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It's easy to get lost in the grandeur of our dreams. Whether it's launching a business, learning a new skill, starting school, or embarking on a fitness journey... our goals can seem to tower over us. I sometimes feel like they are casting shadows of doubt and intimidation. But here's a secret I often remind myself: the road to success doesn't always require giant steps. The small steps can pave the way to great things. One step at a time, will get you there. Think of your goal as a light on a mountain. It's doable, awe-inspiring even! But trying to make it to the top all at once can be overwhelming. Focus on taking one step at a time. Break down your goal into manageable chunks, like scaling a mountain one foothold at a time. By starting small, you build momentum and gain confidence with each step forward. Every journey is made up of milestones, both big and small. I know it's easy to fixate on the summit, but don't overlook the beauty of the trail. Celebrate your progress along the way, no matter how insignificant it may seem. Did you write a paragraph of that novel you've been dreaming about? Celebrate it! Did you complete a week of consistent walks or workouts? Give yourself a Gold Star! Recognizing each victory feeds your motivation and keeps overwhelm at bay. If you trip, get back up. Perfectionism is the enemy of progress. Waiting for the perfect moment or perfect plan only leads to paralysis. We all have been paralyzed by fear, it is part of growth.  Stop getting ready to do it and do it.  Make up your mind, set your plan, and take action, even if it's messy. Remember, the first draft is always rough, the first attempt is rarely flawless.  Every misstep can be a lesson learned, and every failure is a steppingstone to the life you desire.   Just take one step in the right direction and you'll be on your way. Remember that progress takes time, and setbacks are going to happen. Be flexible with the plan. Delays and setbacks will happen. Keep moving forward, one step at a time, trusting that each step brings you closer to your goals. Fear is part of chasing our dreams. Sometimes we throw in the towel. It's easy to give in to overwhelm. But remember, lofty goals are not achieved overnight. Making it to the light at the top of the mountain is a result of consistent effort, resilience in the face of challenges, and a willingness to start small. So, take that first (or the next) step today, no matter how small it may seem. Your journey begins with a single step, and with perseverance, determination, and a sprinkle of patience, you'll reach heights you never thought possible. I've been working on the prerequisites for nursing school. I'm not certain that I want to put in the amount of effort and time that it's going to take to get my RN degree.  I know I won't be working forever. I have to decide how much time, effort, brainpower, and money the degree is worth. And it's tough. There are already obstacles in my path. It's been especially challenging because I'm not exactly sure that I really want to do it. I realize I’ll have to jump in all the way to know for sure. I have to be patient; it will take time for me to decide. I must admit, that on occasion, I feel a sense of overwhelm.  It feels awful. I need to give myself some grace, it's all new to me. I haven't been in school for years and years. Suddenly, I have application deadlines and testing and fees and tuition to pay. It’s all coming at me at once.  So, I’m making mini goals for myself. I'm doing just one thing at a time. This makes it much more manageable for me. So whether your goals that you're working for are big or small I hope that these tips will help you stay out of overwhelm period of course overwhelm will only make it worse and remember fear stops us in our tracks.  It is fear that stops us from pursuing our dreams. We don't want to fail or we don't want it to be too hard. But remember you're created for a purpose, and you will not reach that purpose by sitting still. So set your goals.  Set your mind and keep it set; and walk confidently in that direction!  Set your light at the top of the mountain and go for it! Live every day on purpose, Peggy Romero

We're at the halfway point of my #Heart30 self-love challenge! There are so many thoughts going on in our minds at all times. All day long, everyday. In fact I've heard that psychologists say we have 50,000 thoughts a day. I believe it! I added meditation to my prayers every morning a few years ago. Believe me if you try to meditate you will realize that thoughts are reeling through your mind every second. So there's that creative, loving and warm voice. The one that lifts you up and gives you your great ideas. The voice that says you can do it when you start imagining great things. That's the voice of love, the voice of the Holy Spirit. And then there's that annoying, cynical jerk, who tells you, you can't. The voice that will always remind you of every mistake you've ever made and why it's not going to work out. That is the voice of fear. The voice of the ego, the inner critic. Self-love is making a decision to connect to the voice of love. To decide not to connect to the voice of fear. You get to choose all day long because the thoughts will be reeling all day long. With awareness of that voice and with practice, you will realize how much brighter your day is when you stay connected to love. It's a practice, but it's worth your time and effort. You can begin any time, it takes no time, so skill, just awareness. Start noticing, what are you thinking about? What are you telling yourself? Become aware of your thoughts, start seeing that negative voice. Decide to let go of the negative and replace it with a positive. In time you will notice that of those 50,000 thoughts you have a day- you’ll repeat the same Thoughts over and over. Like a never-ending rotation. In fact, in the past, I have felt like I've been on a hamster’s wheel. Living a life that never moved forward. I was stuck in fear and stress. Not liking the life I was living but afraid to make a move to get out. Often feeling powerless and paralyzed.   That's when you know the ego has got ahold of you. Living in fear and wishing you could change. I remember years ago I heard Joyce Meyer say “just because something pops in your head doesn't mean you have to think about it.” I started noticing. That was the beginning of my awareness. That was the day I realized how true that statement is. We can choose what we think. In Stress Mastery we are taught to ask ourselves “who has conscious mind control? Is it me or my ego?” It's like we're in conversation all day long with ourselves. When you're having a conversation with your true self, it will be loving and kind. When you're in conversation with your ego it will be fearful and negative. I hope that this will give you some food for thought and that you will decide to create awareness in your own life. Each step you take to understand yourself is beneficial. You are worth every moment that you spend on yourself. Show yourself some love. Live every day on purpose, Peggy Romero

I am extremely fortunate that I don't mind change. I am a person who doesn't like to do the same thing every day. I like new adventures, I like new people. I like change! And... I have been going through a lot of changes recently. Over the past few years my life has become very different. And I don't mind at all. I was divorced a few years ago, which completely changed everything. I had to take some time to decide what I really wanted if I was the only focus. What do I want to do if I can do anything I’ve ever dreamed of. This was all new for me. I always had other people to think about. I've always had other people to support, financially and emotionally.  I have always made sure that what I wanted was in alignment with what my family needed. Not so anymore. For the first time in my life, I am living in a place where I can make decisions based solely on what I want. This had never been true for me before, not ever. I was married very young and had my first daughter at 18 years old. I was a 50-year-old newlywed when my youngest daughter went off to college. I had never lived alone in my life, until two years ago. This is crazy to realize I had never lived alone before. It's actually pretty scary, but also the potential is unlimited. What do I want to do with the last third of my life? The sky is the limit. At the time I got divorced I've been working very closely with Bill Cortright and Stress Mastery. I had clients that I was coaching working on my stress mastery coaching certificate, building up a social media presence and doing the stress mastery podcast every week. What a wonderful life, working to fulfill my life purpose. I have always wanted to help people be the best version of themselves, starting with myself. Everything was just flowing in the right direction. Living life on purpose. But then suddenly, once again, everything changed. Stress Mastery was no more. This was the platform I had built my life on. What to do? What to do? What to do? All my life I have wanted to be a teacher or a nurse. If you've read my book, you'll see how my parents discouraged me by telling me that we came from the wrong side of the tracks and that I would never go to college. I had to get that dream out of my head. When I was widowed in my 30s I decided to go to school to be a nurse. After all nurses pay two to three times more than a teacher and both jobs would have suited me fine. Much to my dismay I realized that I was no better at science in college than I was in middle school. Science does not come easy to me. And you have to have a great understanding of science in order to get through nursing school. In fact at the time, you had to have straight A's in science just to be accepted in nursing school. In my quest to help people I studied human development and received a Bachelor of Science. I could do one more year to become a teacher or one or two more years to become a counselor. I started working on my master’s degree in teaching. After paying a great deal of money for the first semester of tuition at a private university, I found out from the teacher that there were no jobs in the area. If I was to be a teacher when I graduated, I would need to and leave the area and perhaps even the state. I had to make a new career choice. I was not in any position to move.  I had two very young grandchildren and a daughter in middle school. It wasn't a good time to leave the area. I became an insurance agent. In time I became an excellent insurance agent. That has proven to be one of the best decisions I've ever made in my whole entire life. What I gained from that experience is beyond what I can explain in this blog post. It did change my life for the better. And it has changed me forever. So back to my predicament now. A few months ago, after my great loss, I decided to go to the college to find out about getting into nursing school here in Arizona. Things are different here. Firstly, they go by your whole GPA and not just your science GPA. Fabulous! My GPA is just fine. Nursing jobs are abundant, and you can always get a job being a nurse. So even though I won't be older I will still be able to get a job. I don't have kids to take care of, and I will not be working while I go to school like I was last time. I decided finally this is my time to try again. So I signed up for a biology class and a statistics class this winter. These are two of the prerequisites I need. I would just have two more classes this summer and then an entrance exam that I’ll have to pass. OK I can do that. And it's true I can do it. I am halfway through and I have an A in both classes. But you know what, still not good at science and this math class is not my cup of tea. My head hurts from all the thinking. Honestly it feels like it's full of mush and I can't get any more in there. I realize that I do not want to spend the next three years studying this hard. You know when somebody tells you that you can't do something, and you just want to do it even more? This is how I can relate to the feelings that I have right now.  I realize that I feel such a sense of accomplishment knowing that I actually can do it – and that that's all I really need. Just knowing that I can, is enough for me. I am 62 years old and I don't want to spend three years cramming and studying. There are so many other parts of my life that I don't want to miss out on.  I do not want to give it all up. I know that when you're in nursing school, being a nursing student is all you have, it is your life. You hear that from everyone. And it's very understandable. You have school full-time and then you have a whole bunch of paperwork and records that you have to keep. And then you have labs and all of the science that you have to understand. I realize that is not what I want.  The best part is that I'm deciding to quit on the plan, not because I have to. Not because it's too hard for me. Not because I can't do it. But because I choose not to! My being able to make this decision is a testament to how much I have grown over the past few years. I have always been afraid of what people will think. I've always told myself you are not a quitter... you will finish this no matter what. Right now, finally, I don't care what anybody thinks. I will make decisions on myself and not based on others. I’ve decided to switch my major again and concentrate on getting a teacher certificate and a job in teaching. I have so much to offer. I have a ton of life experience and a heart full of love. I know so much about how to find peace in the chaos. My coaching experience and the time I have spent with Bill Cortright has been an enormous blessing to me and my family and has made me a better person. I feel compelled to share what I have learned, and this knowledge can and will change lives. We are blessed to be a blessing to others, and I would love to carry on his legacy. Stress Mastery has been his life's work. Continuing to carry the torch, I will create a shift in the planet.  I am certain I will make an excellent teacher if I decide to follow that path. Currently, I'm brushing up my resume and exploring the possibilities.  Meanwhile, I am loving the biology class and will probably finish that out. I don't feel the same about the statistics class. I really will not need statistics in my future, at least I don't think I will, I haven't so far in life. I may give myself permission to drop that class. I sometimes laugh at myself when I think about it. I'm 62 years old and I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up! I am so grateful for the opportunities I have; the possibilities are limitless! There is just so much that this life has to offer. I remember going to a career development class clear back in my 30s and the counselor asked me what I like. I remember telling her I like everything, everything is interesting, I like absolutely everything.  Some things never change. 😊 Find your purpose and keep working towards it. You will never run out of things to do, or to learn, or to see. Don't get stuck in your ways and always be willing to change. Live every day on purpose! Peggy Romero

Make yourself a priority by doing the things that you know you should do. I know that sounds oversimplified, but it really is easy you just have to set your mind on what you want. It starts with believing in yourself. Knowing that you can do what you set your mind to. Accepting the fact that you do deserve to live the life of your dreams. It doesn't matter where you start- just get moving. As they say, one step at a time. I'm going to share just a few of the changes I made that have helped me change my life tremendously. I love being focused and calm instead of stressed out. #1- The Purpose Power Hour – A morning routine that will change the way you think Fuel your mind with positivity. Devoting the start of the day to prepare yourself will help stay focused in every part of your life. Start every day with the Purpose Power Hour - PPH. Yes, it takes one hour. One hour that's worth it! If you really can't squeeze in an hour, you can start with 30 minutes, it really will change your life. You do each of these things for 10 minutes (5 if you are only committing to 30 minutes total) Read - Input something inspirational, insightful, educational, or uplifting. Journal - Put it out there on paper. This can be your hopes and dreams goals or it could be your griefs and fears. It can be a letter to a loved one, to God, or someone who passed away. This is your time, what you do is up to you. Affirmations - I am whole, perfect, powerful, and strong.  I am loving, harmonious and happy. I am healthy, I am peaceful, I am grateful, I am blessed! – Again, what you say is completely up to you…  say it out loud and say it like you mean it! (even if you don’t at first) Visualize - Quietly with your eyes closed and picture you exactly as you choose to be. Who are you with what are you doing, what are you saying what are you wearing where do you work where do you live and who do you live with. See it feel it, become that person for these 10 minutes. If you're doing this right you will feel joy in your heart and have a smile on your face.  This is your time so dream big. “If my mind can conceive it, and my heart can believe it, then I can achieve it “ - Muhammad Ali Meditate - Meditation is nothing more than being quiet and still. Allow all the thoughts that are running around in your head to pass by. Learn how to let them go without thinking about them. When you catch yourself just come back to the center. I like to close my eyes; it is easier to relax and ground myself. I started out by simply picturing God right in front of me, the light, the magnificence, the love.  I allow myself to breathe slowly in and out while focusing on God with my heart. Then you’ll realize you're not focused on the image of God anymore you're thinking about a whole bunch of other stuff. When you catch yourself, just go back to your center where you started. Don’t be hard on yourself you will catch yourself over and over. It is practice, and it gets easier. It really is that simple. It builds your concentration muscle. This practice will make you feel grounded and focused all day. Move - You choose. You can go to the gym, go for a walk, do some yoga, or your housework anything you choose. Just do something. #2 Prioritize your health! Diet and Exercise The body supports the mind. It is important to eat right. You will feel better if you give yourself good nutrition. I'm not talking about a diet to lose weight, that will come naturally if you're eating the diet that's right for you. I have heard that eating in an 8-hour window does wonders for our bodies.  Eat good healthy food and decide that you're going to nourish your body properly. It's a game changer. For some quick, healthy and easy recipes, tap on the button below: You don't have to be a person who goes to the gym for an hour a day. Start with a walk. I've read over and over we need to move our bodies for a minimum of 150 minutes a week. How about if we make that be the minimum target 20 minutes a day seven days a week is already 140, and you're already getting 10 minutes a day from your PPH. Suddenly it seems doable, doesn't it? #3 Separate yourself from the voice in your head (Name the Ego) We all have that inner critic; that negative inner dialogue that we listen to day in and day out. Constantly telling us what we should and shouldn't do how good we are in the next minute how bad we are. It's not our true self and we can never reconcile the craziness. We just need to separate from it. Know who's talking is it you, your true self, On The Voice from your heart. Or is it that loudmouth that lives in your head. On The Path to Purpose, we name the ego; because it makes it easier to recognize it, and awareness is everything. I named my ego Lucy. And she's ready to take over the show anytime I'm willing to let her. But she is not me. I get to decide what to think and feel and do. I choose to live from my heart, my true self. Next time things feel like they're spinning out of control, take a deep breath and notice who's talking. And ask yourself ‘is it me or my ego?’  Who has conscious mind control? When things are going fast and furious, it’s your ego. When you're making good decisions, and your thoughts are coming from your heart; Yep that's you. #4 Be a Goal Getter I realized a long time ago I love to set goals because I love to accomplish my goals. I make long term goals and short term goals. I think starting with Short term goals naturally leads us to achieving our long term goals. On Sunday mornings I write out my goals for the week. I highlight which things I really need to work on. What do you need to get done this week? I do personal goals, fitness goals business goals. I do have to- want to -and like to.  Write it down.  Break it down into bite sized chunks so that you can get it all done. What day will you do it? What time? What are each of the tasks that you need to do in order to complete the goal. By having my weekly checklist, I can keep going back and reprioritizing things so that I get them all done. When you do- give yourself a Gold Star, a pat on the back do a little dance of celebration! You deserve it! I believe that doing these things will completely change your life. But don't try and start everything at once. Pick something and go for it! Start small if you need to. I would love it if you would start with the Purpose Power Hour. It will automatically lead you to wanting more for your life. Next thing you know you'll be eating better exercising more creating conscious mind control and achieving all your goals. Now that's what I call living life on purpose! Live every day on purpose, Peggy Romero

Redefine comfort food this season and sip on this fall festive soup. Do note that you will need an immersion blender of standing blender to make this recipe. Ingredients (1) large butternut squash (about 3 pounds), halved vertically, and seeds removed (1) tablespoon of olive olive (and another tablespoon for drizzling) (1) medium onion, chopped and sautéed in butter (1) teaspoon of salt (2) cloves of garlic (3 to 4) cups of chicken broth; alternatively you can use (3 to 4) teaspoons of bouillon mixed with water Heavy cream or half and half Freshly ground black pepper Optional, but delicious: (1) teaspoon of chopped chipotle pepper (canned), Sour cream with a bit of lime juice and pepatos (roasted pumpkin seeds) for garnish Instructions ROAST THE SQUASH Preheat the oven to 400* Place the butternut squash on a pan and drizzle each half with just enough olive oil to lightly coat the squash on the inside. Rub the oil over the inside of the squash and sprinkle it with salt, pepper and garlic powder. Turn the squash face down and roast until it is tender and completely cooked through, about 45 minutes. Set the squash aside and let it cool off. In a soup pot, melt butter with a touch of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and a bit salt, pepper and garlic. Cook, stirring often, until the onion softens and begins to brown- about 5 minutes. Scoop out the squash flesh and put it into your soup pot or blender. Discard the tough skin. Add a small chipotle chili pepper – to taste. I have noticed that the pepper flavor gets much hotter as it sits. PUREE THE SQUASH For an immersion blender: Add the chicken broth, and squash to onion in the soup pot. Puree carefully – as it can make a mess. For a standing blender: be careful not to fill the container past the fill line. (You may have to work in batches.) Return squash (now pureed) into the soup pot to warm. If you would like to thin out your soup- stir in more broth. Add a bit of heavy cream or half and half to taste, and blend well. Garnish with sour cream mixed with a bit of lime juice and pepatos (roasted pumpkin seeds)

So simple. So delicious! and the freshness is beautiful! Stir up a Teriyaki Bowl for yourself using my ground turkey mixture: extra lean ground turkey: either 93% or 99%, then I mix it with onions, peppers, celery, salt, pepper, garlic and sauté the mixture until the turkey is browned and veggies are semi-soft. Once you've prepared the ground turkey mixture, add a touch of teriyaki sauce and your choice of rice, whether that be cauliflower, jasmine, brown, etc. In the photo above, I have used a cauliflower rice that I just pop right into a frying pan to cook/reheat. Then I add in the ground turkey mixture to meld all the flavors together. For added flavor I'll make a fresh pico de gallo with a few kiwi or cucumbers finely chopped into the salsa. I also add a touch of chili paste for spice. And if you like sour cream, I suggest squeezing a little lime into the sour cream to thin in out and add a little on top of your meal. Eat on Purpose, Peggy Romero

It is no wonder that I make at least two pounds of meat mixed with vegetables a week... every week! Extra Lean Ground Turkey is so versatile, I never get sick of it. It's many applications and options can make meals both delicious and HEALTHY! I always start here... buying extra lean ground turkey: either 93% or 99%, then I mix it with onions, peppers, celery, salt, pepper, garlic and sauté the mixture until the turkey is browned and veggies are semi-soft. From there you can turn this mixture into anything: Taco Salad Stuffed Peppers with Cauliflower Rice Burrito Bowls Tacos Teriyaki Bowls Chili Taco Soup Cauliflower Fried Rice The beauty of this mixture are the endless options and applications, no matter what your diet is (that is to say, as long as you are eating meat). Live on Purpose, Peggy Romero

Sharing is caring, and if you're looking for easy ways to eat healthier, this one-pan recipe is for you (via Kelli McGrane, RD): Ready in less than 30 minutes! Easy to adjust ingredients based on what you have on hand Leftovers taste even better Looks like a great recipe for traveling. Simply portion it out into mason jars or disposable deli containers and bring it with you on your next car trip or plane ride. While you don’t want to leave it out indefinitely, it’s safe to put it in your purse or backpack for a few hours. One-Pan Quinoa Mexican Skillet Ingredients 1 tablespoon avocado or olive oil 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 jalapeno, diced (option: remove seeds for less heat) 1 cup quinoa, rinsed 1 ¼ cup low sodium vegetable broth 1 15-ounce can no-added salt black or pinto beans, drained and rinsed 1 zucchini, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved 1 ½ teaspoon chili powder ½ teaspoon ground cumin ½ teaspoon salt 1 avocado, pitted, peeled, and diced 1-2 limes, quartered Optional: ½ cup crumbled cotija cheese Instructions Start by washing, chopping, and dicing all the vegetables (except for the avocado). Rinse quinoa in a fine-mesh sieve, and then drain and rinse the beans. Heat oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Once the oil is shimmering, add garlic and jalapeño. Cook until fragrant, about 30-60 seconds, stirring frequently. Add in spices and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds, then add in the chopped zucchini, pepper, halved tomatoes, and beans. Give a good stir and then add in quinoa. Finally, pour in broth and stir to combine. Increase heat to high and bring to a boil. Once boiling, cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 20 minutes or until quinoa is light and fluffy. While the quinoa mix is cooking, dice avocado, quarter lime(s), and crumble cheese. Once cooked, divide the mixture between two bowls and top with avocado, lime juice, and cheese (if using). Enjoy!

Ingredients 10 - 12 cups water 2 lbs beef shanks with bone 1 head of garlic, peeled 1- 2 bay leaves 2 to 3 tablespoons salt 3 medium potatoes, chunked ½ - 1 Tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes- to taste 1 large onion cut into 8ths 4 carrots, sliced thick or 1 pound package of baby carrots 2 to 3 ears of corn broken into 3rds 1 large green cabbage, cut into 8 wedges 3 to 4 zucchini or yellow squash cut into ¼s corn tortillas, if desired Condiments 1 large lime, cut into wedges, if desired ½ cup chopped cilantro 1 small white onion diced Sliced radishes Sliced jalapeños Easy to prepare In a large, heavy pot , I use my cast iron Dutch oven , sear the beef till brown on both sides. Add 10 cups water, garlic, bay leaves, and 1 1/2 tablespoons of salt. Bring to a boil, skimming the top when needed. Cover, reduce heat and continue cooking 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until the meat becomes tender. Once meat becomes tender, remove bay leaves and garlic. Add potatoes to the broth, along with the onions, carrots Taste the broth for salt and season to taste. If needed add the remaining 2 cups water. Bring back up to a boil, reduce heat and continue cooking until potatoes are tender; remove potatoes and meat from the soup transfer to a large bowl, cover to keep warm. Add pieces of corn, cabbage wedges and zucchini to the soup. Cook for just another 15 to 20 minutes, until cabbage becomes tender, but is still crisp. Remove soup from heat and let sit while you prepare the tortillas. Warm the corn tortillas on a griddle or frying and keep warm in a tortilla warmer or foil. You could also keep them warm in a clean kitchen towel. Divide the soup into bowls. Add corn and some of the meat to each bowl. Garnish with lime wedges, cilantro, jalapeños, onion and radishes. You can add more chili flakes for some added spice. Serve with warm corn tortillas, if desired. The picture shown is a lower carb version I didn’t add the potatoes or the corn on the cob.

A super simple recipe for my favorite Shrimp Tacos... Ingredients Chicken Broth, Olive Oil or Butter Lemon or Lime Juice Old Bay Seasoning Garlic Shrimp Corn Tortillas Mayonnaise Chipotle Peppers Cabbage Pico de Gallo Instructions In a warm pan, sauté the garlic with chicken broth, olive oil or butter. I personally use chicken broth for flavor. Sprinkle in salt, pepper, and old bay seasoning. Cook the shrimp in the pan with garlic and squeeze some lemon or lime juice on top. The shrimp cooks in just a few minutes, about three minutes on each side. While the shrimp is cooking, heat up your tortillas in a separate pan. In a bowl, mix mayonnaise with the chipotle peppers. Spread the mayonnaise mixture on a heated tortilla Add your shrimp to the tortilla Top your taco with cabbage, pico de gallo, cheese if you like and any other garnishes Eat on Purpose, Peggy Romero