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Posted on July 29, 2022  |  Strong Moves

My Dad, Gene.

I’ve created this page to honor my father, Gene Koselke. His body was here with us on earth from  3/5/1951-7/28/2022.

Gene left a blue rose (image below) and a note with these words (quote below) in his Spokane home.  I share these with you in hopes that they bring you some comfort and understanding.

“ My life has been fulfilled and fulfilling. Death is the way utilized as a way away from this existence. It is not an ending as I saw it… it is a transformation. Death in many ways is welcome, as I am no longer suffering in this physical form. I have been returned to the universe, but my essence and presence is still here with you, just different now. What still remains with you is the vibrant me with the good and positive energy that was once here. Live on in hope and love, and be at peace with yourself and those closest to you”   (Gene Koselke, July 2022)

(Dad also left a poem. Scroll down to the image of the Blue Rose for  this poem)

Gene left his body on Thursday 7/28/22 at 4:15 PM. He surrendered.

He knew that his health was rapidly declining and he could not go on existing as the human that he truly was. Gene suffered from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ Myalgic Encephalomelitis  since the late 1990’s. His condition steadily worsened. He did the best he could to live with this illness. I have put a link at the end of this page for more info on CFIDS/ME to help us better grasp why he chose to exit this earth.

How he died does not matter, if you know Gene you know to honor him & respect this. My father loved and lived to his fullest capabilities. This I know for sure.

I am deeply grateful that he was my Dad. He taught me & others so much in so many ways. He taught me to:

  • Work hard
  • Take risks
  • Listen & listen more
  • Laugh hard (often with a snort!)
  • Lighten up
  • Forgive myself
  • Hold compassion for others
  • Laugh at my mistakes and try again
  • Smile big  
  • Love
  • Learn
  • Let myself fall & fail
  • To keep my heart open

He encouraged me to keep learning and to keep a strong sense of wonder & awe of the spirit of the land and energy around me. He knew that we are all connected and did his extreme best to be a good human.

At times, in his struggling human body, Gene felt overwhelmed and or that there was something wrong with him. Sometimes he separated himself from others. He would laugh as he called himself a “wanderer” or a “curmudgeon”.

The truth is Gene had a high sensory body & sensitive soul. This can be a difficult combination to walk around in human form with. Especially when struggling with a chronic illness.

Here is the BLUE ROSE (CLICK here for article he had pinned to this rose)  

Gene typed on a note for me:

“And lastly, a poem…”

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there, I do not sleep
I am the one thousand winds that blow
I am the diamond glints in the snow
I am the sun on ripened grain
I am the gentle autumn rain
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled light
I am the soft star that shines at night
Do not stand at my grave and cry
I am not there; I did not die

Gene specified for his cremated remains to be scattered on 2 different beaches by his daughters. Heather and grandchild will scatter on Camano Island . Bre and Chris Bicknell will scatter on Isla Coronado in Loreto, Mexico.

Peace, Bre Bicknell

Please see comments below to share memories and kind words.

Tagged: death, Gene, life lessons

Posted on July 12, 2022  |  Awesome Foods

Chili! Easy & Delicious

Whole 30 Chili

Makes 4 servings
**Bre Tip = double this and freeze it. Save it for your busiest week in the next month! Simply pull out of the freezer 2 days before your busy days hit and enjoy.

Ingredients

2 pound grass-fed organic ground beef OR ground turkey or lamb
2 onions finely chopped
6 cloves garlic minced
2 tsp cumin
2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp mustard powder
1 tsp salt
2 red bell peppers, finely chopped
2 green bell peppers, finely chopped
1 can diced tomatoes
2 cups organic vegetable broth

Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until meat is fully browned
7-10 minutes. Remove the meat form the pot with a slotted spoon and transfer it to a side dish, keeping the leftover fat in the pot

Add the onions, garlic, cumin, chili powder and salt to the pot. Reduce the heat to medium low and cook until the onions are translucent 4-5 minutes.

Add the bell peppers, tomatoes and broth and return the meat to the pot. Turn the heat up to high. When the chili reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 1 hour. Enjoy!

Here’s my top tip to save time with weekly meal prep:

Pick one dish to enjoy 3 nights in the next 7 days. I’ve put a simple example below for you, complete with 3 different full dinners using the same main dish. Enjoy!

Make this work for 3 meals!   ( Ex: Saturday, Monday & Wednesday)

Saturday  = small bowl of chili with Swiss chard + avocado toast and shredded goat cheese

1.5 cup chili + add 1 cup chard (de-stemmed and chopped). 1 minute before serving the chili add the chopped chard to the pot and simmer
1/4 cup grated goat cheese
“ Food for life seed muffins” found in freezer section of healthy grocery stores. Toast 1-3 times add 1 tsp ghee and 1/2 small sliced avocado

Monday  =
Chili + spinach & baked Japanese sweet potato with sautéed onion and mushrooms + sliced avocado

Chili = reheat on low and add 1.5 cup spinach leaves person to the pot for 1 minute.

Baked Japanese sweet potato= Thinly slice 1 red or yellow onion, put 1 tbsp coconut oil or ghee in the pan and heat to medium for 1 minute. Add onions and stir on low for 3 minutes
Add 1/2 tbsp ghee or coconut oil and add raw sliced crimini mushrooms. Saute for another 2-3 minutes

**Bre tip = bake the sweet potatoes 1-2 days in advance. Then simply cut into four long quarters and reheat in a pan for 8-10 minutes. (I do this on Sundays for busy Monday evenings.

Once potatoes are evenly browned. Cover open face potato slices with  onions and mushrooms  and enjoy!

Wednesday =
Chili w/ spinach & goat cheese quesadilla

Reheat 1.5 cup chili ( per person) on low
Make goat cheese quesadillas CLICK here for recipe + video

Tagged: avocado toast, baked potatoes, chili, Easy meal Prep, fall, Meal Prep, quesadilla, soup

Posted on June 9, 2022  |  Stress Less

Sanity & Hope

It can be really hard to be human. Doing is easy, staying busy we can handle pretty well. It’s the Being that gets tricky.

When we slow down and just be, that’s when things can go downhill quickly. That is when we notice the voice in our head. This is the mind babbling as is navigates every scenario you approach in your day. Experts have proven that this voice is there to keep us safe.

There are 4 specific experts that I turn to often. I listen to their TED talks, read their articles and review practices from their books. They give me sanity and hope often.  I thought I’d share them with you.

All four experts (below) agree that this voice is there to keep us safe.  Each one explains what this voice is, from a scientific viewpoint.  They also all offer simple, strategic ways to navigate daily life and find peace of mind.

Below are 4 science backed resources that help us all understand and navigate that voice so you can have easier days and feel better.

**Also, turns out Oprah backs all four of these amazing guides as well!  I’ve left links to free and quick  resources from each guide/author.

  1. Dr. Kristin Neff. Professor and author on self-compassion. The science behind why it gets us out of depression and why it helps us achieve more and feel better.

Article from Oprah Magazine: https://www.oprah.com/inspiration/how-positive-self-talk-can-get-you-through-tough-times

Tara Brach Podcast with Kristin Neff.https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tara-brach/id265264862?i=1000526041170

minutes 18-22 are gold in that podcast episode.

2. Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor,Ph.D, Neuro-Anatomist and Best Selling Author

CLICK here for free B.R.A.I.N  resource from Dr. Jill. I use this daily (no joke)

This woman saved my life.

Two years ago, I was struggling big time. I was feeling immensely fragile and hopeless. I had a therapy session and was advised to watch Dr. Jill’s Ted Talk and to check out her book, Whole Brain Living

That same evening I watched her Viral Ted TALK (The first TED talk to ever go viral)!

I immediately bought her Whole Brain Living Book. I finished it in one week and I use her B.R.A.I.N roadmap every single day.

This book is a must read for every living human.
It breakdowns what is happening in our human brain in a totally understandable way

Even more important, it teaches you how you can step out of your thoughts & easily navigate your choices to BE how you truly want to be in everyday life.

CLICK HERE for 15 min TED talk
CLICK HERE for 40 minute episode with OPRAH
CLICK HERE to buy her book

Every human should know this information. I wish I had known this before I turned 18.

3. Michael Singer, Teacher on “How to separate the voice in your head from the real you”

Best Selling Author of Untethered Soul +

CLICK HERE for his book
CLICK HERE for his Podcast
CLICK HERE for episode with Oprah

4. Eckhart Tolle. Author of A New Earth

Teaches people how to stop identifying with the thoughts in your mind. How to live in the present moment and how to let the voice in your head pass by.

CLICK HERE for 5 min clip on Oprah   HUGELY HELPFUL on thoughts of the past.   I watch this a few times a year ❤️

CLICK HERE for his book A New Earth

CLICK her for his Essential Teachings Podcast Hosted by Oprah Winfrey

Bonus guide if you’re into spirituality..

5. Marianne Williamson , A Return to Love

She is a spiritual guide, political activist and author. Her book a Return to Love sold more than 1.5 million copies and has been published in 23 different languages.

I never would have read her work until Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor (above) stated that A Return to Love helps her find calm and regain sanity. Once I heard that in a webinar from Dr. Taylor I bought the audiobook. Eight minutes in and I was floored.
Marianne Williamson had called me out in a direct and loving way. I have now read 4 more of her books.

A Return to Love has immensely helped me find hope in myself and humanity

CLICK HERE for her episode with OPRAH
CLICK HERE for her book
CLICK HERE for her site

Therapist Referrals:

Therapists in the Seattle area AND also do virtual coaching anywhere

  • alisonwithey.com (my therapist for the past 5 years. She is currently full)
  • conniecurlett.com (I have used Connie in the past and highly recommend her)
  • https://www.nancyhavercounseling.com
  • https://www.kathleendowdyoga.com/  Therapy through Yoga and Energy clearing
  • sensitivehearthealing.com
  • lightbydahn.com (My shamanic healer)
  • NAMI = National Association for Mental Illness. Fantastic Online Resource for information
    **Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor has been a huge contributor to their information!

Betterhelp.com    Click for info and to get started 

The world’s largest therapy service 100% online.

Making professional therapy accessible, affordable, and convenient — so anyone who struggles with life’s challenges can get help, anytime and anywhere.

BetterHelp offers access to licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited psychologists (PhD / PsyD), marriage and family therapists (LMFT), clinical social workers (LCSW / LMSW), and board licensed professional counselors (LPC).

Tagged: Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor, Eckhart Tolle, Marianne Williamson, mental health, mental health resources, Michael Singer, Oprah, the human brain, therapy, thoughtleaders

Posted on May 26, 2022  |  Stress Less

Hook Up Breath

This breathing practice will help you keep your shit together.

I used it twice yesterday after watching the news (Uvalde Elementary School shooting) . I’ve also brought it to many students during strength training sessions ( it helps them step out of worried thoughts and become more present in their bodies)

No matter what is going on, you can use this simple practice to tell your body you are okay. When you feel you are safe in your body, your brain will work with you to feel better.

If you want more tools to quickly save your shit CLICK HERE for my 3 Sanity Saver Videos.  Quick exercises custom created to  quickly calm you down and regain your sanity .

Now, scroll down for the Hook Up Breath steps and science

STEPS & SCIENCE

Hook Up Exercise•Standing, Lying or seated cross one foot over the other (legs
always straight).

•Stretch out your arms and cross them in front of your body.
•As they are crossed, have the palms of the right and left hands
touch together and lock fingers.
•Loop the hands underneath the arms and pull the arms close to
the chest (twisted into a pretzel).
•Hold this position for 2 to 5 minutes or for as long as you need to
calm your body.

** This is my favorite breath exercise. It links up both sides of the brain. This makes
the whole brain more available.

This is from Dr. Paul and Gail Dennison of The  Brain Gym CLICK HERE for info on them and their resources

Please share this with others and use for yourself. Take care of yourself and each other

Love, Bre

Tagged: brain gym, brain health, breath, help yourself, mental health, nercous system

Posted on April 28, 2022  |  Awesome Foods

Daily Quick Fix

Many days we have so much to keep up with that we simply forget to eat. Or maybe we don’t have any time to make something to eat, or find something. Heck let’s face it, many days we don’t even have the time to chew our food.

These 2 items will help you dramatically on these days.  Enjoy the video below.  Love, Bre

Get your FULL set up for busy days (all the meals, all the drinks, all the snacks)   CLICK HERE for the most easy way to eat healthy on jam packed days.

Links from products mentioned in the video above

  •  Justin’s Almond Butter
  • Amazing Grass

Tagged: amazing grass, bulletproof greens, busy day food set up, busy day foods, greens, macademia nuts, nutrition

Posted on April 18, 2022  |  Video Lessons

Busy days foods! Keep up with all your demands, feel fit and energized.

Life is busy!  You need an easy way to keep up with your day without resorting to shoddy foods that hold you back.

I’ve got healthy foods that taste good and work amazingly well on super busy days! You totally deserve

They need to be quick to grab, taste delicious and they can’t slow you down. That’s exactly what you get right here!  CLICK below to get started

This Video Lesson is complete with 2 videos &  5 (downloadable) take action  guides. 

**PLUS 2 bonus videos that every busy person needs

  • How to make your best smoothie
  • How to make Bulletproof coffee.

This lesson easily sets you up no matter where you are or how hectic your day is.

You’ll also totally stay on track on  home work days when you typically forget to eat or drink water:)

CLICK HERE to get this Complete Lesson for $14.96

Below is EXACTLY what you get in this lesson:

2 Videos

First video is for when can prep your foods for 30 minutes a week. That’s twice a week, 15 minutes each time

Second video is for when you have no time to prep AND may not have access to a kitchen or fridge.

5 Downloadable Take Action Guides
Step by step guides complete with shopping lists and product buy links

YES! There are lots of vegetarian & vegan options

CLICK HERE to get started with this Lesson!

Tagged: amazing grass, bone broth protein, bulletproof instamix, busy day foods, instamix, nut bag, rx nut butter, travel foods, Video lesson

Posted on April 15, 2022  |  Video Lessons

90 Second Rule. THE #1 tool to instantly regulate yourself

CLICK here for my Facebook Group Support Page

First off, huge props to Neuro-anatomist Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor and Psychologist Dr. Joan Rosenberg for discovering this 90 second rule (Please scroll to the bottom of this post for science backed links from both women)

In 90 seconds you can burn body fat, gain muscle, think better and become more productive in your day. Oh yeah and you’ll also be in a better mood:)

All you have to do is STOP and do nothing for 90 seconds

Do not interact with anything (no phone, computer, live people) Don’t pick up anything. Just breathe through your nose and let yourself BE for 90 seconds.

That’s it. That’s all it takes to stop a whole cascade of harmful hormones and reactions that work against your body.

Here’s why this works:

When we start thinking of  a lot of things our bodies producing stress hormones. We increase adrenaline, cortisol, norepinephrine, ghrelin… and our systems go haywire.

The 90 second rule works because you’re allowing your body to catch up with your brain. Remember this: Your brain moves faster than your body. Waay faster! ( It’s why you engage in a difficult work task and feel exhausted much later)

When we KEEP doing all the things to keep up with our thoughts we throw our bodies into imbalance.

We can stop this imbalance, step out of stress mode and step into healthy mode. All we have to do is stop.

Let’s try it right now:

Think for a moment of all the things on your to do list today.
  • Now add on checking email, Facebook, Instagram etcc.
  • Now think of watching or reading the news.
  • Now what are those things you’ve been telling yourself you should be doing to reach your goals.
Stop. Do you feel that?

Does your body feel tight. How’s your heart rate & breathe. Is your gut clenched? To me this feels like nervous whirring energy. I call it “whirlwindy” You may call it overwhelm, anxiousness etc.. Whatever it is for you it’s working against you. When you keep feeling those difficult feelings your body gets messed up.

We’ve simply forgotten to stop and let our bodies catch up with our brains!

When you keep thinking and doing. Your body holds onto fat. Your brain gets foggy and has difficulty learning or remembering. Your heart races and breathing stops or you start mouth breathing. You may get gassy or constipated. You may also get defensive towards yourself and others.

Your stress hormones are working in high gear
  • Adrenaline taxes all your systems thinking you have a war to fight (literally)If you are in high stress mode for longer than a few mins then you will switch to survival mode
  • Cortisol is prolonged adrenalin. It makes you hold onto body fat. You will start craving anything to give you quick energy or calm down (hello carbs, alcohol, cigarettes, chocolate, social media etc.. )
  • Ghrelin increases dramatically. This is your hunger hormone. It also keeps you from feeling full. This is why you will keep consuming anything comforting.

We are beings in a very busy thinking & doing  world. This really messes up our bodies.

So what do you do?  Exactly this:

DO nothing for 90 seconds. Do this 2-4 times daily.

I will admit this is challenging. Not because it’s difficult, because it’s different!

Tell yourself: “This is not difficult, this is just different”(that helps me stay in the 90 seconds)

This video will simply tell you that I succeeded or failed at the 90 second rule that day and what I noticed. I’d love for you to add your own experiences or comments.

This is a game changer.  Let’s do this!

CLICK HERE for scientific explanation and practice  from Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor in Psychology Today

CLICK HERE for short TED talk from Dr. Joan Rosenberg.

Here’s a more in depth podcast episode I came across this on Dr. Mark Hyman’s Broken Brain Podcast

I can’t wait for you to get these benefits and share this info with others.

Love, Bre

Tagged: 90 second rule, 90 seconds, broken brain podcast, Dr. Joan Rosenberg, emotional health

Posted on March 12, 2022  |  Video Lessons

Video Lessons

How would it feel today if you could easily eat healthy foods today that you actually really liked?

How about if you easily got in some exercise, that was fun and took very little time?  If you’re saying “Hell, Yes!” then watch my video above.

Feel stronger and have easier days right now!  Take Action with my lessons below

START with #1. Sleep!  Watch the Video then grab your Free Video Package at the link below.

SLEEP Fitness Pack  CLICK HERE FREE for you!

No matter what fitness or nutrition goal you have, you’ve got to nail your sleep habits. Check out these 4 videos that hand you steps and products to get you stellar sleep.

Once you’ve started working on these.. then you can add on the workouts and great foods!

FREEBIE Workout Moves Package .  No strings attached:)

Two free workout videos that you can do anytime anywhere. No gear required. CLICK HERE to get your goods!

 Busy Day Foods.

Your complete foolproof plan to eat healthy foods (that taste great!) no matter where you go or how crazy life gets  CLICK HERE for details

Quickest Dinner on Busy Days (Also delicious and healthy!)

– You know those days where you get home late and overwhelmed from the day. Or maybe you’re just hangry and are about to mow down  in a bag of chips for dinner?

  • This set up works really well for THOSE days.  I show you how to get a delicious and super healthy meal on the table, ready to eat within 5 minutes of taking off your coat (or closing your laptop)
  • Complete with 3 recipes and store shopping list

CLICK HERE for details

Tagged: lessons, nutrition lessons, nutrition videos, video lessons

Posted on February 10, 2022  |  Awesome Foods

Chocolate Recipes

 Chocolate is a legit superfood!   CLICK RIGHT HERE to get the quick run down on it’s powers and how to get the best stuff for your body

Below are my top 3 chocolate recipes. Enjoy and Share with others.  OH! comment below and let me know what you think:)

ChocoAvo Pudding

Cacao Balls

VIDEO Bre’s Top Notch Hot Cocoa

Tagged: cacao, chocolate, chocolate recipes, recipes, valentines day

Posted on January 28, 2022  |  Awesome Foods

Bliss Guide! Cacao Videos + Inner Cannabis guide with mad resources!

This video tells you the science behind cacao’s bliss chemicals. Below the video get links to great products, recipes & more info on your body’s Endocannabiniod System. Relax your body and mind while becoming stronger!

Eat Chocolate AND know this first.

Chocolate Recipes

Inner Cannabis

Anandamide: The Chocolate High

CBD + Chocolate & Sex

Tagged: anandamide, Bliss, cacao, CBD, chocolate, endocannabaninoid, Endocannabanoid System, hot chocolate

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