Amy E. Willard

On today's episode of the Encouraging Health Series, we're going to heat things up a bit just in time for Valentine's Day. Join me as I talk with Natalie Hjelsvold. You can connect with Natalie and find out more about her at the following links: Follow me on Twitter: @vivaciousvixens; Read My Blog: http://www.vixennatalie.blogspot.com; Phone 403-618-9463

On today's episode of the Encouraging Health Series, I will be speaking with Jamie Ridler on the topic of creativity. Here's how Jamie describes her business: "At Jamie Ridler Studios, I help people find the confidence and courage to discover and express their creative spirit, whether that means exploringtheir artistic self or bringing more of their creative capacity to theirlife and business. Through one-on-one coaching, workshops and events likeWishcasting (http://www.jamieridlerstudios.ca/wishcasting), Full MoonDreamboards (http://www.jamieridlerstudios.ca/full-moon-dreamboards) and theCreative Living with Jamie (http://www.creativelivingwithjamie.ca) podcast,I help women bring their creativity to life!Would you like to spend 2011 in a community of like-minded dreamers,connecting with the energy of each full moon and creating a magical year asyou create your monthly dreamboards in community? Welcome to a Year ofDreams!"Jamie Ridler Studios: www.openthedoor.caPodcast: http://www.creativelivingwithjamie.caTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/starshyneFacebook: www.facebook.com/jamieridlerstudios

On today's episode of the Encouraging Health Series, I will be talking with Christine Cook of truebluematch.com.Christine's professional life has always been about supporting and educatingparents and children. She currently presents workshops throughout NH for parents through PTOs andco-hosts a day-long parent retreat three times a year.Deciding it was time to return to the workforce full time in the fall of2009 Christine became discouraged with the lack of opportunities due to thefailing economy. The idea of a matching website for parents had beengrowing since some lonely days as a new parent with her first son. Shedecided to follow that idea and make it a reality.Truebluematch.com, a friendship matching service for parents was launched inNovember of 2010. It provides opportunities for moms to meet moms and dadsto meet other dads that share similar interests, parenting styles andpersonalities.The site has resonated with parents. Many parents who have lost their jobsin the recession have also lost some friends and the opportunities to meetothers. Truebluematch.com provides a great resource for these parents toconnect with others face to face--a critical component for happy parents!

In this next interview of the Encouraging Health Series, I will be talking with Julie S. Ong, from http://www.EverythingMacrobiotic.com Author of The Everything® Guide to Macrobiotics, Certified Natural Chef,Macrobiotic Counselor, and Spiritual Life Coach Julie S. Ong¹s love for cooking began more than fifteen years ago, whenshe asked a friend to teach her how to cook. But instead of a lesson on sauteing or baking, she learned why our foodchoices are essential to our well-being and it inspired her to create ahealthier lifestyle for herself, while she learned the essentials ofcooking. As Julie studied at the Kushi Institute and worked on becoming a certifiednatural chef at Bauman College of Holistic Nutrition and Culinary Arts,she realized some of the ailments that had constantly plagued herthroughout her life (severe acne, migraines,sinusitis) began to fade away with her new approach to food. And she cooked for cancer survivors, combining her new macrobiotic cookingskills with coaching to increase their recovery and vitality. Julie was soon tapped by Adams Media to write The Everything® Guide toMacrobiotics book which appeared on bookshelves in 2010. Today, Julie has created an online resource at EverythingMacrobiotics.comthat complements her book. She provides coaching and training to peoplewho want more vitality in their lives. Three things you may not know about Julie: * When she isn¹t cooking, she watches reruns of Ghost Hunters. * Her motto is ³Eat better, live better, love better!² * She believes being of part Chinese descent has driven her curiosity forthe balance (the yin and the yang) approach to holistic eating.

In this next interview in The Encouraging Health Series, I have the opportunity to speak with Denise Taylor of http://www.wegetto.com. Denise lives in Sellersburg, IN with her husband and their 4 livingchildren. Their oldest daughter, Jonnae, passed in June of '08 after a 3 yrbout with leukemia.As an inspirational speaker/writer Denise has shared her story and messageall over the world. She's the author of "Heavenly Birth. A Mother's Journey.A Daughter's Legacy" and will offer and autograph copies of her book atconference. "Learning is a gift even if pain is the teacher." This quote from themovie, "The Ultimate Gift" is one that captures the essence of Denise's wayof thinking...living. She states, "Jonnae's life began with me teaching herand ended with her teaching me. I'm most passionate about sharing theamazing lessons we learned together. There is a gift in everything.Sometimes the package isn't an attractive one."

Today on the second episode of the Encouraging Health Series I have the pleasure of interviewing Julie Hammerstein. Julie is a nutritionist, speaker, author, and global advocate for healthy families. Julie has helped thousands of people take back their health by following a simple step-by-step plan that gets results. Julie also has a new book coming out called Fat is Not a Four-Letter Word. You can visit http://www.JulieHammerstein.com for more information on Julie and all of her offerings.To pre-order a copy of Julie's new book, please email Julie at JulieHammerstein@gmail.comConnect with Julie on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/JulieHammerstein.

Today Amy offers a shift in perspective on the topic of self-care. Listen in for something that could make all the difference in your own life if you're struggling to make your own needs a priority and if you've ever labeled taking time for yourself as "selfish."

Join us for the kickoff episode of my new "Encouraging Health" series.  Today I have the pleasure of interviewing Robin Stephens, as my very first guest in the series. Robin Stephens is a former professional organizer and health and wellness coach whose mission and vision is to help smart, sassy women over 45 cleanout their inner closet and create their own mid-life miracle life as they've never known it before - energy-rich, and on-fire in body, mind and spirit.  Visit www.yourlifeinorder.com for free articles, podcasts and "mid-life inorder" motivational audio tip of the week.

Allowing the real you to shine through means revealing both the bad and the good, your pain and your dreams.

I'm so excited to be kicking off my new season. Join me for a fun and fresh 15 minutes, as I explore topics that support you in becoming an Energized Woman!