Today I have the privilege of speaking with life coach, Sheila Petersen. I recently met Sheila through a networking group I joined (Women Belong) and Sheila and I hit it off immediately. We are all experiencing change in the key areas of life such as nutrition, relationships, money and career. Sheila empowers you to embrace change by bridging the gap from where you are to where you want to be. She focuses on holistic nutrition, personal growth and professional development. You could read a book or watch a video, but going it alone takes too long and I know you want results like yesterday. Sheila creates a supportive, non-judgmental space for you to be heard and to provide direction and clarity for you to take action. You are enough. You just need a reminder sometimes.

You’ve heard the idea – surround yourself with people that will lift you up? Well, Sheila is definitely one of those people. Seriously, she is so positive and always has a fresh perspective on things. Here is my interview with Sheila:

 

Shalimar: What is your best advice for those going through, or about to go through a major life change?

Sheila: Ask for help. We have all of the resources at our fingertips, but seldom do we feel comfortable asking others for help. Seeking a mentor, coach or therapist can provide the accountability and support that we desire to assist and guide us through our life change. We cannot see our own blind spots. We don’t know what we don’t know. Having someone on our side that creates a safe, non-judgmental space provides direction with goal setting, clarity and the ability to see opportunities and possibilities can be life changing.

 

Shalimar: Wow – that is such great advice!! How do you deal with stress and what would you recommend for others?

Sheila: Mindfulness. Mental/Emotional/Spiritual – My approach to health is preventative and proactive as much as possible and my daily morning practice of mindfulness consists of – meditation, gratitude, journaling, reading and/or positive affirmations to keep stress at bay. Choose one of these tasks and start with just one minute. This practice has allowed me to see things from a different perspective and manage my energy. Physical – I also include physical activity an average of 4x/week for 30 minutes to get the heart rate up. This helps keep the brain strong, maintain confidence, elevate mood and bust through any stress I am faced with to then focus and problem solve. Food/Hydration – Food is medicine, medicine is food. What you eat matters. Staying hydrated is just as important. Think, where will I get my water, fruit, vegetable, protein and carbs today? Sleep – Sleep plays a big role when it comes to stress. When we master our mind, our movement and our food, the hope is that we also master our sleep. Sleep is vital to the choices and decision making in our waking hours, to name a few. Sleep hygiene is key – room temperature, consistency in sleep/waking hours, noise level, light level. No electronics in the bedroom. 

 

Shalimar: Who could most benefit from using your services?

Sheila: Someone who is open. A person that could benefit the most from using my services is someone that is ready, inspired, positive and eager to master the self personally and/or professionally. This person is open to trying new things and doing the work. What you put in, you will get out. Mastering the self is one of the most difficult things you could do, yet the most rewarding. Being open to trying new things and continuing to stay open to discover what works best for you can happen as quickly or as slowly as you like. You get to choose. 

 

Shalimar: What are you excited about right now?

Sheila: The Good Inside – I am excited to be the first person in Chicago to build a business with Touchstone Essentials. The opportunities and possibilities are endless when I think about how many people could benefit from ridding their mind and body of toxins. weight loss, more energy, better sleep, less stress and adding whole food organic nutrition to get the good inside. Toxins are in the air we breathe, the food we eat and the water we drink. If you breathe, drink and eat, we should talk!

 

Shalimar: How do you balance life/work/family?

Sheila: It’s all about the mindset. When I made the decision 7 years ago to leave my corporate life and build my coaching practice, I did it with the intention to have more time with family and friends. Balance is my number one priority to maintain great health. I am grateful to have the opportunity to take a walk for an hour and a half in the middle of the day. I love reconnecting with nature, mind storming new ideas and connecting with my audience through Facebook Live. This time for self care checks the box – physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Meal prepping and planning is also key. I am grateful I can get to the store at off hours when the lines are minimal. I’ve shifted my mindset from time management to priority management. We can all fill up the to-do list . . . but does it all really need to get done today? Pick 3 things that must get done today. Anything else is a bonus. I no longer use the words busy or overwhelmed, but present and grateful for all that occurs in my life. Even the negative stuff can be a gift and a learning experience. Prioritize, manage distractions and get it done. If it’s important to you, you’ll find a way, if not, you’ll find an excuse.

 

Shalimar: What is your favorite way to connect with others?

Sheila: Human Connection – My favorite way to connect with other people is in person with no cell phones or technology present. We would enjoy a delicious meal with something to drink. Bearable sounds of amazing music and conversation fill the room and the simple, yet elegant decor make for a most memorable experience.

 

Shalimar: What is your greatest extravagance?

Sheila: Investing in your self (health and wealth) is the most important thing you can do to experience growth, freedom, success, fulfillment and happiness. I’ve invested in personal and professional development courses and they have been worth every penny. I invest in my nutrition, relationships, career and self care daily. Every day is an opportunity to practice. 

 

Shalimar: What is a question you are always asked by clients and what is the answer?

Sheila: Accountability – A question I am always asked by clients is how can I stay accountable to my goals. The answer is to make the goal big enough, that will stretch you to learn and grow and that you are always in touch with WHY you set out to master that goal. Partnering with a coach will allow you the accountability, support, direction, clarity and focus to get you there quicker.

 

Shalimar: What is your motto?

Sheila: “Pain pushes until vision pulls.” -Michael Beckwith

 

Shalimar: What is the last picture you took?

Sheila: The last picture I took was of a penny I found on the ground. I recently wrote a post about it, here’s what I said:

Today as I traveled from one appointment to the next, the belief “why isn’t it happening faster” popped into my head. Whenever this belief shows up. I immediately go to the next belief which is “I AM abundant and I ask the universe for a sign”. Ten seconds later, a penny shows up!

The Law of Abundance is an abiding principle with universal laws. It is the simple fact that there is an unlimited Source of everything we need or could ever want. This great abundance is already ours, infinitely available to all of us all the time.

 

Shalimar: I think this is a great nugget to end on. You’ve given us so much great advice – thanks so much Sheila for your knowledge and insight. To connect with Sheila – you can find her on Facebook (her Facebook Live posts are always inspiring!) also on Instagram and Linkedin. Also, you can find her website here.