Heart & Mind Matters

New Year’s Goals

Well, the first month of the new year is under our belt already.  How’d it go?  Have you made any progress toward your 2026 goals or have they dropped down to the bottom of your ever-growing to-do list?

On my end, February was a whirlwind month full of unexpected surprises, a few crises, new opportunities, and a rare bout with the flu – all of which served to humble me.  As a result, I fell behind on my own goals but never lost sight of them.   I know firsthand how challenging it can be to get off track.  The important thing is to keep putting in consistent effort toward your goals and get the support you need.

So, let’s move on to February! –

The Month of Love

Although February is the shortest month of the year, it is jammed pack with observances, such as Valentine’s Day, Friendship Day, Mardis Gras, Groundhog Day, President’s Day, National Dark Chocolate Day, and World Day of Social Justice.  February commemorates Black History Month, Heart Health Month, and Cancer Prevention Month.

As the Month of Love unfolds, we are encouraged to show appreciation, love, and kindness toward those around us.  All of February’s observances serve to remind us to exercise excellent self-care as well as mindfulness about how our lives interact and influence others.  They are an opportunity to reflect on how well we are addressing all the components of wellness – social, financial, emotional, intellectual, physical, spiritual, environmental – in our lives.

Matters of the Heart & Mind

February’s designation as “Heart Health Month” seems to encompass the most important theme of the month since the heart is central to all we do – both physically and metaphorically.    

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), heart disease has been the top cause of American deaths for over 100 years.  Almost half (47%) of the adults in the United States have high blood pressure; over 72% are at an “unhealthy” weight (defined as a body mass index of 25 or higher); about 42% are considered “obese” (defined as a BMI of 30 or higher).  Although these are sad statistics, they do not seem very surprising in our “always-on” and competitive culture.

Despite major scientific advances and countless public service announcements, lifestyle factors and chronic conditions (e.g., physical inactivity, obesity, hypertension, and diabetes) continue to drive risk.  Practicing heart-healthy habits – such as exercise, a balanced diet of whole, unprocessed foods, stress reduction, and avoiding smoking – can reduce the toll of cardiovascular disease.  Even if you have an underlying condition, it is important to do what you can to manage and even reverse heart issues. 

As John Wooden said, “Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.”  Start with small changes.  Do what you can, where you are, with what you have.

Social Considerations

I, also, recommend assessing your current relationships.  In our ever-connected, technology-driven world, isolation and loneliness are at all-time highs.  Social interaction with quality people helps to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression – all of which can contribute to sleep problems, overeating, physical inactivity, and high blood pressure.  If you find that you are often lonely, you might try reaching out to old friends, striking up casual conversations as you go about your day, or joining a new club or gym.  Your heart and mind will thank you!

Coaching, Support, & Accountability

Personal growth takes time and effort.  No magic pills here, but I’d be happy to accompany you on your journey to reach personal excellence.  Coaching provides the guidance, support, and accountability necessary to stay focused and achieve your goals as quickly as possible.  Please submit this form to  Request a Complimentary Strategy Session