Health Coach

 
 

Making Healthy Living a Lifestyle

This is an introduction to my upcoming series of “How’ to Make Healthy Living a Lifestyle. Each post will include Valuable Tips to Help You Achieve Your Healthy Lifestyle Goals.  There will also be free online video/tele-seminars offered.  Stay tuned… 

Every May is Older Americans Month. The 2017 theme is Aging Out Loud! It was first started in 1963 when President John F. Kennedy met with members of the National Senior Citizens Council. It was known then as Senior Citizens month, with the primary purpose of acknowledging the contributions to our country by men and women age 65 and older.
As everything evolves to keep up with societal changes, so too has Older Americans Month (OAM). This year the theme of ‘Age Out Loud’ was chosen to give aging a new voice, one that highlights the progress and new developments of our aging population. We are the generation who continues to set trends as we ‘disrupt aging’ as described by AARP CEO JoAnn Jenkins in her book of the same name.
I was just 14 years old when Older Americans Month was established. At that time, I had not heard of it, and quite frankly, would not have been interested if I had. I was in high school and being of the baby boomer generation, I was busy living out loud back then. Well, here it is 54 years later, and as a forever embedded member of the baby boomer generation, I am now, really Living Out Loud! I, along with many others are taking charge of our lives, striving for wellness, focusing on independence, and advocating for ourselves and others. There is no doubt that what it means to age has changed through the years, and OAM 2017 is a perfect opportunity erase the old stereotypes, and recognize and celebrate what getting older looks like today.
The baby boomer generation is known for changing the direction of America as we set trends and new directions throughout the years. Now, as a 68-year-old, I, along with many of my cohorts are still setting trends. We are changing the conversation of older Americans by confronting the old stereotypes and living our best life now! We are maintaining our health, independence, and experiencing new life adventures! We have a reasonably good quality of life, and are embracing the joys of aging!’
Did you know that by the year 2050 for the first time ever, the world population will have more people over the age of 65, than children age 5 and younger? According to the Harvard School of Public Health, boomers are expected to live longer than any other generation. Acknowledging that trend, it only stands to reason that as our life expectancy is extended, we want to maintain a good quality of life, that includes being healthy, happy and spiritually grounded!
My inspiration to help me on the path to disrupt the platitudinal aging process comes from some older Americans I know personally, who are older than me. I want to introduce you to just a few of them:

1) Ernestine Shepherd, the Guinness Book of World Records oldest female body builder. Ernestine didn’t start her health routine until she was 56 years old, which resulted in her becoming a body builder. Ernestine is now 80 years old and continues to body build and lead a healthy lifestyle;

 

2) Alpha Bennett, a 78-year-old great-grandmother was inspired after completing her first triathlon at age 49 to take on new ventures that included running and cycling. She has participated in mud challenges, and spelunking. Recently she was a chaperone to a bicycle ride from Durham, N.C. to St. Augustine, Florida for about 20 young people from the ages of 8 to 17. It took them almost 2-weeks and their overnight accommodations were tents! Alpha continues to travel the world to participate in bicycle rides which includes places like Italy, Spain, and Europe;

3) Fitness Guru, Eddie Nelson, now 77 years-old, has participated in various Senior Olympic Games where he competed in the 100 Meter Dash, Discus, Javelin, Hammer Throw, Triple Jump and Weight Throw. He has a myriad of gold medals he has earned in the various competitions. Eddie has been featured in Ripley’s Believe It or Not twice, FLEX magazine, on billboards and on TV. He is also the author of Old School Workout. However, what I want to emphasize here is that at age 74 Eddie was diagnosed with esophagus cancer. No doubt, he was devastated and didn’t understand because he was living a healthy lifestyle. Well, because of his lifestyle, according to his doctor, Eddie was able to defeat the cancer and, in less than 2-years, he is back to his physical fitness regime as though the cancer never existed;
4) Then there is 84-year-old Don who walks about 2-miles every day. What is so amazing about Don is that he has had major back surgery and refused to give up on life! How about you? Have you given up, or are you living out loud?

I share these stories to inspire you, man or woman, that growing old gracefully is more than a cliché, it is a reality that we can all experience, if we so choose, as those men and women are doing, I have shared with you. Remember, our future levels of health, wellness and wellbeing depends on the choices we make today. It is never too late to make better choices!

Now, I will go full circle and share some highlights of my personal story with you. I will start by mentioning some of the recognitions I have received that includes a ‘Profiles in Positive Aging’ award from LeadingAge Georgia. Can you even imagine the elation I felt upon receiving this award for just living my life … doing what I do! I love the things I do and knowing that I am providing indelible experiences to others and helping them lead their best life truly warms my heart. I have been featured on CNN’s AccentHealth network, selected by the Huffington Post / The TODAY Show as one of 50 Over 50 who Reinvented Themselves, and on the cover of a Special Edition of the GirlFriends magazine for the White House Conference on Aging, among other recognitions. I am highly seasoned and savoring the spices of life as I celebrate the joys of aging. I love this life!
One of the most significant days of my life was the last day of my 49th year. I had a doctor’s appointment. What made this appointment consequential, unlike any previous doctor appointments, I was told that I was pre-hypertensive. I couldn’t believe it! I had owned several health food stores and thought I was in great health. This proved to be a pivotal day in my life. Before I even left the doctor’s office, I decided I did not want to take medications and that I would make better choices to improve my health naturally so I could alleviate my potential for hypertension.
During that ensuing year, when I was 50 years old, I was introduced to the Senior Olympic Games. I joined a senior women’s basketball team. I was never an athletic person. This was all new to me. I knew I wanted to become more physically active. This, I thought was a perfect opportunity. I was having fun, meeting/making new friends, learning something new, being more physically active, and according to the coach, I would have the opportunity to travel around the country! I went on to earn, along with my team members, gold and silver medals as we competed in local competitions, state tournaments and the World Senior Games and National Senior Olympics. As I reflect, I have continued to be active for more than 18 years now and will be participating in the National Senior Games this June in Birmingham, Alabama. However, I have expanded by athleticism to include cycling and race walking.
As a result of my newfound adventurous spirit, at age 56, I went on my first hike, trekking Blood Mountain, a connector trail to the 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail, in North Georgia. Wow … I discovered a passion I did not know was hidden inside of me. A passion for the outdoors! This is significant keeping in mind that I was raised as an urban city girl, who never really enjoyed parks or being outdoors. That hike marked a momentous point in my life. By age 60 I had organized my own hiking group after becoming a Certified Outings Leader through the Sierra Club. Now, for more than 8 years I continue to lead monthly group hikes to share the wonderment of Mother Nature and the great outdoors with others.
To celebrate my 65th birthday, I led a group of friends hiking the Bright Angel trail at the Grand Canyon. Hiking really brought out my adventurous spirit so much so that I added other outdoor group activities that include zip lining, white water rafting, kayaking, camping, tree climbing, spelunking, backpacking and others. I am having so much fun, I could say, I am living my second childhood … what a blast!
Often, I am asked if I am retired, my response is simply, “I am not retired, I am rejuvenated!” With that said, I encourage you to live your dreams … live your best life now … Age Out Loud and celebrate the joys of aging every month, and on into the future!

Carolyn is a Healthy Lifestyle Coach & Outdoor Adventure Leader, a professional speaker, trainer and writer. She is the recipient of a LeadingAge Georgia – Profiles in Positive Aging Award, representing AARP. She was selected as a National Association of Professional Women VIP of the year (2016-2017); In January 2017 she was featured in the Atlanta Journal Constitution (AJC) newspaper, has been interviewed on several radio programs and on the Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) for airing during Older Americans Month in May 2017. She is the founder of Hartfield’s Hikers, Older People with Active Lifestyles (OPALs) and Walk Outdoors for Wellness! (WOW!). For more information about Carolyn, visit her website at http://www.CarolynHartfield.com or send her an email at CH@CarolynHartfield.com

Categories: Fitness, Health Coach, Lifestyle Management | Tags: , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Making Healthy Living a Lifestyle!

What a great year already … just a week into the New Year and it is awesome!
Healthy Lifestyle ... mproving Helth, Improcing LivesI  expect this to be an indication of the rest of the year.  My healthy lifestyle continues to pay great dividends for me in a BIG way.  I ended 2016 on a very positive note, and couldn’t imagine how wonderful 2017 is kicking off!

A brief recap of my 2016 end of the year, and a view of some of my scheduled January 2017 healthy lifestyle activities:  

In November 2016 I represented AARP and was awarded a Positive Aging Image Award by the Georgia Institute on Aging / Leading Age program, simply because of the way I live my life!  Can you even imagine?!  I was in great company, with Ambassador Andrew Young receiving the Icon in Positive Aging Award. November was also the month I completed the Atlanta Track Club Triple Peach Road Races.  I finished the last of the races, the Half-Marathon on Thanksgiving Day. My first time ever doing a half-marathon.  The other two races in the Triple Peach were the 10k Road Race on July 4th, and the 10-Miler on October 23rd.

In December 2016 participated in the Florida State Senior Games in Race Walking and the Cycling Time Trials.  My goal was to qualify for each of those events so I could participate in the 2017 National Senior Games to be held in Birmingham, AL in June.  Florida was the last qualifying location for the year. I received a Bronze medal in each event. This was my first time competing in either of these sports.

On January 1st – New Year’s Day I did the Atlanta Track Club Resolution Run/Walk … in the rain, no doubt!  There were more than 2,500 participants.  It was mostly wet, a light drizzle, and the temperature was in the 40’s. But, I was determined!

On January 2, 2017 this wonderful article, written by Laura Berrios,  How City Girl Became All About Urging Seniors to Have Fun Outdoors was published in the Atlanta Journal Constitution newspaper, the only major daily newspaper in metro Atlanta.

On January 4th, as a result of the article, I was interviewed by Lin Tatum, host of the hour-long show radio Better Living, which airs in metro Atlanta GA, New Orleans LA, and Phoenix AZ on Saturdays and Sundays.

On January 7th, I checked my steps, to see how many I had logged since I had my Garmin Multisport Smartwatch.  This was the one year anniversary of having the watch.  I had clocked more than 3.5 million steps, equivalent to more than 1,500 miles … whew!  I had no idea!  I was just enjoying my walks and how great they made me feel. Plus, on my walks at the park in my neighborhood, I made new friends who walked the trail regularly.

On January 16th, I was summoned to have a team for the Martin Luther King, Jr., 5k Drum Run/Walk, at Piedmont Park in Atlanta.  Click here to join the team.  Yay!  People are signing up! BTW, I walk … I am not a runner!

On January 21st, I plan to participate in the Atlanta Track Club Peachtree City 8k/15k.  I plan to do the 8k which is approximately 5 miles.  This event is a part of the 2017 Grand Prix Series presented by Piedmont Healthcare, which includes 11 different run/walks around metro Atlanta. I will do as many as I can.

On January 22nd, I am scheduled to participate in the Hot Chocolate 15k Run/Walk. At the time I signed up last year it was before I knew about the Grand Prix, and definitely did not realize they had events just a day apart.  The plan is to do them both.

On January 28th, I have signed up to attend the Southern Snow Seekers One-Day Cataloochee Ski trip.  It is for beginners (that’s me!) and families.  I will probably just be an observer to see it I want to try this ski think again.  Many, many years ago I was a member of the Jim Dandy Ski Club in Detroit.  I went on a ski trip with them, but could not make it off the bunny hill.  I will observe on this trip and see if I will be ready for next year.

I say that to say … we will see how this Healthy Lifestyle thing is working for this 68 year old!  Quite frankly, I expect it is working well.  However, I do know my limitations. I am very happy with my quest to meet my personal mind, body, spiritual and emotional wellbeing needs. I am on track (pun intended) with my own self-directed Healthy Lifestyle Coaching.

Mindful Meditation is one of the things I practice to help keep me focused and boy has it worked for me.  When I reviewed my list of projected goals at the beginning of 2016 and compared them to my 2016 accomplishments, I was right on target.  Actually I surpassed many of my goals as a result of being able to stay focused throughout the year.  Don’t get me wrong, I am not saying I did not venture off track, but, I was able to get back on track a lot more easily my practicing mindful meditation.

Walking was my primary physical activity for the year. Being gifted with a Garmin Multi-sport Smartwatch, which prior to receiving the gift, had convinced myself I didn’t really need one, ended up being the best gift ever.  It really kept me on track!  I had it set to regulate itself as I met, or fell short of my daily steps goals. I was able to track my heart rate and my sleeping patterns.  It was very eye-opening to track my activities without having to think about what I was doing and then to see the results.

dsc_2574My spiritual and emotional wellbeing are strengthened with my hikes in the woods, my positive thoughts, conversations with, and support  from friends, and my feelings of oneness with God.  I am able to see the bright side of most things.  Practicing ‘positivity’ helped remove or, at the very least, limit my relationships with people who have negative energy.

As I have moved forward into 2017, I can clearly see how my actions have become healthy habits which are now incorporated into my lifestyle. I had to determine my true level of self-commitment and how I saw myself in the big picture … my dreams.  It is never too late to have big dreams and to follow them.  One of the best benefits of following my dreams led me to discover my passion and my life purpose.   As a result, I have  surpassed many of my goals and had accomplishments far beyond my dreams.  Guess I wasn’t dreaming big enough!  I have discovered when you actually believe and walk your talk, you really can achieve your dreams.  I absolutely love my Healthy Lifestyle Coaching.  Not only is it self-fulfilling, it is so gratifying to see how I am able to help others live their best life.

I have been encouraged to share my Healthy Lifestyle Blueprint on a larger scale because many more people can benefit from them.  Because I so love the coaching I do, the results that I see, and the reassurance I get from others,  I will have a FREE online video conference to cover the basics of making healthy living a lifestyle to help those who are ready to change their routine 2017 and live their best life ever! This has been brewing for some time now and is the primary reason I am currently in the process of writing my first book, The Joy of Aging.  I have started The Joy of Aging Community group.  Feel free o visit it and post your joys of aging. We can have joy, no matter the age. Being in good health makes it all that much easier to have a quality of life that automatically results in a life filled with happiness.  We can learn how to fine tune our lives and orchestrate it to have harmony as any great symphony orchestra when all the instruments are in place.  I am here to be your conductor and help you create the best music for you to love, laugh and dance to like no one is watching!

If you are interested in joining this FREE online video conference coaching session, please RSVP here.  The space is limited.

Please feel free to visit my website at anytime to signup for my monthly online newsletters or any of the groups for fun activities, including the upcoming Spring into Life Retreat April 21 – 23, 2017.

Categories: Health Coach, Lifestyle Management, Nutrition and Wellness, Other Outdoor Adventures, The Basics | 1 Comment

Happy Healthy Holidays!

happy_holidays

Hope you are enjoying this wonderful time of the year … a time for family and friends!  I am so full of peace, love, happiness and gratification, that I am trying my hand at poetry, again … hope you enjoy it:

My wish for you during this joyous holiday season and after
Is that your life is filled with friends, family,
shared love and laughter
You are a wonderful person who plays a meaningful part
As you inspire others with encouragement and support
that I’m sure truly warms their heart,
I want to let you know that because you are so special
to many in so many ways,
I want to personally take this time to wish you Happy Holidays!

I am going to share with you 3 concepts I use as I move into the New Year. I hope they will be as helpful for you as they have been for me:

  1. It is a time of reflection, to review the goals and  aspirations you had for this year, relish in all of your accomplishments, of which I am sure there are many more than you realize.  All the small accomplishments count too!
  2. Let them go … revise or revoke those goals that were not attained, for whatever reason.  Reconsider or rewrite them so they will better fit into the next chapter (2017) in your book of life; and
  3. Be ready for a renewal of your mind and rejuvenation of your soul like never before.  Make a personal commitment to ‘Change Your Routine in 2017’ and be ready to savor all the spices that will be sprinkled in your life to season it to  perfection … Your life is your own extraordinary gourmet recipe for you to add all the ingredients that allow you to indulge the delectable flavors of your life experiences and satiate your palate!
I am sure if you take the time to connect the dots in your life backwards, as the late Steve Jobs of Apple once said, you will be able to delineate how you arrived to where you are, this very moment.  It is up to you to choose to change your path, or stay on the one that you are currently on, with maybe some tweaks to make it an even greater journey for next year.
I am so very happy to be enjoying my best life right now and believing that it will only get better!  Why not start a little early and take a sneak preview of what may lie ahead … although we never know what the future holds, we have our dreams that keep us in pursuit.  Join me as I am already looking forward and preparing myself to live my dreams  next year, of which  I expect it to be yet another phenomenal year, beyond my imagination!  I am so excited about the possibilities and propose that you too, get excited about your future.  I believe, if it is to be … it is up to me!

I am truly living my life to the fullest! And, I encourage you to do the same.  My primary mission is to spread joy to everyone with whom I come in contact, in person, via the Internet, telephone or video.  If you are or will be in the Atlanta area, consider coming out to meet and greet me and the many others in my network who will join us at our Annual Holiday Champagne Meet & Greet / Mix & Mingle Brunch.  Come and share in the fun, frolic and delicious food along with our unconditional love and holiday hugs.  See old friends, meet and make new friends. And, join us for our Holiday Toast, of which you can add your own toast, if you so choose.  Click here for the details and to RSVP

Recently, I have been summoned and encouraged, particularly during this time as I am being recognized for my lifestyle, simply for the way I  live my life, to better promote my successful Healthy Lifestyle Coaching sessions, and my Valuable Tips & Techniques to make Healthy Living a Lifestyle. Because I love what I do and the results not only show in my life, but also the lives of others with whom I coach, I am offering for the first time ever, a Special 2 for 1 Healthy Lifestyle Coaching Series to help you accomplish your New Year’s Healthy Lifestyle goals and put you in the 8% of those who actually maintain their resolutions throughout the year. If you are interested in more information and/or want to sign up, visit my web site at  or send me an email.

We will have our Annual December Hike at Stone Mountain on Saturday, December 3.  Click here for more information and to RSVP.  We will also have our Annual Fun & Fitness Hike on January 7, 2017 at Red Top Mountain. I will include a link for that one in my next post.

May you be blessed, and continue to bless others. carolyn-hartfield-cropped

And, as always…I wish you optimal health, happiness and harmonious living!

carolynsig

Categories: Health Coach, Lifestyle Management, The Basics | Leave a comment

My Metamorphosis…

METAMORPHOSIS{Project Self Discovery}Metamorphosis-Butterfly

I have been on hiatus from my blog, going through a real self-discovery.  I am now much more focused on my mission in life, who I am, and what I was put on this earth to do.  As great as life continues to be for me, I knew it was time to readjust.  What is so absolutely amazing, is that as I have been in, and quite frankly, continue to be in the process…just when I was thinking life couldn’t get much better…it did!

Since becoming an official senior citizen in 2013 when I turned 65 and had a phenomenal year, 2014 was quite different, but even better.  Then here is 2015, and just in the month of January, if this is any indication of the rest of the year, all I can do is be in the moment and savor in the splendor!!!

In actuality, as I review the past 14 years since I relocated to Atlanta, relentlessly determined to follow my dreams, going places and doing things where many people over the age of 50 would never consider, I broke traditions to pursue my almost lost dream, but would soon discover a passion I did not know was in me. With the formation of my Lifestyle Management LLC company, the development of my online newsletter, my Hartfield’s Hikers, and my Meetup groups, people have come to join me in my quest for a healthier mind, body and spirit.  Little did I know, at the time, how this pursuit would literally change my life, and the lives of others.

What is so amazing, with all the changes that have already occurred, the transformation process continues as I attend Emory University to become a Healthy Lifestyle Coach so I can expand key areas in my life and be in a better position to help others.  2015 is leading me to reach out to my original target audience, baby boomers…those men and women over the age of 50, and although I wrote and spoke it, I had not aggressively moved in the direction of inter-generational activities.  Well, it has pretty much been dropped in my lap. Some new programs that I will be exploring by Spring of this year.  More on those later.

In the meantime, all in the month of January 2015, I have been featured on CNN’s AccentHealth Network, WATC-TV Atlanta Live, That’s My Biz-TV Internet show, launched my redesigned web site, which I actually did myself, received an invitation to join the board of the American Hiking Society, invited to start senior hiking groups at local recreation centers, and spearheading hiking expeditions for teenage girls, and I have started my Voice Over Talent lessons. Mind you…all this among my regular stuff…in January!

The moral of my story…it is never too late to discover your passion and pursue your dreams!  Expect to hear from me more regularly.

Travel-VariosLiving Life to the Fullest!!!

 

Categories: Fitness, Health Coach, Hiking, Lifestyle Management, Nutrition and Wellness, Other Outdoor Adventures, Outdoor Adventures | 2 Comments

Blog at WordPress.com.

%d bloggers like this: