mother, at times hears certain noises and still trembles and fears for her life. He shares the metaphor she uses. “I feel I’m the chicken in the coop they are coming to slaughter today.” He shares that it’s a memory that doesn’t release easily.

Far off we turn our attention to songs of redemption. Melodies beckon us as we hike uphill to see a sunset. Bands of limbless, yet lively survivors joined forces with instruments and song. Walking amongst the vast ruins of Angkor Wat I heard hope. I am encouraged by the sound of the human spirit. Rising. Rising. Still– going on– somehow. It profoundly touches me.

Behind the eyes of these gentle souls are stories. In the Western world we fling around the acronym, PSTD. In Cambodia there’s little time for labeling and addressing those deep hurts. To get on with life, you get back to work and make due. It’s survival.

floating-market

A day before my husband and I leave, I’m handed a flyer. A beautiful local woman smiles and tells me in English. “Come hear the concert tomorrow night. It’s for a good cause!”

A change agent started this weekly benefit concert. Tourists pretending to be “Tomb Raiders” stop a while and have a chance to contribute.  A Swiss doctor not only oversees the expansion of a Children’s Hospital, now complete with Maternity ward– he also plays the strings for contributions so more people can receive medical attention. The stats show that in 23 years over 13 million outpatients and 1.56 million seriously ill children requiring hospitalization were helped. Thank you, Dr. Beat Richner. You inspire. Play on!

I weave in and out of countries. While the purpose is to enjoy different cultures, people, and travel. I set out to search for something deeper. I’ve found in my adventures that looking for the best holiday is like looking for the perfect spouse. There’s unspoken promises of romance- the effects, the adventures, the desire to feel fully alive.

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I’m conjuring up a lasting romance– the kind that keeps my fire lit long after my travel Visas expire. It’s a romance that fires the flames going beyond tourist trinkets. It’s a deep craving to leave a contribution in the world.

Tomorrow I set out on the last and most anticipated part of this Southeast Asian journey. I’ll end up in Chiang Mai, Thailand. I’ll be in the good company of fellow social entrepreneurs and my most esteemed heroes– those who serve in the trenches of feeding the hungry and rescuing children from human trafficking.

Friends, I am raw with emotion, but full of anticipation.

I know I live a life of privilege and that my first world problems would be warmly welcomed by most of the people I’ve encountered in Cambodia and Myanmar. I’ve concluded that poverty sucks and that it’s something I need to keep in front of me on an ongoing basis so I continue to push through to reach my full potential and life purpose.

kids

I’ve decided at this point that 50% of the profits I make will go back to causes like Children’s Hunger Fund. So in February when you see my latest course released know if you decide to buy, you will also be making a contribution to your well-being and that of others. You can find out a little more at www.behealthyhappyfit.com

Mahatma Gandhi shared much wisdom when he said,

The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.

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It’s easy to get carried away by distractions or the unimportant. We’ve all done it. I suppose what I’m encouraging myself along with you is this, consider all that you have. Consider the surplus. Consider your skills. Consider your work, and how you spend your time.

In the comments below, share something with me. Tell me, do you have something in your upcoming plans to get you uncomfortably primed to lay hold of your purpose? Are you already involved in something that keeps your fires a burnin’ for purpose? Let us know so we can learn from you and celebrate with you!

To purposeful profits and more compassion.

Snack attack? Eat these healthy snack choices instead.

Have a Snack Attack? Eat this!

Cravings don’t just hit teenagers wanting a happy meal. It can happen to health nuts too. It can also happen to those who are undertaking a new adventure in becoming healthier.

Cravings hit most of us in the afternoon or after dinner. It’s what I refer to as a “snack attack”– the urge to nibble. It can lead to bad habits due our choices regarding foods we reach for that may be loaded with salt, sugar, fat and empty calories.

I don’t want to be THAT Health Coach that says no to everything. What I want to do is teach you some insider tips for sensible snacking that won’t weigh you down while you get a little fill up.

Ain’t no shame in the game when you go for the healthy alternative, right?

I don’t know about you but I’m a fan of chocolate. It’s what I crave most. Other times I want something crispy or salty. Usually when we get a craving it’s for either something sweet (chocolate!), savory (potato chips!), creamy (ice cream!), or crunchy (crisps!).

Obviously, my examples are foods you shouldn’t eat all the time if you want to be trim and healthy. But that doesn’t mean you have to fight your cravings for the rest of your life. Instead, you just need to find a worthy substitute.

Healthy snack attack

 

Feeling like a salty dog or want a little crunchy? No worries. Reach for these healthy alternatives:

  • spicy seaweed (one of my personal favorites)
  • pickles and pickled vegetables, such as carrot, daikon, beets.
  • tabouli, hummus
  • salted edamame
  • steamed vegetables with tamari
  • black bean chips
  • freshly made salsa or guacamole (you can use celery to scoop it up.)
  • Sauerkraut (will also knock your sweet craving right out!)
  • plain popcorn (use coconut oil to pop in a covered pan and add some sea salt)

crunchy healthy snack

Have a hankering for something sweet, try these healthy snack choices:

  • whole, fresh fruit like an orange or pear
  • apples and almond butter
  • green smoothies
  • nutty banana berry “ice cream” (blend in a food processor with a peeled banana, nuts and fresh berries, freeze it and enjoy!)
  • stuffed dates with cashew or almond butter
  • dried fruit (keep it in moderation so you don’t spike your blood sugar)
  • organic dark chocolate chips (Yes, I said that!)
  • carob (because it’s close to chocolate and it’s a healthy choice!)
  • frozen grapes

Sweet healthy snack

Craving something creamy? Cool, I’ve got you covered. How about these:

  • avocados (How could I live without you, my precious?)
  • dips and spreads like hummus
  • puddings made with mashed bananas or silkened tofu
  • mashed sweet potatoes
  • coconut milk
  • puréed soups (butternut squash or tomato soup, I make big batches and freeze them and pull it out to use when I have a creamy craving or rather skip out on cooking)
  • a yummy smoothie

Please, listen to your body.

Find out what it’s really wanting. Is it something salty or crunchy? Are you wanting something sweet or creamy? Then do yourself a favor and go guiltless. Pick something that will be a healthy snack choice and a feel-good alternative.

Talk to us! What kind of cravings do you get? What’s some of your go-to healthy snack choices? Please share the love!

How I Stopped Talking and Started Doing

Ever find yourself sitting on the sidelines of life?

That was me about three years ago. Don’t get me wrong. I was in a very good place. We had paid off our home on 28 acres, I was enjoying my life and work, but there still something felt off. It was a cold December and CHF was hosting a special dinner and fundraiser. Speakers from all over flew in to share how hard earned dollars are spent to make a lasting difference.

That night I learned from a powerful woman how CHF played an integral part in helping their mission of rescuing children from human trafficking in Thailand. As I listened I knew this would also play a part in my life mission.

Her words hit the bull’s-eye of my heart. I wept. I rejoiced because there are courageous people who live with such compassion and vision.

I believe we’re given moments when we catch a glimpse or flash into our future. It resonates with our core on such a deep level we can’t even explain it. This was that kind of moment. Sometimes those glimpses and flashes of insights filter down through deep desires we don’t fully know how to articulate – yet.

Here’s what I mean. I always wanted to be a cross between a “world traveling social entrepreneur” and a “Wild West Outdoorswoman”. I know it’s sounds funny, right? Go ahead and laugh. It makes me laugh too. You do understand that holding a PhD gives me the liberty to pontificate such professional creativity. And yes, it’s completely en vogue to do what you enjoy doing. I just happen to love teaching health and entrepreneurship. I hope you love what you do too! If not, send word. Write in the subject line: SOS. 🙂

Of course, it would be easier if I straddled two simple categories like Computer Engineer and Exotic Coin Collector. Oh and on a very serious note, I’m going to run with the title “world traveling Social Entrepreneur” and “Wild West Outdoorswoman” no matter how delightfully odd it seems. Why should we live within self-constraining limits?

If Martha Stewart can hold the titles of convicted felon and DIY food & home decorating maven, then I most certainly have wiggle room. Right?

It excites me to know the world offers up opportunities we’re willing to work for! It may not come on a platter but given time, planning and action we can create a life we love.

I’m living proof that you can rise from a mountain of financial debt and physical woes and embrace financial liberation and a healthy body. Yes! You can gallivant the globe and enjoy your own backyard. Everyone else’s story is NOT your story.

This leads me to the next developments of my story. A little over twelve months I carefully crafted a list of work, play and contribution ideas I wanted to tackle in 2014. One included a rescheduled horse trip to South Dakota. The other included an upcoming trip to Thailand the end of THIS month. Super Yay! And, eeeeeek this is really happening!

Here’s the secret. It’s all in the decision we make.

I decided. Pure and simple. It’s when I stopped talking and started doing. The “doing” didn’t really feel like I was doing so much as it was making baby steps to achieve the bigger goals. Sometimes it was a mind shift. Other times, it was planning and action and more planning and action.

It’s one thing to make a list and talk about it. It’s life changing to actually do something about it.

It’s as if we’re all sailboats out to sea. The decisions we make guide the direction of our sails. Along the way we may sail a bit off course. That’s where much of the adventure lies. Decision-making defines our future.

When we decide to stop talking and start doing we’ll find we can live inside of our dreams.

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Making a specific decision helped me stop talking and start doing.

You see up to that point I was okay with thinking or talking about how and who I wanted to be and become. It wasn’t until I made the decision to ride in the mountains nonstop for days on end that the other wonderful circumstances began to happen.

The unexpected part of this decision brought on a fantastical adventure. My enthusiasm even got the buy in and encouragement from many. My husband supported me in this goal. Dear Mexican business friends supported me. It felt incredible because the only way to reach this goal was to obtain hours in the saddle. And so it became a fairy-tale like Wild West adventure.

I rode new trails with my husband and friends around the mountains, old haciendas, and sugar cane fields. This of course, fed into my Wild West theme. It’s as if the world was conspiring with me to enjoy the trip of a lifetime. Mostly I try to contain my joy unspeakable because I couldn’t explain why it’s meant so much –but that’s perhaps for another time or when my new webdesign and copy comes out.
How to get the motivation to stop talking and start doing.

Here’s the point, I rode four days with my friend, Liz who happens to be the female version of John Wayne. We rode hours at a time breathing in the beauty, soaking up the visual feast of Fall’s foliage, and sounds of babbling brooks. On the last day, we rode up to Mount Rushmore weaving in and out of the mountains’ fallen trees. I’m grateful for the moments when God brings schedules, weather and family timing together so life can be thoroughly enjoyed– outdoors…on the back of a horse.

I benefitted so much from taking the South Dakota riding trip in ways I am still counting. It taught me that making a powerful a decision can provide endless possibilities. It grew the courage I needed to say yes to this upcoming “Wild East” adventure.

And now I look forward to sharing with you what the next decision offers up. How working, playing and contributing while I’m on the road expands new horizons and nourishes my desire to hold up to the world traveling social entrepreneur title. I’ll be sharing some insights with you as I continue to do that which I’ve only talked about and am now seizing.

Enough about me, how about you? Tell me in the comments below, has there been a decision you’ve made that really set things in motion for you?

Is there a decision you realized you need to make now so you can stop talking and start doing?

Share with us!

Lessons from the Puerto Rican Santa

True Story. My husband and I are currently hanging out in Puerto Rico. We’ve just come off the small, yet peaceful island of Vieques. We chose to stay one night in San Juan to pick up a rental car.

We waltz out of the elevator to ask Jesus at the front desk to recommend some tasty vittles closeby. Los Pinos (The Pines) is the winner where we stumble upon Puerto Rican Santa. No, really. He was sitting next to us. He was wearing a black t-shirt and shorts, drinking java.

Now before you begin doubting the validity of my story, I have photos because I know you are thinking he’s not the type to hang out in Puerto Rico wearing flip flops.

Behold!

Lessons from a Puerto Rican Santa

And guess what? We invite Santa to join us for breakfast. He agrees and soon “Mrs. Claus” joins us from a short outside shopping detour. But it doesn’t stop there. We ask the waitress to allow us to pick up the tab. Seriously, how can one skip out on picking up the tab for such dignitaries.

Santa refused. He insisted on paying the bill. However, he invited us to join him for the day agreeing that we could actually buy lunch. Deal.

As an entrepreneur I’m always looking for ways to learn creatively.

The perfect opportunity presented itself. I was given the chance to see the world from Santa’s eyes and the eyes of children both big and small.

1) Santa’s 80/20 rule

Santa explained the rules of percentages. “Twenty percent have predetermined how they feel about me based on my appearance and how they feel about Santa.”

“Ten percent will completely dislike me. Ten percent will love me unconditionally. Eighty percent is where my opportunity lies to impact those who are undecided with a positive message. Focus on those who you can serve the most.”

Focus on those who you can serve the most

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2) Know your private mission behind the public mission

Me and Santa had some fairly deep philosophical discussions. He shared with me that Christmas wasn’t about him. “The purpose of Christmas is all about giving. It’s a celebration of the birth of Christ, Savior of the world, the greatest gift of all.” Santa gave me a sermon over lunch.

Santa’s clear that his public mission is to love on people, share happiness and promote the wonder and spirit of Christmas year round. Santa’s private mission is to empower both children and parents in creating healthier bonds by teaching good principles. Specifically, he wants to promote that there is goodness, hope and a bright future for all.

Puerto Rican Santa

3) Set an example to follow

Puerto Rican Santa gets lots of business propositions. He’s invited to pose with the rich and famous, the poor and downtrodden, kids of all ages. He’s also invited to drink a rum and coke. To uphold his outstanding image, he bypasses things like alcohol and cigarettes– it’s a message that must be congruent for children. When given the opportunity, I’m going to challenge Santa on his sugar intake. 🙂

On side note, Santa’s not a Cookie Monster, he’s an aficionado of cream-filled donuts. I’d like to throw out a challenge. Let’s offer him more appropriate and healthy delicacies like apples, pomegranate, bananas, and pineapple, shall we?

4) Don’t let age become a cage

Throughout the day it was noticeable– some bypassed a smile or free photo op with Santa even when encouraged by the man himself. After a while some embraced their inner child again and took a Santa selfie. They walked away with a smile on their face. Those who skipped out walked away shaking their head. It seemed they were caged in with what is and isn’t okay.

You can tell we big kids stood next to Puerto Rican Santa for our golden opportunity.

Paige and Damiel Hunter with the Puerto Rican Santa

The big take away around age is what our society or our personal thoughts deem “appropriate” and “inappropriate”. Forget you’re too old for sky diving. You are too young to be wise.

Maybe it’s time to let loose a little– maybe it’s time to let more smiles out. Perhaps it time to let our conditioning be reconditioned so joy is shared with other fellow humans.

5) Let your signature phrase light the way to your mission

Santa’s well known for his “Ho Ho Ho! Merry Christmas!” It’s his happy go-lucky tag line. Bobby McFerrin’s tagline is “Don’t worry, be happy.”
Mother Teresa shared, “If you judge people, you have no time to love them.”

So what’s our signature “Ho, Ho, Ho?” I’m currently running with… this little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.

Do me a favor. In the comments below tell me what your signature phrase is or if you’ve had any great lessons you’ve learned this holiday season. We’d love to read about it.

In the meantime, have yourself a Merry little Christmas.

6 Tips to Overcome Overwhelm this December

Poor December. It seems to be the month that gets a bad wrap. Somehow it’s become notorious for rushing, Falalalalaling (yes, that’s a word), the onslaught of cold and flu season, overindulgence in every sense of the word- not to mention the year drawing to a close.

You friend, may not 100% immune to overwhelm. However, I’ve got ten tips to help you insulate yourself from demanding schedules and the seasonal fuss.

1- Eat and drink for healthy merriment.

I refuse to play “food Nazi” role. I believe celebrations call for special foods and drink. This being established, let me level with you. If you are invited to a White Elephant gift exchange party, it’s highly likely there’s going to be a lot of sugar and processed foods (think melted cheese dip). And, seriously, since you’re so likable, you won’t just attend one party, you’ll attend four or more and probably host one of your own.

So here’s my point– enjoy a little party food; just go in prepared like a paratrooper not a party pooper. Go in having nourished your incredible machine with lots of servings of fiber and Vitamin C. Give your body a little digestion vacay by drinking some delicious protein shakes before joining your tribe. And by all means­– don’t forget the water. Push the water to flush out toxins. If you really want to be on top of the game, why not savor some love tea?

2- Communicate freely, listen deeply.

Often we’ll find ourselves in overwhelm because we aren’t sharing our intentions clearly with those we love. Take time to communicate what’s going on with you. Especially share where you feel you are having to skate around circumstances that are a bit tricky. Then say “ah” or “a-ah”.

Be that person; the one actually listens.

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Take some time to listen intently to those around you. What stories are they sharing? What is it they are overcoming? Are they stressed out? Peaceful? What can you learn? How can you affirm them? The process of listening is empowering. Make it something that helps you become more centered­– simply by staying present.

3- Make time each day for a “fill up”.

How do you get a “fill up?” Do you take a prayer walk? Do you snuggle with your favorite person or critter? Do you read something inspiring while sipping your favorite beverage?

During the hustle and bustle, take that special time for you. Running on fumes is no fun. Keep a full tank so you can continue humming along with joy and intention.

4- Ditch perfection and have a laugh instead.

This past Thanksgiving I tenderly handcrafted a scrumptious gluten free pumpkin pie with an irresistible ginger snap crust. It was the mother of all pumpkin pies!

When the timer chimed I asked my husband to take it out of the oven because I was busy prepping other food. Before he even opened the oven, he asked, “Why are you baking this at 450 degrees?” And then I knew. It was burned. Yep, 100 degrees over what it should have been. Lesson learned. Always double-check the temperature. Always. 🙂

I had a decision to make. Cry or laugh. I seized the opportunity to realize my humanness, yet again. My husband took pity on me and I got a big bear hug and we laughed together. Our “perfect“ Thanksgiving dinner could not be ruined by imperfection.

I’m telling on myself because I found that majoring on a minor thing can be overwhelming. It’s much healthier to have a good laugh and move on.

5- Play the Gratitude Sandwich Game

Think of the problem and solution being like two pieces of bread. Then sneak in some gratitude and there you have it. A sandwich to sustain your perspective. Time spent in developing countries with opportunities to volunteer or work has gifted beyond measure. I call this gift the “gratitude sandwich”.

Here’s how we play it. Slow Internet? No worries. I’m grateful to own a computer which means I’m literate. Life is good.

Bland dinner? Thank you God I have food to eat. I am not the statistic of being one in every eight people on Earth going to bed hungry each night.

Forgot to brush your teeth as you bolted out the door this morning? No worries. I give thanks. Your bad breath is better than no breath at all.

See, isn’t that better? Gratitude sandwiches seem to solve a lot of “problems.”

Gratitude is the sign of noble souls. -Aesop

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Gratitude

6- Prioritize and stick to it!

Having priorities is like having an oxygen tank when deep sea diving. It’s a life necessity. Think about your priorities. Are you giving your top five priorities  the time and attention needed to avoid feeling incongruent?

We’ve all seen or heard it. A public announcement is made during a wedding ceremony. For better or worse. And somehow within a few years something is unraveled and poof the relationship is dissolved.

Let’s not be the ones for example who say, “my priorities are God, family, work” and then be the one who turns into a workaholic forgetting to stand, sit and snuggle alongside our favorite human. Instead when we sense overwhelm coming on, let’s remember what matters most and stick to our guns (and no, that was not a subliminal push for the NRA, duct tape or crazy glue).

Talk to me in the comments below. Any tips you want to share in how you handle overwhelm. We want to know! Or, are you planning on using one of these six tips this December? If so, tell me about it.

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