Serving the Sherman Oaks and Studio City communites for over 27 years
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Serving the Sherman Oaks and Studio City communites for over 27 years
It was two o’clock in the morning when I woke up with what felt like a heart attack. I’d never experienced anything like it before, so naturally, I jumped to the worst-case scenario. My heart was racing, my chest tight—panic took over. Should I call 911 or wait it out? I decided to wait, just to see if things got worse.
I slipped on my pants and shoes, ready to head for the door. I happened to be away for the weekend, staying at a hotel by the beach. My heart rate stayed around 170 beats per minute while doing absolutely nothing. Clearly, it wasn’t a heart attack—it was a panic attack. But since I’d never had one before, I figured running might help. I thought if I could match the chaos inside with movement outside, I might regain control. Thirty minutes later, I returned to my room, heart still pounding but body calmer.
A few days later, it happened again—same time, same feeling. This time I was home. Instead of panicking, I sat up and paid attention. Last time, my heart rate had eventually stabilized. I’m fit, I train regularly, so I decided to breathe through it instead of fight it. That’s when I realized: the only thing that truly helped me regulate my body was my breathing.
It became obvious that I was developing something familiar to many people—panic attacks. But unlike most, I wasn’t afraid of them anymore. In fact, I looked forward to them. Not because I enjoyed being jolted awake in the middle of the night, but because they gave me a new opportunity to learn—to practice my breathwork, to master my mind and calm my heart.
The more I had these panic attacks, the shorter they became. Eventually, they stopped altogether.
From panic attacks to cravings, from failed commitments to bad habits, I learned to see my obstacles as opportunities—to study them, to study myself.
The more I had these panic attacks, the shorter they became. Eventually, they stopped altogether.
From panic attacks to cravings, from failed commitments to bad habits, I learned to see my obstacles as opportunities—to study them, to study myself.
What do I tell myself before pouring that second glass of wine?
What runs through my head when I choose between salmon and pizza?
What’s the thought right before I hit snooze instead of hitting the gym?
I wanted to know who that guy was—the one behind those choices.
Because it sure didn’t feel like me.
I want to be fit, healthy, and fully present for my commitments. I want to give 100% to my relationships, to my work, to my daughters. I want to be successful, grounded, and fulfilled — as I know you want the same thing. Yet, something—or someone—kept getting in the way.
That voice in your head? The one that says “sleep in,” “skip the gym,” “have another drink,” “you can start Monday”? That voice isn’t you. It’s an echo of everyone who ever told you that you weren’t enough—too slow, too loud, too heavy, too much, or not enough. It’s the voice of the ones who were supposed to lift you up but stayed silent. It’s the voice of the broken, the unheard, the unseen.
That voice is not your voice.
You don’t need to fear it—but you also don’t need to obey it. You hold the power.
Next time it speaks, don’t ignore it. Don’t fight it either. Listen, question, and document it. Give it a name, a face, maybe even an address.
I became downright sarcastic with that voice:
“Why do you want me to skip the gym tomorrow?”
“Why would you like me to pour another glass when I said I want to cut back?”
I started writing those conversations down. Every single one. And you know what? The more I wrote, the quieter the voice became.
So,this New Year, instead of making another list of goals you’ll soon forget, make this your resolution:
Get to know the voice. Question it. Challenge it. Hold it accountable.
Because once you fix the voice, you fix your life.
That’s how I did it—and it worked like magic.
It gave me clarity, time to think, and a deeper understanding of myself. It helped me align my choices with my goals and turn my cravings, temptations, and fears into teachers.
So, as we step into the new year, remember this:
Our cravings and challenges aren’t enemies—they’re guides.
They’re not roadblocks; they’re stepping stones.
All we need to do is listen differently.
Happy New Year and God Bless.
4367 Woodman Ave, Sherman Oaks (Moorpark & Woodman)
12735 Ventura Blvd, Studio City (Ventura Blvd. & Coldwater Canyon)
To help you achieve optimal RESULTS, we specialize in goal specific programs.
STUDIO CITY:
Mon – Fri: 5am – 8pm
Sat – Sun: 8am – 5pm
SHERMAN OAKS:
24/7 – Appointments Only