On Feb. 10, 2014, final regulations implementing the employer shared responsibility provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) were released. The ACA imposes a penalty on large employers with 50 or more full-time employees that do not offer coverage to full-time employees and their dependents, or to employers that offer coverage that is unaffordable or does not provide minimum value.

The final rules will delay implementation of these penalties for medium-sized employers that are covered by the employer mandate.

The employer shared responsibility provisions will generally apply to employers that have 100 or more full-time employees starting in 2015 and employers that have 50 to 99 full-time employees starting in 2016. The employer must provide an appropriate certification to qualify for this delay. Click here for pdf

Did you ever notice how easy it is to get upset with ourselves when we have “fallen off track” with our health goals. The inner critic gets really loud and says things like:

‪▪ If you didn’t pig out all winter then you wouldn’t have gained all this weight.

▪ ‪Why did you stop working out? You always quit. You are so lazy.

▪ ‪You can’t wear that. You look so fat.

▪ ‪What kind of role model are you for your kids? If you can’t get yourself under control how do you expect to help them eat well.

Ouch…that inner critic can be so mean. She can be the biggest bully in our lives. It doesn’t have to be that way. Instead of letting that inner critic run the show, get in touch with the small actions you can take today that will help you feel better fast.

Today I want to challenge you to “start where you are” without judgment and drama. Perhaps you put on a winter layer and are feeling uncomfortable in your clothes. It’s OK. Deep breathe.

What’s one thing that makes you feel great that you haven’t been doing? Please answer this without self-judgment.

When I asked myself this question, the answer was clear. I missed spending time in nature. I need to spend time in the woods in order to feel my best. I listened to my inner wisdom and have been spending lots of time walking in the woods these days. I feel more alive, energetic and inspired than I have in months.

What’s one thing you are currently doing that depletes your energy or makes you feel bad? Please answer this without self-judgment.

The answer to this question was easy for me however; implementing the action that would help me feel better was a bit more challenging. I knew I was drinking too much coffee this winter. My body is super sensitive to caffeine and when I drink too much I get anxious, have trouble focusing, have wild mood swings, and crave more sugar. With all of the negative impacts coffee has on my body you would think I could easily stop drinking it; however, I love the taste and smell. Coffee is very addictive to me.

I am happy to say that I have listened to my body and have been coffee free for the last few days. It is amazing how much better I feel. Sometimes you forget how good you can feel when you are used to feeling bad.

These questions are some of the quick start strategies I use when I need to get back to basics in my relationship with my body. They are simple yet powerful. Oftentimes it is the small things we do that make the biggest changes.

Now it’s your turn: 
* What’s one thing that makes you feel great that you haven’t been doing? 
Start doing this thing today.

‪▪ What’s one thing you are currently doing that depletes your energy or makes you feel bad? Work on crowding this out of your life. I know this can be tough so get support if needed.

I would love to hear your answers. Please share them on the blog.

To feeling fabulous this Spring- 
Michelle

f you haven’t already, spring is a great time to get a handle on your debt, especially if you have holiday bills due. Revisit your accounts to find out exactly how much you owe and what the interest rate is per account. It may be possible to refinance or consolidate debt at a lower interest rate than what you’re currently paying. Once you’ve done that, set up a new monthly budget for the year, taking into account debt and insurance payments, savings deposits, and living and entertainment expenses. Read full article download pdf

On Feb. 10, 2014, final regulations implementing the employer shared responsibility provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) were released. The ACA imposes a penalty on large employers with 50 or more full-time employees that do not offer coverage to full-time employees and their dependents, or to employers that offer coverage that is unaffordable or does not provide minimum value.

The final rules will delay implementation of these penalties for medium-sized employers that are covered by the employer mandate.

The employer shared responsibility provisions will generally apply to employers that have 100 or more full-time employees starting in 2015 and employers that have 50 to 99 full-time employees starting in 2016. The employer must provide an appropriate certification to qualify for this delay. Read full article download pdf