"Ta-Da!"

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...

...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...

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

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...

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?

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

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...