Branch Out!

"Right" Your Life Story

2011-10-24T16:23:00.001-06:00

"You must have control of the authorship of your owndestiny. The pen that writes your life story must be held in your ownhand." - Irene C. Kassorla

What is your lifestory?

A mystery, a fairy tale, a drama, a love story, fiction orfact? Most importantly...Is it holding you back?

I repeatedly hear "stories" from my clients (and others) aboutwhy they are like they are and why it has kept them stuck. They refer to allthis as the "reasons" why they are like they are or why they haven'tmade changes. But basically, what they really are - are the excuses thatthey've become comfortable with so that they don't have to step out of their boxand change.

So I ask you:

Do you often find yourself saying things like, "Ohthat's just the way I am." "That's how I was raised." "My parents were this way, therefore, I'm..."

Do you find yourself launching into a big "story"when something doesn't work out for you. A story filled with all the reasonswhy, inadvertently putting blame on this person or that situation from yourpast. If you are, then my friend, it is time to change your story!

Start with this - sit down and briefly write your lifestory. When you are finished, read it over and look for themes. Identify anysignificant occurrences (good or bad) that you believe might have had aninfluence on who you are today in a positive or negative way. Is there anythingyou left out? Anything you want to add? Title your story. THEN - make the decision, right then and there, thatthe story of your past will no longer dictate the story that is yet to bewritten. The old story is history... the new story begins now. On a blank page,write the title of the next chapter. What do you want it to be? Who do you wantto be? How will your story shift? You are the author, you have the power towrite whatever you choose! And yes, it is okay to make a mistake, erase andstart over. Just remember, your past mayhave influenced who you are, but it does not have to control you or keep youfrom being who you want to become.

Here's to happy endings! Now write your new story...

_____________________________________________________________

If you'd like to knowmore about how I can help you live the next chapter of your story, click HERE to contact me today. Or sign up to receive a free Transformational Change Starter Kit and check out my other blog posts at www.YourBestTrueYou.com

Seven Essential Steps to Overcoming and Growing from Disappointment

2010-06-04T14:01:00.000-06:00

Well, summer is officially here! My family is home for summer vacation and we are busy planting, swimming, playing, loving and working. In other words, we are enjoying life.

Although a couple of weeks ago, we had a different story. We received some news that something we were really hoping for was not going to happen. We were disappointed to say the least. We felt let down and defeated. It would have been easy for us to sink into a slump of despair and depression but unlike disappointments we had faced in the past, we chose to handle this disappointment differently. Instead of choosing to stay there; wallowing in our own self pity and asking why, we went through a process that I want to share with you today. We set into motion a series of steps that have pushed us past that disappointment and on to making the most of the life we have while we work towards the life we want.

It’s too easy to put life off. Thinking that you’ll be happy when you get out of debt, find true love, get the job of your dreams, make it big, etc., etc. But the reality is, if you don’t bloom where you’re planted right now, not only will you miss out on a world of happiness and joy, but you will not be living or welcoming the opportunities that will actually propel you to that future faster and with greater ease.

Something not working out like you’ve planned is not a failure, it’s an opportunity. An opportunity to learn, to grow, to see what is unfolding before you and to take the next risk. It’s a chance to live. And with that thought, here are the seven essential steps to overcoming and growing from disappointment. Take these steps the next time you are faced with disappointment and you’ll feel your life propel forward.

1. Allow yourself to feel the pain. Allow yourself to grieve, to cry, and to be angry. In short, allow yourself to feel. It’s okay and it’s actually a necessary part of the process. Pretending it doesn’t bother you would not be being true to yourself and would not be healthy. Yes grieving may seem like a harsh word, but in reality, even though your disappointment may not necessarily be the loss of a loved one, it is a loss. Maybe the loss of a dream, a hope for the future, a job, an opportunity, a friend, a love… whatever. Allow yourself to grieve the loss.

2. Ask for guidance. In other words, pray or meditate. Whether you call it God, Spirit, the Universe, whatever; ask for guidance from that higher source. If we ask to be shown the way, to be guided to what’s right and best for us, then trust that that is exactly what we will be given, then no matter what comes, we can rest assured that it is the right thing. Even if we don’t see it…it is.

3. Show gratitude. It may sound like the last thing you want to do at a time of loss or disappointment, but showing gratitude for the things you do have will not only take your focus off the things you don’t have, but will renew your spirit faster then any other action you can take. Not to mention, show the world that you’re ready for more to be grateful for.

4. Ask for help. (This is a hard step for me.) I don’t like to ask for help but I am learning that not asking for help doesn’t mean you’re strong and can handle it all. Actually, it takes a very strong person to ask for help. And to allow others into your life to help. So ask for help…its okay.

5. Refocus by letting go of the attachments to expectations or outcomes that you have created and allow yourself to set new intentions on what is to come.

6. Create a plan or goals – from those intentions you have set. Then identify the steps you need to take to make that plan come to pass.

7. Take action on those steps and get moving in a positive direction again. Life is a series of choices, and you can choose to focus on the door that has been closed in front of you or you can choose to look for the new door that has been opened and take action to walk through it.

We may not know the reason that what we wanted did not come to pass, but we can rest assured that if we trust that it is because something greater is coming our way and use the challenge as an opportunity, to learn what that is, then I’m certain that good will undoubtedly come our way. Time to Grow!

Want to know what I did today?

2010-01-25T18:00:00.001-07:00

Today I did something that I haven’t done for years…and I mean YEARS! Bet you’ll never guess what it was.

Okay, give up? I took a bath in the middle of the afternoon. I lit candles, put on some spa music, threw some relaxing lavender oil in the tub and just soaked the day away. And I did it in the middle of the afternoon.

Now I don’t know about you, but it isn’t very often that I get to do something like that. But recently I had someone make the comment to me that if she had my big tub, she’d use it all the time. I replied to her that I rarely use it because I just don’t have time. Then I went into my rant about how by the time I get the kids bathed, work, cook, clean up, etc… who has time? And because I work from home, let me tell you, there are some days that I don’t even get a shower in, let alone a long soak in the tub. Then I realized, what a shame. I really am blessed with so much in my life. Even the little things like a big tub. Why ignore them? Why not take some time for myself? I talk to my clients about doing just that all the time. Be present in the moment and enjoy what I have.

So… this afternoon, I shut down the computer early, told my husband he was in charge and that I was going to take a bath. AND…not to expect me for a while, because I wasn’t coming out any time soon. To my joy, he of course said, “Okay!” And off I went. It was such a relaxing experience. Especially because I chose to completely let go. I didn’t sit in there thinking, “I should be doing this or that.” I just let go.

I’ve realized through the years that saying “I should” usually only leads to disappointment or an unsettled conflict in my heart. I took that bath because I wanted to. I took that bath because it was something that I could do for me. And that didn’t make me selfish. It made me better! Because when I got out, I was rejuvenated, relaxed and renewed. I was in balance with myself and in being so, I was more present and able to give to my family.

What is it that you haven’t done for yourself in years? What is it that you want to do but always find an excuse to not do? I want to challenge you today, as the shoe logo says, to ”Just do it!” Give yourself permission to love yourself. Give yourself permission to take care of yourself. Give yourself permission to let go and enjoy. And do it knowing that there are no “shoulds” involved. There is nothing selfish about taking care of yourself and that showing love and gentleness to yourself will have a ripple effect on those around you.

So, whatcha gonna do today? Share your thoughts. You might just give some of us a new idea. ;)

Picture the Lesson Learned

2009-11-20T10:24:00.000-07:00

I recently went through my files and files of pictures. I'm one of those people that waits forever to print them. So when I do, I usually print 300 at a time. As I was going through them I started thinking not only about the memories that they held, but also about the lessons that I could learn from my children. Kids have such a pure innocence to them. Their faith in us and the world around them is enough to make any adult's heart skip beats. If we listen and observe, we can learn a lot of life lessons from our children.

Remember that old poster you used to read in the doctor's office all the time? "All I ever needed to know I learned in Kindergarten." It's not really about the Kindergarten class; it is because that time in our lives was before we let the world's views interfere with us and our faith or confidence. You see, I'm a firm believer that we already have the answers to our internal questions, if we will just be still and trust in the answers that we give ourselves. The problem is, we let our own fears and insecurities get in our way of receiving them.

So, anyway, back to the pictures... today I want to leave you with a few pictures that symbolize some simple lessons that we all need reminded of periodically.

1. Kick it in gear... you can break any barrier that gets in your way.

2. Don't be afraid to take a leap of faith. That's the best way to get to where you want to be.

3. Stop and smell the roses and see the beauty all around you.

4. Laugh a lot, be silly and enjoy life, even the messy parts.

Now, I challenge you to go through your own pictures and find some that will provide important reminders to you. Post them up around your home and then be open to the daily lessons that present themselves to you.

If you have children of your own, take a step back and allow yourself to learn a lesson or two from them. You’ll be amazed at what you can see in the face of a small child, if you look hard enough. And, you'll be surprised at what you learn... I know I always am!

Blessings,
Michelle

PS - If you like this article and would like to read more like it, you can subscribe to my newsletter by going to http://www.lonetreecoach.com/ and clicking on the tree button at the top of the page.

One Flight Down – Norah Jones and Your Beliefs

2009-11-05T10:10:00.003-07:00

I was originally attracted to this blog post because I really like Norah Jones' music, but after listening and reading the message, I thought it was worthy of sharing with all of you!

One Flight Down – Norah Jones and Your Beliefs

To Everything There Is a Season

2009-11-02T13:13:00.013-07:00

I was in my car the other morning listening to the radio and just as I was about to get out, the song that was playing really caught my attention and I just had to write about it. It was “Turn, Turn, Turn” from the band, The Byrds. Yes, I know, the first thing you’re wondering is what station was I listening to… but let’s look past that, I know it’s an old song. You may or may not know the song but let me start by enlightening you with the lyrics. Take your time and really let the words sink in as you read them.

Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There Is a Season)
By The Byrds

To everything - turn, turn, turn

There is a season - turn, turn, turn

And a time for every purpose under heaven

A time to be born, a time to die

A time to plant, a time to reap

A time to kill, a time to heal

A time to laugh, a time to weep

To everything - turn, turn, turn

There is a season - turn, turn, turn

And a time for every purpose under heaven

A time to build up, a time to break down

A time to dance, a time to mourn

A time to cast away stones

A time to gather stones together

To everything - turn, turn, turn

There is a season - turn, turn, turn
And a time for every purpose under heaven

A time of war, a time of peace
A time of love, a time of hate
A time you may embrace
A time to refrain from embracing

To everything - turn, turn, turn
There is a season - turn, turn, turn
And a time for every purpose under heaven

A time to gain, a time to lose
A time to rend, a time to sew
A time to love, a time to hate
A time of peace, I swear it's not too late!

So as I sat there, I thought to myself, what season is it for me? Fall is here and the weather is beginning to change. But that’s not all that is changing. It really is time for a season of change in our world. Is it time for a season of change in your own life?

Is it a time to plant or reap for you? Is it a time to build up, to dance, to love, to gain? There truly is a time for every purpose under heaven. The question is; have you found your purpose? And are you ready to make a change to fulfill that purpose?

You can embrace it or you can resist it, but change is inevitable in our lives. Use this fall’s changing season as an opportunity for you to create positive changes in your life. There is a season for everything…let this be your season.

Take Rest - A field that has rested gives a bountiful crop. ~ Ovid

2009-10-19T10:35:00.000-06:00

As autumn is approaching it is a time to remember that all good things need rest and regeneration. The earth must do this in order to have a bountiful crop the next year. If it never rested, then eventually it would wear out. Does that sound like you? Pushing to the limit and never resting then wondering why you are not productive. Maybe taking some time to regenerate would prove to be fruitful for you.

I haven’t always viewed the fall season in such a forward focused way. I actually spent most of my life with a much different perspective. I always hated that I was born in the fall. The leaves were falling off the trees, grass was dying and the earth seemed to be shedding its beauty. Then my perspective began to change. I started to see the fall as a perfect time to let go of the things I had been carrying with me. I could slough off what was weighing me down and look for rest in order to regenerate a new beginning. It is amazing how when you take time for yourself, you can find more time and energy to be productive in other areas of your life.

Often when we struggle with disappointments in life, we come to a point that in order to move on, we have to let go. We have to let the old thoughts or disappointments go in order to generate a new future for ourselves.

So whether you’re thinking you need to change old habits and start fresh or let go of life’s disappointments, don’t wait for a new year to resolve to change. I challenge you to use this autumn season to lose the old habits and start anew, to let go of old hurts and disappointments and create a new future for yourself. Get rid of what’s causing your inner “plant” to die and get prepared for a new season of hopes to come. Take rest and be ready to be even more bountiful then you might have imagined!

2009-09-10T12:00:00.003-06:00

Put on your best black tie attire and pour yourself a glass of something that bubbles because my friend Kelly O’Neil, the only marketing expert focusing exclusively on marketing to the affluent, is hosting the event of the season on September 17th, and this is your VIP invitation to attend:

“How to Find Affluent Clients -
Finally, Learn the Insider Secrets of Finding Clients
Who Can Actually Afford Your Products and Services”

This one-time-only call will reveal the elegant solution to a huge challenge small business owners everywhere are experiencing: too many prospects saying “no” to our products and services because they can’t afford to pay for them.

If you’re like me, you did not start your business to make just enough money to survive and you did not start your business to struggle and you sure as heck did not start your business to fail! So why are you working so hard marketing to people who don’t have the money to pay for your services? Marketing to the affluent is the single most powerful success strategy you can employ in this or any economy.

Here’s the deal: marketing your products and services today requires a different strategy than before. People are buying and they are buying the kinds of products and services you offer. (They are even paying premium prices!) And finding those clients who want your services and can afford to pay for them is exactly what Kelly knows how to do like no one else I know.

You see, Kelly knows the mindset of the affluent because she grew up in the exclusive world of the super wealthy. The daughter of an ultra-successful entrepreneurial dad, Silicon Valley during the roaring 80’s was her childhood playground. Luxurious homes, amazing vacations, country club memberships and even a private plane were simply how life was for Kelly.

Once on her own however, Kelly had to step up if she wanted to continue to enjoy the lifestyle of her childhood and step up she has! Entrepreneurial brilliance was clearly passed from father to daughter and Kelly’s own business success now affords her own family a lifestyle of affluence in the very neighborhood she grew up in.

So when Kelly promises “insider information” on marketing to the affluent, it’s not just a phrase to peak your interest, it’s the real deal, because Kelly’s the real deal.
Please do not delay taking action on this exclusive VIP invitation to join Kelly on the evening of September 17, 2009. All you need to do now is follow this link to RSVP: http://www.1shoppingcart.com/app/?Clk=3252509

Blessings,
Michelle

It's Next Week! Don't Miss it!

2009-08-27T10:05:00.005-06:00

Just wanted to remind everyone about the call that my friends - super-successful conscious entrepreneurs and published authors - Christine Kloser and Lynne Klippel are doing next Tuesday, September 1, 2009.

If you:
1)are a conscious entrepreneur on a mission to serve thousands
2)feel the urge to write your book and keep telling yourself, “I’ll get to it.” (But never do.)
3)are committed to seeing your business grow even through our challenging economic times
4)are someone who has a message you want to share with the world

… please take just a moment and reserve your free all-access ticket to this important event.

Lynne and Christine will reveal:
•The secret to writing a book that changes lives
•How to set yourself up for “best-selling” status from the very first word
•The unknown yet critical question you must ask yourself when writing your book
•How to use your book to super-charge your marketing strategy so you reach tens, even hundreds of thousands with your important message
•Hot to guarantee your book GETS DONE
•And, much more…

Plus, your registration will open the door to Christine and Lynne’s private blog where they are sharing even more trade secrets with you right now.

I urge you if you’re thinking about writing a book or would like to learn more about the marketing power your book holds, this is a call you do not want to miss!

This invitation has come to you at the perfect time and for the perfect reason – for you to shine your brilliance into the world and be the success you chose to be!

I personally can’t wait for the call and I know that if you join me, you will be so thrilled and grateful that you did!

Get the full scoop here:
http://loveyourlifepublishing.com/cmd.php?Clk=3166291

Peace & Health,
Michelle

PS: Christine and Lynne have helped hundreds, just like you and I, to “published author” status. The information they will share on this call is truly golden!
Don't miss it, sign up here NOW!

“Without taking the Get Your Book Done class I would still be guessing how to make my book possible. The class structure, material and support are of superb quality. I especially benefited from the interaction with two teachers who treated my success as their own.” ~ A. Petrenko

Want to Write a Book?

2009-08-10T14:55:00.004-06:00

Recently, I've had several people telling me that I should write a book. Have you ever thought about writing one? Nearly 8 out of 10 people say they “want to write a book”!

Yes, the number really is that high – The problem is so few of us actually do it.

Consider Pareto’s Principal (also known as the 80/20 rule); of the 80% who have a book inside them yearning to come out and serve the world, at most 20% begin their project and only 20% of those complete it and at most 20% of those publish their work.

Running the math beginning with 80 people out of 100 who want to write a book yields only 0.64 people will actually start, finish and ultimately publish a book! Yikes – 0.64 out of 100 is not good odds!

But, I have good news for you today; news that will put the “published author” odds in your favor.

Yes, you can get your book done – really, and today I’d like to introduce you to two super-successful published authors, conscious entrepreneurs and master mentors of the book writing process: Lynne Klippel and Christine Kloser who are going to dish the dirt on what it really takes to Get Your Book Done.

Lynne and Christine are amazing. Former “competitors”, they have joined their hearts and minds and merged their complementary skill sets to create the most powerful book writing program for conscious entrepreneurs, speakers, coaches and teachers ever to be offered.

The program is called Get Your Book Done (because that is what you will do!), and Lynne and Christine have scheduled a one-time-only free call on September 1, 2009, that promises to be loaded with writing tips and tools to get your heart inspired, your mind opened and your fingers tapping the QWERTY keys on your lap top even before their one-of-a-kind program gets underway.

Reserve your space for this call right now by clicking here:
http://loveyourlifepublishing.com/cmd.php?Clk=3166290

I know I’ll be there and I hope you will too!

Blessings,
Michelle

BTW: In addition to the free call, when you register, you will also gain access to Lynne and Christine’s private blog where they will be sharing some very valuable information on what can happen in your business after you Get Your Book Done – trust me, right now, nothing could be more important to you and your business than the information they will share with you! This link connects you to both the call and the private blog.

http://loveyourlifepublishing.com/cmd.php?Clk=3166290

Time to Unplug

2009-07-07T15:26:00.005-06:00

Hey There!

Hope your summer is going well. I know mine is flying by faster then I'd like. I just finished a busy month of teleseminars and radio shows, so I was feeling a little burnt out. We all need time to relax and take a break from our daily lives once in a while, so my family and I took a much needed mini-vacation to the mountains this past weekend.

I didn't have any cell phone service, TV or internet access. It was so great to get away and "unplug!" I had time to think, read, and enjoy. By doing it, I have come back with a refreshing sense of renewal and excitement to jump back into my work. I think all to often, we push and push to be "doing" something when what we need is to step back and just be.

So, just for fun, I thought I'd focus this week's post on finding out what all of you do to relax and unplug! Leave your comments and share what you do and how it helps you. Then sit back for a few minutes and just relax, breathe and be...

Peace & Health,
Michelle

2009-06-19T15:57:00.002-06:00

Just got a new book. Can't wait to see what my strengths and weeknesses are and how I can use them to my benefit. It's a really good book and the test comes with it. Check it out:

Secret Pleasures of Eating

2009-06-10T13:53:00.002-06:00

Do you feel that your weight and eating cycles are holding you back from doing what you want to do in life? Do you anxiously fear that you'll never be able to manage your weight? Do your cravings expand to become all-consuming, sabotaging "the weight loss plan" or maybe your cravings feel "out of control"?

Our culture revolves around eating fast, on the run, and often under stress, not only removing most of the pleasure and creating digestive upset, but also wreaking havoc on your metabolism.

Join me on Tuesday, June 23rd, at 7pm EST for a FREE call as I interview Nicole Ohebshalom, nutritionist and owner of Radiant Living Wellness, one on one. If you are ready to increase your relationship with food, take control of your eating cycles, and lose weight without dieting and calorie-counting then don’t miss this call!

On this call, Nicole will uncover secrets to:
- Recognize where you may be inadvertently sabotaging your weight loss efforts.
- Gain more pleasure during a meal instead of being in your emotions or in quick drive
- Understand your personal cravings and foods to find your balance
- Learn tools to end the yo-yo cycle of restriction in calorie counting and food points. Instead, learn to listen to your own unique body and hunger.
- Discover why self-control doesn't melt off the pounds and what really does.

Register now, as lines are limited to the first 100 people to sign up and you don't want to miss the opportunity to join us on this call. And don't worry, if for some reason, you are not able to make the call, it will be recorded, but you must be registered to receive the recording. Please send an email to michelle@lonetreecoach.com with your name in the subject line and you will get an email back with the call in details.

Were You There?

2009-06-03T14:51:00.002-06:00

Were you there for the FREE Teleseminar, "Where Does The Time Go?" If you missed it, you still have a chance to listen to the call. Just click HERE to listen. But you better hurry, because the offer I talked about on the call is only available for a limited time. So you better not wait, check it out now!

Where Does The Time Go?

2009-05-27T11:26:00.002-06:00

Where does the time go? Have you asked yourself that question lately? Maybe it was after you realized that you've been out of school for 20 years, yet you still haven't decided what you really want to be when you grow up. Or maybe you looked in the mirror and saw a new wrinkle, another gray hair or ten more pounds. Then again, maybe it's something you ask yourself every day after you've looked at your to-do list at the end of the day and realize that you didn't get done what you'd hoped. So where does the time go? Do you want to know the answer? Do you want to reclaim your time so that you can rediscover your life? Then this is just the thing for you...

Join me on Tuesday, June 2nd, at 7pm EST for a FREE call as Nicole Ohebshalom, nutrition counselor and owner of Radiant Living Wellness interviews me one on one. As a mother of two and a business owner myself, I knows first hand that you can have it all if you get clear about who you are and what it is you really want in your life. On this call, I will be revealing secrets to:

Eliminating time sealers
Finding space so you can identifywhat you really want in life
Creating goals based on your own expectations
Organizing your life to be more effective and efficient
Taking action to keep from getting overwhelmed with daily tasks

Register now, as lines are limited to the first 100 people to sign up and you don't want to miss the opportunity to join us on this call. And don't worry, if for some reason, you are not able to make the call, it will be recorded, but you must be registered to receive the recording. Sign up now and as an added bonus, you'll not only receive a subscription to my monthly newsletter, Branch to Branch, which is designed to inspire and motivate you to live the authentic life of your dreams, but you'll also receive a complimentary subscription to Nicole's Radiant Living Wellness newsletter intended to inspire you to live a radiant and nutritious life! Registration is fast and easy! Simply go to http://tinyurl.com/pxsj40 to register and receive the details. Oh, and feel free to forward this invitation to your friends and colleagues. Just be sure to reserve YOUR spot first!

If you want to be able to look back on a life well lived and know where the time went? Then don't miss this call.

Give us a little of your time, and we'll give you some time back in your life! Register Now! Click Here!

Tough Chicks!

2009-04-19T05:00:00.000-06:00

Well, as promised... I am going to fill you in on my trip to Las Vegas...

I went there for an event called Experience the Reality of Success. (ERS for short.) Put on by a man by the name of David Neagle. That's me and my friend MaryKay in the picture with him.

It was a week long event which was tough for me because that was the longest I have ever been away from my girls. But additionally, the information we were given and the challenges that were placed before us were more then I would have ever expected. The cool thing is that I got everything I was wanting to experience out of the conference. How often does that happen? The reason... because I was willing to step out of my comfort zone and actually experience it. And interestingly enough, what I learned is that I don't have to be a tough chick all the time and put up a front that I'm always fine, always in control, and can always handle things on my own. The other thing I learned is that being vulnerable does not mean you are weak... who knew! Being vulnerable and open, although sometimes scary, is essential for experiencing life to it's fullest.

Since then, I have launched a group on facebook called "Tough Chicks." It is a group designed for anyone who has ever felt like they had to be someone they weren't or who might be afraid to open up and let the world know who they really are. And don't let the name fool you... guys are in the group too. If you're on facebook and interested in joining this amazing group, check it out. I think you'll enjoy it. http://groups.to/toughchicks/

The Recap

2009-04-09T17:30:00.006-06:00

Hey everyone! I'm finally back from all my travels and getting caught up from being gone. I just thought I'd update you on my activities since I've been gone.

I believe the last time I wrote, the Lady Wildcats were headed to the state basketball tournament. They had a tough tournament, having to play the #1, #2, and #4 teams in the state. They beat the #4 team, only lost to the #2 team by five and the #1 team... well, there's a reason they are #1. So, they ended their season ranked sixth in the state. Not a bad year at all. I am extremely proud of them. They did a fantastic job and as I said before, there are definitely lessons we can learn from them by watching them step out of their comfort zone and just play ball.

Which leads me to my next trip, the conference I went to in Las Vegas... but I'll save that for my next post. Have a Happy Easter!

Good Luck Lady Wildcats!

2009-03-08T15:58:00.003-06:00

I have spent the last several months attending high school basketball games. As most of you know, my husband is the head girls basketball coach, so it keeps us very busy. But this year in particular, has kept us busy as the Lady Wildcats have rallied to a remarkable season. They will be advancing this coming weekend to the State Championship tournament. It is such an honor to make it to this level. They have battled in game after game to have the right to be one of the top teams in the state. Only seven other teams make it to this level.

They will have a tough road ahead of them this coming weekend as they will go in eighth seed and have to play the number one team in the state. But they have faced such battles before and they always play with so much heart and dedication. As I watched them beat the number one team in their region this past weekend by one point to earn their spot among the best in the state, it struck me quite profoundly that if we all gave everything we had in the things we are passionate about, we'd find that success as well. They gave blood, sweat and tears, literally, and although they haven't won them all, they have come out winners more times then not.

No matter how this weekend's tournament turns out, they have a lot to be proud about. And we can all learn some lessons from them.

Fight for what you want.
Give it your all.
Keep working.
Put it all out there.
Practice and then practice some more.
Don't be afraid of the competition.
You don't always know what the outcome will be, that's why you play the game.
Do what you are passionate about with all your heart.

Good Luck Lady Wildcats! You're number one in my heart...

Sensible Strategies to Reclaim and Manage Your Time

2009-02-06T15:39:00.000-07:00

Do you find yourself constantly rushing? Always in a hurry? Never enough time in your day? Over stressed, over worked, overwhelmed…

Are you ready for a way to take back control of your life and find the time and space you need to rediscover yourself?

Whether you are a mother that works in the home or out of the home, you know how hard it can be to juggle all the demands that life places on you. Feeling like you don’t have enough time to get things done is one of the biggest struggles for women today. If you can relate to this, then I have just the thing for you. No, I haven’t discovered a magical equation for creating time. But what I have created is a program designed to help you use the 24 hours you do have more productively and efficiently.

Join me on Wednesday, February 11th at 7pm MST for a FREE call as I reveal the key components of this fabulous time management program:

“Sensible Strategies to Reclaim and Manage Your Time”

• Eliminating time stealers
• Finding space so you can identify what you really want in life
• Creating goals based on your own expectations
• Organizing your life to be more effective and efficient
• Taking action to keep from getting overwhelmed with daily tasks

Register now, as lines are limited and you don’t want to miss the opportunity to join me on this call. The call will be available by live web-stream and teleconference lines. The choice is yours. And if for some reason, you can’t make the call, it will be recorded, but you must be registered to receive the recording. Sign up now and as an added bonus, you’ll receive a complimentary subscription to my monthly newsletter which is designed to inspire and motivate. Registration is fast and easy! Simply go to www.lonetreecoach.com/seminars.html and fill in your email address to receive the details within 24 hours.

Give me a little of your time, and I’ll give you some time back in your life!

Is This You?

2009-02-06T15:34:00.001-07:00

So there you are, eating a power bar, drinking coffee and applying your makeup; all while in the car driving to work. Totally frustrated because traffic is bad and you’re running late AGAIN, in spite of the fact that you must have yelled, “Hurry up!” at your children at least 25 times before you left the house. You scurry into work as your morning haste sets the tone for your entire day and you feel rushed with all you try to do. Riddled with guilt because you were late and smothered by the tasks you think you need to get done, you also feel obligated to stay after work, which inevitably makes you late picking up the kids at daycare. And the pattern continues. Late supper, late to bed… Rushing, running, stressed, frustrated, and overwhelmed. It is time to stop rushing and racing. It’s time - to get some time back in your life!

If you are ready for a way to take back control of your life and find the time and space you need to rediscover yourself then it's time for you to register for my FREE teleseminar, "Sensible Strategies to Reclaim and Manage Your Time."

Registration is fast and easy! Simply go to my website at http://www.lonetreecoach.com/seminars.html and fill in your email address to receive the details within 24 hours.

Give me a little of your time, and I’ll give you some time back in your life!

Where has the time gone?

2009-01-21T14:50:00.003-07:00

WOW...I can't believe that the month of January is almost over already. Where did the time go? Have you made your resolutions for this year? If you haven't, then you might want to get a move on. You know being aware of changes you need to make in your life is the first step to actually changing. The second step is devising a plan to make it happen. Start with defining your values, what is truly important to you in your life. Then using the SMART acronym, create your goals by being sure they have each of the following component:

Specifics
Measurable Outcomes
Action Steps
Realistic Expectations
Time Line for Completion

Then get started. The part that creates the most failure in people's plans is the action phase. All too often, a brilliant plan is devised but action is never taken, leaving the plan to die on the vine. Don't forget to take action. Without it, your goals are just an empty thought.

So what are you waiting for...time is going by, get moving?

Did You Survive?

2008-12-27T17:50:00.003-07:00

Okay, so the holiday season is coming to an end...did you survive it? Were you able to take some of the things you learned in my holiday teleseminar and apply it to your holiday season in order to be stress free?

If not, then I guess that it's time to start planning those New Year's Resolutions! If you are one of those people who always sets unrealistic resolutions only to be disappointed later when they fail, then I have help for you. Check out my article at http://www.mydiningspot.com/ under the "Coach's Corner" to learn how to set SMART Resolutions this year.

Here's wishing you a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year!

Aliyah's Fight

2008-12-09T10:45:00.003-07:00

My heart is heavy today as I have to tell you all about a family I know. A friend of mine has a friend who's little girl has leukemia and has undergone a bone morrow transplant using cells from her brother. They have just tested her cells and it is not sounding good. The leukemic cells have increased to 30% and it is considered a relapse at 20% leukemic cells. So now they will have to go through it all again and hope the new cells will attack the immature cells and take over, however, there is a fine line as the new cells could also start attacking her major organs.

I just finished reading a book about a woman who started with breast cancer and it spread to her bones so she goes through the bone morrow and chemo process. The way she describes it made my stomach turn so I can't imagine what this poor family and that little girl must be going through. Anyway, please put them in your prayers and feel free to pass this blog message on to others. We are all so very blessed with good health and yet sometimes we think we have it rough...ha! We have no idea. My heart aches for this family and sadly enough, there are many people in the world like this. So keep the rest of the world in mind this holiday season. There are people out their who need prayers for healing and peace, and especially pray for Aliyah, a little girl fighting a big fight.

Operation Christmas Child

2008-11-22T12:18:00.003-07:00

If you've never had the opportunity to get involved in Operation Christmas Child, I urge you to this year. It is a wonderful project run by Samaritan's Purse and each year they deliver thousands of shoe boxes full of gifts to children in countries around the world. One of the organizations that I belong to gathers things each year and tries to fill as many boxes as possible. Here you'll see a picture of us with our boxes this year.I think we had a new record of over thirty boxes. To find out more about how you can do your part, go to http://www.samaritanspurse.org/ and hurry up...the deadline is coming soon!

FREE Teleclass: Five Common Holiday Pitfalls and the Survival Tools You Need to Conquer Them

2008-11-10T14:52:00.003-07:00

Just a reminder about my upcoming teleclass, "Five Common Holiday Pitfalls and the Survival Tools You Need to Conquer Them."

As we launch into November, the holiday season is just around the corner. If thoughts of the holidays bring anxiety to mind instead of sugar plums dancing in your head, then keep reading, because I have the answer for you.

Before long we’ll be consumed with the glimmer and glitz of the holidays. Shopping, baking, parties and not enough time to get everything done. So how can you keep you’re holiday season from turning into a holiday hassle? Join me, on November 13th at 7:00pm (MST), in my upcoming teleclass, “Five Common Holiday Pitfalls and The Survival Tools You Need to Conquer Them.” In this workshop, I will tackle some of the most common holiday pitfalls and reveal top notch strategies for conquering them and staying stress free through the holidays.

In this teleclass, we will discuss:

*How to Keep from Getting Overwhelmed with Extra Holiday Tasks such as shopping, cards, baking, parties, decorating, and more
*Ways to Keep from Gaining Extra Pounds through the holiday season
*How to Tame Overspending so you don’t blow your bank account
*How to Keep from Running Yourself Ragged with Social Gatherings
*Strategies to Keep Depression and Family Feuds at Bay during the holiday season

In the spirit of the holiday season, and a season of giving, I’m giving you the opportunity to join me on this call for FREE. This is a one time only opportunity and space is limited so contact me today to get on the list. Simply click send me an email at michelle@lonetreecoach.com with your name and the word “holiday” in the subject line. I’ll send you the telebridge phone number and the access code in a return email. Also, in addition to being able to join me on the call, you’ll receive a free subscription to the monthly ezine, “Branch to Branch.”

Remember, don’t delay, there is a limited amount of space available on the call and you don’t want to miss it. Be ready to tackle this holiday season with excitement and gusto!

Need Your Help

2008-11-03T13:13:00.002-07:00

Hello All,

I need your help with a little something. You see, in order to stay in the top five and remain on the home page at www.mydiningspot.com I have to continue to get clicks to my articles. In the last week, the Screening Room has just beat me out of my spot. So I want to ask and encourage you to continue to check out the site and read my articles. There is a new article every two weeks and for those of you who are in Colorado, you'll be happy to know that Colorado will be one of the featured states soon.

So help me out...please!

Upcoming Event!!!

2008-10-28T16:00:00.002-06:00

Hello All,

I wanted to tell you about a free teleseminar that I am offering just in time for the holidays... Join me on November 13th at 7pm Mountain Time, as I tackle 5 common holiday pitfalls and reveal top notch strategies for conquering them and staying stress free through the holidays. To register for the workshop, go to lonetreecoach.com and put the word "holidays" in the comments line of the contact form. From there you will receive the bridge line number and all the details about the event; as well as a free subscription to my monthly newsletter, "Branch to Branch."

I'll look forward to "seeing" you on the call!
Michelle

Amnesia

2008-10-24T15:51:00.003-06:00

I was recently watching the show "Samantha Who?" on ABC. It is about a woman who has amnesia and is trying to figure out who she really is. She is finding that she doesn't like who she used to be and since she is rediscovering herself, figures she might as well make some changes and be a better person for it. And as I sat there watching, I thought, "Wow, in a way she's kind of lucky." What if we all had a case of amnesia? Wouldn't it be nice if you could just forget the past and reinvent yourself into whomever you wanted to be? And then I thought, "why not?" We all have that capability, yet for some reason, we hold on to the misery of our past and the fear of not being able to change.

So I've invented,what I'm sure could never be a true medical term, but none the less, is my new term. I call it, "Selective Amnesia." And no that's not the same as denial... I like to think of selective amnesia as giving yourself permission to forget past mistakes or regrets in order to get on with your life. So, get on with it! Redefine who you are...start new...and don't look back.

Cold and Rainy Today

2008-10-14T12:59:00.006-06:00

It's cold, rainy and gloomy today...a good day to stay inside and snuggle up on the couch.

Where do you find comfort and relaxation? For me there's nothing better then watching movies all day. Especially those that make me laugh and forget the world for a while. It's fun to get lost in a good movie and let yourself regenerate.

Have you taken time lately to just relax and regenerate? During the fall, the earth sheds it's beauty and goes dormant so that it can start new in the spring and regenerate in greater abundance. Maybe we can all learn something from that. This fall, allow yourself some time to relax and regenerate. Chances are, you'll find you will be energized and more productive if you do take some time once in a while. So don't just wait for a cold day, make room for relaxation in your life now. It will be well worth your time.

After all...the holidays are just around the corner. You'll need that energy!

To read more about this topic, check out my current article this week from the "Coach's Corner" at www.mydiningspot.com.

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

2008-10-13T01:25:00.000-06:00

At the risk of sounding like a broken record to you...let me remind you again to please do regular breast exams and get yearly mammograms if you are forty or older. This month is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and so I want to encourage you to pass the word on to everyone you know. One in eight people will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. It is definitely more prevalent for those with a family history or who might not take good care of their health. But if I've learned one thing from Cara's experience, it's that cancer doesn't discriminate. She has no family history, eats healthy, exercises daily, and she was young... all the opposite of those at high risk. If it can happen to her, it can happen to anyone...you aren't exempt!

So take care of yourself...and save the boobies!

Race Results :o)

2008-10-08T11:45:00.002-06:00

Well, as expected, the race was fabulous! There were over 60,000 people in it and the Colorado weather didn't disappoint. It was a beautiful day in the mile-high city. It also made Cara very happy to have the chance to share the day with so many people before her first round of chemo on Monday.

There were ten of us who did the race with her, including my daughters. My five year old even ran most of it. (I’m very proud of her.) Here is a picture of all of us, with our pink hair and our “We 'Cara' bout beating cancer” shirts on.

Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure

2008-10-03T18:30:00.003-06:00

Hello All!

Just a reminder that this weekend is the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Denver... If you still haven't made the commitment to join the race,then at least join the action by watching it on television. I'm sure you'll be inspired! It will be on Channel 9 News Sunday Morning. Tune in and let the spirit of the race embrace you. And look for me...who knows, it could happen!

Peace & Health,
Michelle

PS - October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month...get checked and remind every woman you know to do the same. You're never too young to start taking care of yourself.

"Ta-Da!"

2008-09-29T14:50:00.002-06:00

My two year old daughter's new favorite thing is to say "Ta-Da" after she does something that apparently she thinks is amazing. It made me laugh at first and then I thought...she's got it! Why not say "Ta-Da" when we accomplish something in our life that we didn't expect. I know there are a few people out there who love to toot their own horn, but the vast majority never say a word. Now that isn't all bad if you're doing it for the right reasons. There are many who like to make anonymous donations, or do a nice deed without taking any credit for it. Those aren't the people I'm talking about either. The one's I'm thinking of, are the people who never make mention of what they're doing because they don't think it's good enough. Or they're worried that someone will laugh or not value it. The reality is that they haven't put enough value in themselves. So I'm sending out this post today to encourage you to shout "Ta Da" at the top of you're lungs the next time you accomplish something. No matter how big or small, be proud of what you do and who you are. You never know when sharing what you've done might inspire others to do something too. After all, that's been a huge part of my blog entries and the response I've gotten from those who've said I've inspired them has been overwhelming. Stick your toe in the water and watch the ripple effect...

Ta-Da!

I'm at it again...

2008-09-23T13:22:00.003-06:00

...at what you ask? Oh, just trying to do my part to fight cancer.

You remember when I told you about my sister-in-law, Cara, who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer? Well, she has had a double mastectomy and is getting ready to undergo chemotherapy treatments starting October 6th. And when I asked her what we could do for her, you know what she said... "Come up to Denver and run in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure with me." The race is October 5th, the day before her first treatment and she is going to prove to herself and everyone else that she is going to stay strong in her fight against cancer. So, my husband and I have registered and will be running that day with her and Keith. Want to join us?

Contact me if you're interested by either sending me an email at michelle@lonetreecoach.com or just comment on this post and I'll get back to you. We'd love to have you join Team Cara to show that you "Cara" lot about the fight against cancer! Also, if you are in another state and would like to know more about getting involved in your area, go to http://www.komen.org/

Oh, and we are accepting donations for the race. If you are interested in making a donation, you can let me know about that as well. I don't have a page set up like I did on my last race because it is such short notice that I am doing this race. But any donation is appreciated and we will deliver it on the day of the race.

My New Gig...

2008-09-12T06:54:00.000-06:00

Hello All,

Just wanted to let you know some exciting news... I have recently been asked to be the resident expert on a site called Mydiningspot.com. Don't let the name fool you, I'm not going to be talking about food. But I am going to be giving food for thought on life and all it's challenges. They are expanding their site to provide a more well rounded array of what people need in life. So I will now be featured on their home page under a column called "Coach's Corner."

You can not only read my articles, but also participate in the "Ask the Coach" section. Where I'll be answering questions from my readers. Plus, it's a pretty cool site in general, lots of good info including recipes and restaurant reviews.

The website is www.mydiningspot.com. Have a good weekend everyone!

Prayers For Cara

2008-09-08T13:37:00.004-06:00

You all know that I did the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer this past June, but at that time, I had no idea I would be writing this blog to you today to ask you to pray for someone I know. My sister-in-law Cara, who is only 29 years old, has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Ironically, she was a volunteer at the walk (that's us together in the picture) and didn't know at that time that she was going to be "the one" in the "one in three" that are effected by it. Anyway, I am asking you to keep her in your thoughts and prayers. She has just undergone a mastectomy and had several lymph nodes removed. She will be receiving her prognosis today and will soon find out how much chemotherapy she will have to endure. We are hoping that she won't have to have more surgery in the future or receive radiation, but those are both real possibilities.

Please remember to take care of yourselves. You just truly never know and let me tell you my friend...contrary to how we all feel at times, we are not invincible.

Okay, so there was the trip...

2008-08-31T11:31:00.002-06:00

For those of you who read my last blog about everyday love, and thought I was absolutely crazy... I just thought I'd clarify. I don't want you to get me wrong, I love romance just like the next girl. But it's the little things that we encounter each day with each other that really makes our relationship grow. It's the everyday stuff that makes me love my husband the most. However, he does know how to incorporate romance into our lives too. So in an effort to let you see the whole picture, I thought it only fair to let you know that we took a trip to San Francisco and toured wineries this spring to celebrate our anniversary since we knew we wouldn't have time right now.

Therefore, ladies and gentlemen, you're not completely off the hook. Romance is always good...we do love flowers, but picking up your dirty socks is pretty cool too!

What's Love Got To Do With It?

2008-08-29T10:47:00.009-06:00

Yesterday my husband and I celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary. It's hard to believe that we've actually been married that long. It seems like just a day ago we were newlyweds living in a rent house with used furniture and thinking we were so in love.

Now here we are, 15 years later. And strangely enough, somehow we actually love each other even more then we did back then. The romantic love that new relationships experience is always fun, but it's the day to day love that really gets you through life. We have been through a lot together. Eight years of infertility, five years of having the most beautiful children in the world and many moments in between. We've laughed, fought, partied and worked together. He is my biggest fan, my provider, my workout partner, my children's father, my lover and my best friend.

Yes, romantic love is nice, so you might be wondering if he got me flowers or a new diamond for our anniversary. No, I told him all I wanted for our anniversary was for him to take the trash out. Because it's not about diamonds. Everyday that I get to spend with him is a gift. And it's that everyday love that has sustained us for the last fifteen years. We don't play games with each other, we don't keep secrets from each other and we don't hold grudges.

If you're in a relationship that needs work, think about what's really important. Love has everything to do with it. It's the little things that count.

To read more about the little things in love that matter, check out one of my past ezine articles, "Love & Little Things" by clicking here: www.lonetreecoach.com/ezines/ezine12.pdf
Then if you enjoy that article, you can sign up for my newsletter at www.lonetreecoach.com/contact.html

First Day of School

2008-08-27T15:39:00.004-06:00

School started last Monday for us. And much to my dismay, my oldest daughter started kindergarten. She was so excited and I was filled with such mixed emotions. Don't get me wrong, I was excited for her but yet my heart was aching with sadness that my little girl was getting so big. It is interesting that the thing we want most for our children - to grow up and become intelligent, independent individuals - can hurt so much. Yet, I put a smile on my face and sent her on her way.

And as my youngest daughter and I get settled into our new routine without big sis around, I realize how fast life moves. I think about the many other transition points that we will be encountering over the next several years. (What will I do when the little one goes to school too?) Those thoughts of course blossom into the transitions that we face throughout all of life. I don't think there is ever a time when we are not going through some type of transition, whether they be transitions of choice or not. And I guess that's a good thing since I base my business on helping individuals work though those transitions by making positive changes in their lives. So with that, I want to remind you all that change is inevitable, so embrace it and run with it. Refusing to do so will only leave you behind. Here's to moving forward...

Giving Up Wine...

2008-08-21T12:52:00.005-06:00

Those of you who know me, know how much I love wine. I share that love with several friends. One of them sent me a little story and I just couldn't resist sharing it with you. Enjoy!

I was walking down the street when I was accosted by a particularly dirty and shabby-looking homeless woman who asked me for a couple of dollars for dinner. I took out my wallet, got out ten dollars and asked, 'If I give you this money, will you buy wine with it instead of dinner?' 'No, I had to stop drinking years ago,' the homeless woman told me. 'Will you use it to go shopping instead of buying food?' I asked. 'No, I don't waste time shopping,' the homeless woman said. 'I need to spend all my time trying to stay alive.' 'Will you spend this on a beauty salon instead of food?' I asked. 'Are you NUTS?!' replied the homeless woman. I haven't had my hair done in 20 years!' 'Well, I said, 'I'm not going to give you the money. Instead, I'm going to take you out for dinner with my husband and me tonight.' 'The homeless woman was shocked. 'Won't your husband be furious with you for doing that? I know I'm dirty, and I probably smell pretty disgusting.' I said, 'That's okay. It's important for him to see what a woman looks like after she has given up shopping, hair appointments, and wine.'

Social Networking

2008-08-19T14:16:00.002-06:00

I recently attended a teleseminar with the well known marketing guru, Alexandria Brown. I was surprised when she suggested that if you hadn't gotten into social networking, you were missing a simple piece of the marketing puzzle.

I had always thought of those sites as places for teenagers and those seeking relationships or mates. But apparently they are a great way to not only network with other professionals, but also market your name out to more people in the world.

So, I am happy and somewhat sheepish to announce, that you can now find me on such sites as: www.myspace.com, www.facebook.com, and www.linkedin.com. For those of you who have regularly kept up with my blog, or been to my website, you won't find too much new and exciting. But if you have an account, feel free to check in with me and add me to your friends list. Mention that you found me through this blog so I'll know where you're coming from.

Why Not Recycle? It's Child's Play!

2008-07-29T17:45:00.005-06:00

I want to tell you about a recent experience I had... My five year old daughter insisted that we decorate boxes to recycle. She had a grand idea that we could decorate them with little arrows and write the names of each item that we needed to recycle. She had obviously watched a show about it as she knew we should recycle paper, plastics, glass and metals. She was relentless in her pursuit of the perfect boxes and getting them decorated. And so I thought…”why not?” Here she is, actually doing more then just decorating boxes with arrows…she’s preserving her future. And shouldn't we all? How hard is it to take that first step? And aren’t I always the one talking about how taking small steps can make big things happen? This was just another perfect example of how each of us can do just that. So we got some boxes, and with a little help, adorned them with arrows, pictures of their intended content and words to match. We are now doing a very small part to preserve our environment and taking another step forward in our new quest to live green.

What are you going to do to ensure that our world will still be here for future generations?

If You Like This...There's More

2008-07-22T14:40:00.000-06:00

Hello All!

Just a little reminder that if you enjoy reading my blogs, you'll love getting my monthly newsletter sent directly to your inbox. "Branch to Branch" is a monthly ezine that is designed to give you food for thought and help you discover the secrets to redefining yourself and restoring value to your life.

If you'd like to sign up, just click on the link below to give me your first name and primary email address.

http://www.lonetreecoach.com/contact.html

Dog Days of Summer

2008-07-21T14:18:00.002-06:00

I think that the "Dog Days of Summer" can often get as daunting as the "Dead of Winter." It's been so hot here! But as I looked at my calender, I realized that summer vacation is almost over. My husband will be going back to work soon, and my oldest daughter will begin her first full year of school as a kindergartner. (The thought of her starting school makes me want to cry, but that of course is a whole other blog entry...I'll tell you about that later.)

Anyway, today I wanted to remind you to rev up your summer just in the nick of time. If you've been like me, you've been trying to catch up on all those little things that you've been putting off. (Yes, I'm still doing my spring cleaning!) However, I realized the other day that if you don't schedule fun into your planner or add playing onto your to do list, you just might never get it done. I think it's all too easy to let the routines of life get to you without making some great plans happen.

An example of this is that we've been telling our daughters that we were going to go somewhere fun all summer. And after my recent discovery, that the summer is almost over, I realized that if we didn't get a plan we would easily put it off till it was too late.

So, make a plan, make a commitment and make it to have fun! Enjoy these sweltering days of summer because all too soon, you'll be staring out the window at the snow and wondering where the days went.

Oh and by the way...we now have a little get away planned with our girls. It's on my planner and we are scheduled to have tons of fun!!!

Want to see what I saw?

2008-07-06T15:11:00.008-06:00

Here are some more pictures from my walk this past weekend. Thought you might enjoy the beautiful scenery.

39 Miles Checked Off My TO DO List!

2008-07-06T14:39:00.010-06:00

Yes, I did it... all 39 miles! I know it has taken me a week to send out the details of my walk, but frankly, I needed some time to recuperate and just soak it all in. I still can't possibly put into words exactly what the experience was for me, but let me just say, it was absolutely amazing and I would highly recommend it. Yes I was exhausted, yes I ended up with blisters and yes, it was cold sleeping in a tent. But standing there with over 1,500 walkers and experiencing the power of what a group of people could do, made an impact on me that I won't soon forget. It felt so good to be a part of something bigger then life. As I stood or walked next to survivors as well as those who had received the "every three minutes" ribbons it made me realize how blessed I was. And it restored my faith in mankind. From the minute I walked into Event Eve to the second I walked away from the closing ceremony, I was on the verge of tears. It was a very emotional weekend. The scenery was beautiful, the weather was great and the volunteers that helped us were wonderful. I was proud of my personal accomplishment as well as knowing I had done something to change the world in one small way. Thanks again to all of you who donated and helped me get there. I have vowed to do it again...and my husband was even so moved that he wants to do it too! I hope that by following me through this journey, it has motivated you to step out of your box as well. Envision your ideal life, set the goals you need to reach to get to that ideal and then take action to get yourself there. It is possible, you can do it!

Peace, Blessings and Health to You All!

Michelle

The End is Near...

2008-06-26T22:24:00.000-06:00

Well it's finally here. I am leaving for the walk tomorrow morning. I'm a little nervous but mostly excited! I know I've said I'm doing this walk for my mom, but it's not just for her. I am sincere when I say that I am doing it for all of you too. I hope that by reading my blog and keeping up with me, you've gotten inspired to do something to better your lives as well. Whether it be exercising, eating healthier, getting that yearly physical you've been putting off for the last several years, or just being more aware, I hope I have inspired you to make change happen in your life. I have taken this journey because it was something that was in my heart. I was scared to attempt it because I thought I'd never raise the money, and now I have not only raised my required amount but exceeded even my own expectations. I wasn't sure if I could get the training in and now I feel like I am in great shape. And most of all, I didn't know how people would perceive what I was doing and the response has been overwhelmingly supportive. So, I just wanted everyone to know that when I'm out there walking, I will not only be thinking of my mom, my step-mom, my husband's aunt, and all the others I know who have lost their battle with cancer, but I will be thinking about all of you who have supported me and still have a wonderful life to live. Please take care of yourselves, and may God bless you in all that you do!

What is your Vision?

2008-06-18T12:30:00.012-06:00

There are only ten days left before my walk. Yes I am going to walk 39 miles in two days to raise money to fight cancer. It is something I have always wanted to do and after many years of letting excuses and fear get in my way, I'm doing it!

So today, I'm writing to you about visualizing your ideals and making them happen. All too often, we let self doubt talk us out of being who we are fully capable of being. There are always excuses for why it can't happen or reasons for why it won't work. But what about the ways it is possible? It is said that, "That which you focus on expands." So what are you looking at? Is the self doubt clouding your vision for who you want to be or what you want to do? Clear it out! Decide what your vision is and focus on it. Often the hardest parts of going for your dreams is making the actual commitment. So today, think about one thing you've always wanted to do. And then after you've visualized yourself doing it, make the commitment to really do it. Say, "Yes!" today. That's step one...more to come later.

Father's Day

2008-06-16T15:08:00.002-06:00

Hope all of you had the chance to celebrate Father's Day with your loved ones. I was able to spend some time with my dad all weekend. It was really nice to see him. The saying on the front of the card I gave him was very powerful, so I wanted to share it with all of you. It read, "A man who walks with confidence and strength creates a pathway for others." My dad has been a huge example to me of how to live with strength, courage and integrity. And I know that I want to be that example to all those I meet. So as my journey here progresses, I hope you will continue to follow me as I will try to continue to walk a path that you can travel on with me. Here's to the journey...one step at a time.

Welcome Faithful Blog Readers

2008-06-11T07:17:00.003-06:00

I want to send out a big welcome to my faithful blog readers from my Avon Walk site. I recently released the information about this blog to everyone who has been reading my other blog at www.avonwalk.org. This, unlike the walk which will soon come to an end, is an ongoing journey of life and the betterment of life. So I hope you enjoy it as much as you enjoyed reading the other blog.

Peace and Health to You All!

I'm Back

2008-05-30T10:10:00.001-06:00

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

2008-05-21T10:59:00.009-06:00

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?

2008-05-19T11:46:00.009-06:00

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!

2008-05-15T16:21:00.000-06:00

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.

Bird Songs

2008-04-29T11:02:00.002-06:00

As I sit at my computer, I have my back door open and can hear the sound of birds singing in my yard. The sounds of spring and a new awakening. It is such a calming sound that brings peace and happiness to my soul. Have you heard the birds singing lately? What new awakening are you ready for in your life?

I want to encourage you today, to stop and listen to the birds sing outside your window. Close your eyes, listen, and breath...feel the peace that comes to you. The beauty of nature and the lessons we can learn from it are unending.

The Good Ol' Days

2008-04-16T10:49:00.001-06:00

I was recently talking with my husband about the good ol' days after he had been listening to some 80's Hair Band music. And we started to laugh about how back then, we had no responsibilities, no worries and yet always had some kind of drama stressing us out. Now we look back and refer to them as the good ol' days. It made me think that maybe each day is an opportunity to make new good days and that some day we'll look back and refer to these days just the same. So why not just enjoy them now and not worry so much about what the future holds. It will surely come and it would be a shame to look back at these days as what was...why not enjoy them right now as what is!

Frustration

2008-04-15T14:04:00.002-06:00

I have been dealing with several updates on my website and I have reached a point of frustration that I really don't know how to handle. The fact that my internet knowledge is limited makes it hard for me to know which path to follow on many given things. It is very overwhelming. And as I thought about it this morning, I was at a loss of what to do. Then it came to me that when you don't know what to do and you feel out of control of a situation, often all you can do is pray about it.

So, that's just what I did. I prayed for guidance and direction and I prayed for the knowledge to make the right decisions. I also prayed for the other people involved, my web designer, my data programmer, etc. And guess what? By this afternoon, there's work being done on it. I don't know what they're doing, but I know they are working on it. Just another reminder that sometimes we have to put things in God's hands, no matter how big or small they are. I know my website isn't a life or death situation but for my business, it could be. And although not the end of the world, still something to pray about.

When you feel frustrated, no matter what the issue, no matter how big or how small...pray. Somehow it always seems to help. If nothing else, it relieves the pressure of feeling like you have to go it alone. As my motto states, "... you are never alone."

Life is too short...

2008-04-14T10:19:00.000-06:00

Life is too short not to stop and smell the roses. You've heard that one before haven't you? How many times have you heard that? How many times have you actually done it? As our family has been dealing with the illness of a close family member, it again brings that notion to light again. And I have been wondering about the quality of life that he is currently experiencing. And I guess my point here is, why wait till you're dealing with a life threatening illness to determine if your quality of life is what you want it to be? Ask yourself today if you are living the life you want to be living? How high is your quality of life? And if it's not where you want it, then why? And what can you do to make it change or increase?

April Showers ~ Bring May Flowers

2008-04-10T21:51:00.000-06:00

It has been raining here the entire day. And although it was a gray day, it was very exciting to see all the moisture. I can't wait to see what it does for the plants we just planted. Grow, garden, grow!

As I watched it raining today, it made me think about how we water our lives. Are you giving yourself the right things to make your life grow in beautiful ways? If we neglect to water our own lives, we'll dry up and die on the vine. But when we remember to give ourselves a little water, it's amazing what wonderful things happen.

A very good friend (who also happens to be a gardening genius) said to me the other day as we were talking about some plants that I was sure were dead..."All they really want to do is survive, you just have to help them along and give them a chance."

Wouldn’t it be nice if we all had that same kind of support once in awhile? We need to be reminded not to give up on our hopes and dreams, instead, try giving them a little water. You'll be amazed at what you might be able to grow.

Why?

2008-04-08T18:56:00.004-06:00

I wanted to take some time to tell you why I have decided to begin a blog. I recently decided to do the Rocky Mountain Avon Foundation 2-day Walk this coming June in honor of my mom who died 30 years ago this year. While in the process of raising money for the walk, I decided to do a blog on their site. I have been amazed and honored at the people who have said they are reading and enjoying my blog. So I have decided to welcome others into my world now too.

I am planning to share many new ideas and thoughts on this blog. I hope to inspire you as I share my thoughts and leave you wanting more. If you like what you are reading in my blogs, feel free to check out my website and sign up for my free ezine, called Branch to Branch.

Until later, peace to you!

Welcome!

2008-03-27T15:16:00.003-06:00

Hello Everyone and welcome to my new blog, Branch Out!

After recently beginning a blog in my donation page for the AvonFoundation Walk for Breast Cancer, and realizing how many people read it, I decided to start a regular blog.

This blog will not only contain information about me and my life, but also about my life coaching business. I will include little tidbits and food for thought. Please continue to check in with me as I share my life's journey with you.