In This Issue

Upcoming Events: World Cafe ala OLLI
Starting Anew in 2008
Clearing the Clutter
Tribute to Dan Fogelberg
Setting Health Goals

Upcoming Events: World Cafe ala OLLI

Do you enjoy stimulating conversation?

Come and join a global network of people who believe that change in the world starts with conversation over a cup of coffee or tea. You will build skills in listening mindfully, thinking creatively, and changing the world for the better. I will be hosting the World Cafe ala OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Center) through the University of North Dakota starting January 28, 2008. For an OLLI brochure click here!

Attention sports parents!

Are you a parent striving for life balance while supporting your children in sports? 

I can help!

Starting Anew in 2008

Greetings!

Isn't it refreshing to start a New Year?  No matter what happened last year, you can start with a clean slate.  I am reminded of the tale of a tourist and a long-time citizen of a small town.  The tourist asked "Sir, what is this place known for?"  The old-timer told him "Why Mister, this is the starting place for anyplace in the world!  You can set your foot right here and go anywhere you want!"

How simple, yet how true!  How many times do we wait for the "right time, the right circumstances, the right people" in order to  reach our dreams?  You don't have to wait for anyone or anything.  You can start today! 

If you need help and want accountability in reaching your goal, consider hiring a coach!  I can help you break down your goals into realistic action steps, set priorities and break down barriers.  I will hold you accountable while compassionately supporting your efforts.  Why not let 2008 be the year you reach your dreams?

Client Testimonial

At the time I met my coach Bev, I was going through some substantial life transitions in my personal and professional life.  As a full-time college student and single mom of two, I was feeling some stress and looking for guidance in finding balance.  Bev helped me re-evaluate what was most important in my life.  She introduced me to mindful living - gearing my attitude and actions in a more attentive approach toward the values I cherish.  Bev is a great listener and great resource--I would recommend Bev as a coach to anyone looking for balance, self-improvement, and or simply looking for an embracing means of support!" - - Rachelle, University of North Dakota.

Clearing the Clutter (inside and outside)

One great way to get a fresh start on the New Year is to de-clutter the things in your environment AND in your mind! I admit that I used to be a pack-rat. So, how did I get out of that mind-frame? Well, it all started when I realized that life was passing me by while I was perusing and filing piles of old papers! I worked on this issue with my own life coach (yes, we coaches have our own coaches!) Through one eye-opening conversation, she helped me to realize that my old system of "keep, toss, recycle or sell" was not working. So with her assistance, I came up with a plan that worked for me. And voila! I not only changed my behavior, I changed my attitude about all that "stuff" and that was the key! I could share my new de-cluttering strategy with you, but it probably wouldn't work for you for one reason: you aren't me! You have your own unique set of circumstances. Yet as your coach, I could help you find what will work for YOU. My job is to ask powerful questions that will help you arrive at a solution custom-made for YOU.  To de-clutter your mind, you can start by taking inventory of the things that clutter up your head for no good purpose. Are you a worrier? Do you ruminate (turn things over and over in your mind)? Do you wake up at night thinking about what you have to do tomorrow? These are all wasteful practices that get in the way of your personal health and happiness! How about decluttering your mind for 2008? If you need help, please contact me to get started! And be sure to check out the coupon at the end of this e-letter!

Bev's Tribute to Dan Fogelberg

Were any of you fans of Dan Fogelberg, the singer/musician who recently died? I have followed this amazing artist since 1974 when he turned out the hit album, "Souvenirs." The past few days I have been playing his music as my way of paying tribute to him. For me, his music transcends most other music in that a.) his lyrics were meaningful, covering every topic and human emotion b.) you could actually understand the words as he sang them, and c.) he honored life, love, his family, his friends, the environment, art and world peace, yet he was not afraid to stand up to war or human selfishness. His first big hit, "Part of the Plan" gave us a simple prescription for life: "Love when you can, cry when you have to... Be who you must, that's a part of the plan." I was fortunate to have attended one of Dan's concerts in the early 80s. He came onstage at the St. Paul Civic Center with only his acoustic guitar and a wooden stool. He said he liked to sing songs "the way they were written." I remember the audience as very quiet and attentive. The only time we made a peep was when Dan invited us to sing the refrain of his final song, "There's a Place in the World for A Gambler." We sang, "There's a light in the depths of your darkness, there's a calm at the eye of every storm, let it shine, let it shine..." He handed out love, acceptance and wisdom through 35 years of songs. Thanks, Dan.

Setting Health Goals: Weight Loss or Wellness?

One of the most common New Year's Resolutions is to lose weight. As a dietitian, here's my burning question to you: Are you most focused on weight or wellness?  If your focus is weight, the odds are not in your favor. Statistics show that most restrictive diets end in binges and the weight comes back. Nailing down a certain number on a scale is difficult. Even Oprah, in her famous Optifast Diet years ago, reached her goal weight and stayed there for only one day. Then she began an uphill climb back to her heaviest weight. After years of dieting, she changed her focus from weight to wellness. She is now at a realistic weight and is very attuned to wellness principles. Wellness covers many dimensions including emotional and mental health, spirituality, physical fitness, nutrition, stress management, occupation, and social life. Make improvements to any of these components and you may see weight loss as an unexpected side effect. I have seen people lose weight unexpectantly after getting counseling for emotional issues, managing stress better, improving relationships, and even from getting more sleep! While nutrition and exercise are important, they are just part of the big picture of wellness.  What goals do you have in mind across the broad spectrum of wellness? There is an art to setting goals. Consider the SMART acronym: Specific: Think "who, what, when, where, how and why" to create an action plan. Without a plan, goals are just dreams. Measurable : track it in order to show your progress. Attainable: choose goals truly within your reach.  Realistic: select goals that will work within your unique set of circumstances. Time-sensitive: set a deadline for results. Without deadlines, procrastination takes over! With 20 years of combined experience as a Licensed Registered Dietitian, worksite wellness coordinator, lactation counselor, and health coach, I can assist you in reaching your wellness goals. Please contact me at My Coach Bev and we can get started!

The New Year is a great time to kick off new goals and put the past behind us. What do you want your 2008 to look like? You can make it happen by claiming your stake on this moment as the "starting place for anyplace in the world." May this be your best year yet!