I'm Back

Well, I'm finally back from my long weekend. And I've spent the last several days trying to catch up, which seems to be a never-ending process. It is just another reason that having a 'To Do" List that is under control is so important. There needs to be an end in sight or that feeling of overwhelm just grows without any reprieve. Remember, if you want to know more about keeping that list under control, log on to www.lonetreecoach.com and sign up for my monthly ezine, "Branch to Branch." You don't want to miss the great tips you'll receive to help make your life more manageable.

Much Needed Long Weekend

I don't know about you, but I'm looking forward to a much needed long weekend. I am going to be heading to the mountains for some more high altitude training as I get ready for my 39 mile walk this summer. (This is a picture of the river that runs along the back of our cabin.) I can hardly wait to get back to nature and just enjoy the beautiful scenery as well as relax without having to worry about all the many things on my to do list.

Speaking of "to do" lists... If you haven't checked out my website (www.lonetreecoach.com) and signed up to receive my free monthly ezine, you should put that on your list. Especially since next month's article will deal with those dreaded to do lists and how to turn them from being an overwhelming headache to a manageable organizational tool.

Enjoy your long weekend and promise yourself that you will take some time during the weekend to just sit and reflect on the beauty that surrounds you. Whether you're in the mountains, on the plains or in the city, there is always beauty to be found if the one looking for it looks hard enough. Peace!

Congratulations Graduates, Now What?

So it's graduation time. This past weekend we attended several graduation celebrations. And I was reminded of how quickly time flies. As I sat and looked at my oldest daughter and her anxious words of, " I can't wait to start kindergarten next year!" echoed in my ears, I wondered how we can let go and send them on their way without crying and hanging on forever. Then as the speaker brought me back to reality with words of congratulations and well wishes, I realized that this graduation is a bittersweet moment. As will be that first day I walk away from my daughter as she sits proudly in her seat in her new classroom.

So how do you look at transition in your life? All of these graduates are at a transition point in their lives that is bigger then anything they have ever faced. They are about to cross the threshold of their future and transition into a whole new world. Yes, it is bittersweet. Most transitions are. But as you look back after experiencing them, aren't most of them for the better? I recently heard a man by the name of David Koons say, "This or Something Better." And I put a lot of thought into that, because the way I see it, each transition is the opportunity to change. It is the opportunity to start new, to redefine yourself. It is the chance of a lifetime. You get to choose if you want to stay with this, or strive for something better. If you make up your mind what you want, and work hard, it will come to you, or maybe even something better.

It would be unhealthy to stay stuck in a rut that got you nothing but the same results. I know that the day I let my little girl go into that kindergarten classroom will be the day I start letting go of her so that she can transition into something beautiful. Will it be hard? "Hell Yes!" But will it be necessary? "Oh yeah!" We can't stay stuck where we are for fear of what is to come. Life's transitions, although bittersweet at times, are a necessary part of life.

To the graduates out there, I wish you courage to attack your future and be whomever you want to be. And to those of you stuck wondering where you will go at your next crossroads, and allowing fear to hold you back, I encourage you to look me up. Transition is sometimes scary but it doesn't have to be done alone.

Check it out!

I was recently faced with a bit of a health scare. And because I'm doing this walk, it was very apparent to me that prevention and being aware are extraordinarily important. Then strangely enough, I just spoke to one of my dear friends and she is going through a similar thing. As we talked, I was so proud of her because she is going to get everything checked right away. And we both discussed the fact that just because you don't know if it's there, doesn't mean it's not there. So I guess I want to take today's blog to remind everyone to get regular check ups. And be very in tune with your body. I was guilty of feeling embarrassed because I thought, if there was nothing wrong then I had been wasting my time and money but then I thought about how if my mom would have only wasted a little time and money in the beginning, she might be here today to enjoy her grandkids. Isn't that worth it? So, again, I urge everyone, get regular check ups, take care of yourself and don't be afraid to keep your head out of the sand...you can't find much good down there.