“Wellness coaching is a powerful relationship between a client and coach which explores the client’s greatest health concerns and goals, the obstacles to achieving those goals, and strategies to overcome the obstacles.”  Ellen Goldman

What do you think it would be like to work with a Wellness Coach?

As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.  (Prov. 27:17;NIV)

Most of you who have followed our posts for any length of time know that I am passionate about educating and empowering others about wellness.  Since my own health was nearly destroyed, I have a tremendous appreciation for being well.  And I want others to be “well” along with me.  If I can prevent anyone from walking through what I did, I’ll teach and preach wellness as long as I have breath.

Perhaps you’ve wondered, “What does Sharon really do?  How does having a wellness coach work?  How could she help me?”  Many people know what they need to do to walk in better health.  They know they need to exercise more, eat less fast food, and drink more water.  But, they don’t do it!  They might make a declaration of “No more fast food!”  The first week they do well at avoiding the golden arches.  They actually make a few meals from scratch and eat at home several nights.  The next week finds their schedule even busier than the week before and their SUV automatically swerves into the “drive-through” for a burger and fries.  “Supersize that while you’re at it!”  Before long they’re lured back into the habitual use of fast food.   They feel defeated and discouraged but they really don’t know how to make lasting change.

A wellness coach rides in on a white horse to the rescue.  Well, that’s a stretch but it sure sounds good.   Seriously, working with a wellness coach can prevent that kind of self-sabotaging behavior.  Having encouragement, support, and accountability provides what the client needs to walk out their plan.  When I work with a client, we look at their desired goals and outcomes they would like to reach.  Some people are ready to dig in and attack it all…their eating, their exercise, their stress levels, etc.  Other clients want and need to take it a little slower…even one thing at a time.

Initially I do an assessment with the client to determine where they are with their current level of health and wellness.  How well are they sleeping?  What are their energy levels like each day?  How satisfied are they with their current weight?  How much water are they really drinking each day?  As I ask specific questions, the client begins to really ponder where they are in relation to their health and how far away they are from the mark.  Then we begin setting simple, realistic and reachable goals or action items.  We set up an accountability structure as a safeguard for the client…not as a tool to clobber them over the head. They get excited at the thought that they can make lasting change. If someone is drinking four diet sodas a day, we’ll explore this.  What is this doing for them?  What will it take for them to stop doing this?  I do a lot of educating when I work with a client.  I not only tell them why something isn’t good for them, I offer replacements of healthier options and I offer resources for them to do their own research to substantiate what I’ve told them.

We talk together for about an hour, two to three times per month depending on their need.  They can send emails to me with questions in between calls.  We work on everything from how much water they really need to be drinking to what time they’re going to bed each night.  (I once worked with a client for three months on her getting to bed before midnight.)  Even though someone says they want to make changes, there are many aspects involved with making the lasting change.  A coach can and does bring much needed help and support so the client can become and stay WELL.

Prayer Power
Father, we are so grateful that our bodies are fearfully and wonderfully made.  Thank You for giving us wisdom on how to care for them.

Link of the Day
The Christian Coaching Center – Wellness Coaching

Blessings on you as you ponder what it would be like to work with a wellness coach.

Photo by Dominique Sanchez

Sharon was the guest on a teleseminar this last Thursday afternoon hosted by Lynne Lee, a well-known life coach in the UK. Their topic was health and wellness and was appropriately titled, “How To Live A Healthy Life.”

The teleseminar was especially well done and if you missed it, this is to give you a link to allow you to hear that interview as well as some of the other times Sharon has had the opportunity to share her story on the Internet to a broad audience.  Listen to the latest teleseminar on The Coaching Pair/Sharon on the Media.

By the way, for this event and for a limited time, we are making the 7-hour audio series that Sharon, Dr. Randy Peck, and I recorded earlier this year available at half off the regular price.  Remember, this half-off offer ends at the end September.  Up until then go to http://lynnelee.com/wellnessaudiobook and use the half-price coupon code of CLCC0909.

Here is what one of Lynne listeners had to say about the audio series: “…the audio series is a great tool – although I’ve just listened to the first 2 sessions I’m following the advice given.  The great thing is with the audio  series you can listen again and glean something different.”

We pray you’re having a great weekend!!!

This is just a very quick note to let you know that Sharon will be the guest on a teleseminar this coming Thursday afternoon hosted by Lynne Lee, a well-known life coach in the UK.  Their topic will be health and wellness and is appropriately titled, “How To Live A Healthy Life.”

There is no charge to attend the teleseminar — all you need do is register by clicking:
http://www.christianlifecoaching.co.uk/how-to-live-a-healthy-life.html

The teleseminar is at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, 9/24.  Three o’clock in the afternoon here is 8:00 p.m. in the UK.  But if you’re not available at that time, by simply registering for the teleseminar, you will automatically be sent a link to the replay.  So you can listen at your convenience.

Some of the topics they will be covering include:

• Simple keys to becoming healthy
• The steps to creating a healthy lifestyle
• Why pursuing health is worth the time and effort
• How I am becoming well
• Exactly what you can do to become healthier

Don’t fail to register for this incredible teleseminar.  Simply click:
http://www.christianlifecoaching.co.uk/how-to-live-a-healthy-life.html

See you there!

PS — Coach Lynne Lee wrote a great article titled “God says – Don’t give up now!” that bears on the teleseminar she and Sharon will be doing on Thursday.  I’ve included it as today’s link.  Enjoy!

LInk of the Day
God says – Don’t give up now!

“Until her children discovered their wings, there was no purpose for their lives.”  David McNally

Can you think of a time when fear held you back from doing what you know you were supposed to do?  What emotion does that memory evoke?

But those who wait on the LORD will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.  (Isa. 40:31; NLT)

A recurring theme in the Daily Grams over the last couple of years has been that the only limitations that are holding us back are self-imposed.  Yes, you heard that right — we make them up and then believe them.  A related truth that I have written about several times is the fact that growth requires us to step out of our comfort zone.  We have to be willing to step through the fear that is holding us prisoner within our self-erected box and just do it!

Now I don’t want to lay down any guilt trips, because we’re all guilty of the same foible.  I find it noteworthy that this not just a human weakness, but interesting enough it also extends into the animal kingdom as well.  As today’s video link shows, eagles are born to soar, but they typically suffer the same fear of stepping out of that comfort zone (appropriately known as their nest) and doing the eagle thing.

The solution for the eagle is a little encouragement from mom, a little tough love — particularly tough because I’m sure that sometimes it doesn’t work.  In those cases the result is tragic.  Tough love and encouragement is no less needed with the human species.  Sometimes it doesn’t work for humans either.  But there’s no getting around the fact that we were all created and gifted by a loving God to be able to soar to new heights.

So what’s holding us back?  Fear?  Probably.  Are we to beat ourselves up because we’re fraidy cats?  Wouldn’t it be more productive to find someone(s) who cares enough about us to give us that little push, that tough love, that encouragement to step out?  In some cases that could be a close friend or relative.  In some cases, it would be better if it were not some one quite that close.  That’s where a life coach can be particularly helpful.  Life coaches are trained to be encouragers.  Sometimes that’s all it takes — someone who believes you can in spite of the fact that you believe you can’t.

Today’s link is another of those magnificent little three-minute movies produced by Mac Anderson, founder of Simple Truths.  This one is based on a book written by David McNally titled Even Eagles Need A Push.  As you watch it, be thinking of who you love enough to offer the “supreme act of love” — a push.

Prayer Power
Father, we thank You that You have designed and gifted us to soar like an eagle.  Grant us the grace to overcome that fear that’s holding us back

Link of the Day
The Push

Blessings on you as you step out of your comfort zone and continue to grow.