The current buzzword in the scientific community is epigenetics. The one just prior was neuroplasticity. And why are they such fascinating concepts? Because both reveal the power that lies within every human being—power that is just waiting to be reclaimed!

Neuroplasticity speaks to our ability to rewire and retrain our brain, whereas epigenetics is all about resetting our genes. To the average person, who is not scientifically well-versed, these concepts may sound quite absurd. And for this reason, many people subconsciously believe that they have little control over their lives.

According to the latest epigenetic research, around 90% of the signs of aging and disease are caused by lifestyle—NOT by genes. How you live and the world that you co-create—internally and externally—is more important than your DNA.

The thrilling promise of epigenetics is that you can potentially reset a gene by turning it on or off, which determines whether or not it expresses itself. And you can do this by making basic, daily lifestyle changes, such as shifting your diet and/or sleep patterns.

In other words, we have the capability to use epigenetics to change the way we age—to slow down or even reverse the aging process—in order to look and feel healthier and younger, and for longer.

What this ultimately means to all of us is that we have considerably more control over the process of our lives than we would like to admit. We can no longer say that we are slaves to our genes or to our brains. We now know that we have the keys to unlock both and effect real change.

Here are some examples of daily, positive lifestyle choices we can make:

• Choose foods, drinks, and supplements wisely (invest in gut health)
• Choose healthy sleep patterns (7-8 hours/night)
• Choose movement and/or exercise to enhance your mind and body
• Beware of exposure to toxins and make healthier choices
• Incorporate practices of stress management (e.g. meditation/mindfulness)

We basically have two choices here:

1. We can choose to disregard the research and remain a victim of our thoughts, our stories, our genes, and the circumstances of our lives. What this means is that we stay within our comfort zone—with what feels safe, familiar, and certain. OR…

2. We can choose to pay attention to the research and reclaim our power. We can stretch ourselves into new territory and make the lifestyle choices—the necessary changes that will serve us best today and into the future. Not only will this affect us and our generation, but epigenetic research shows that it will also positively impact generations to come.

An important question we have to ask ourselves is this: Are our cells betraying us OR are WE betraying our cells? If we have the ability to change our environment and turn our genes on or off as needed to enhance our wellness, but instead we make lifestyle choices that don’t support this, who are we ultimately to blame but ourselves?

It is always easier not to take ownership and to blame others, the circumstances of our lives, and/or our genetic make-up when things don’t go well—this is clearly our automatic default.

My intention is to expand your knowledge base—to open your mind to having a new partnership with your body. I like to believe that when we know better we do better.

We ALL have an opportunity to take our wellness into our own hands and become successful at mastering the lifestyle choices that will serve us best—as far as our health, wellness, and vitality are concerned. For these are the true measures of success and the true guideposts to happiness.

But here’s the catch: The promise of epigenetics can only enhance our lives if we understand the power that it offers and if we choose to use it wisely. And make no mistake—that power lies within each and every one of us!

Sincerely,
Coach Terri