The End is Near...

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?

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

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

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

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.