Client of the Week!

I love this part of my week. I get to highlight one of the extraordinary businesses I have the privilege of working with. Today I want to bring your attention to Next Step Recycling. I cannot say enough about this amazing organization. They are so valuable to our community and to me. On a personal level, I love the Executive Director for her wit, humor, wisdom and depth. Lorraine Kerwood is a true inspiration and mentor. Lorraine was diagnosed as autistic and a labeled a special education child very early on, Lorraine never believed she could ever "be" anything important - or even that she could compete on an equal footing with other people.

To her surprise, when a friend prodded her into getting a college education she graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Oregon, with a bachelor's degree in Family and Community Services. She inspires me to resist those voices that tell me I "can't" and replace them with a resounding "Yes, I Can!!". Thanks for that, Lorraine.
I was so proud when she was honored as the Women Business Leader by the Chamber of Commerce last year.

On a professional note - NextStep Recycling has, with the help of hundreds of volunteers and community support, responsibly recycled more than 800 tons of electronic waste, and refurbished over 18,000 computers and other electronic devices - placing them with people who would not otherwise have access to this technology. They create jobs and bring awareness about the importance of recycling electronics.
We, as a community MUST Step up for NextStep! They need our support and they deserve it. Contact me to find out how you (or you business) can help this fantastic organization. OR, go to www.nextsteprecycling.org
If your organization is interested in having Lorraine speak at a conference or event, please contact me at 541.221.8592

Client of the Week!

I am on a roll...and it feels good! This whole appreciation thing is working for me! I have always considered myself a happy and positive person but I am realizing that that was more of a persona than the person. I am done lamenting about what I don't have and have really started to focus on what I DO have. It is such a happier place...

One of the things I am truly grateful for are the supportive and brilliant clients who allow me to contribute to their ongoing business development. I appreciate that a person's business is near and dear to their heart. It's not just a service or a product but a dream for their family, a journey they have committed to. My clients are small business owners who truly inspire me.
This week the Client of the week is Brooks Brush Clearing. I cannot say enough about the integrity and commitment that Mark and Julie Brooks bring to every job. They love their work and they love their customers. Julie is one of those people that you instantly want to be friends with and Mark is so committed to doing the right thing no matter what. They have a lovely family and I am honored to work for them. For more information about Brooks Brush Clearing go to www.brooksbrushclearing.com.
Look for more appreciation and gratitude (is that redundant?) right here!

Appreciating your Body

I recently had a medical scare, which never ever happens to me. I have been in the hospital three times (coincidentally I have three children). I don't have a primary care physician because I have never needed one. I don't go to the doctor. I see a GYN once a year for that wonderful annual experience that we women love so dearly and for my mammo. I am NOT a burden to the health care system.I never thought about it until now but I guess I am proud of that.
SO Sunday I find myself in the emergency room, hooked up to an IV, morphine blissfully easing the abdominal pain I am experiencing. A very uncomfortable CT scan later, there is no evidence of anything horrible. No appendicitis, no pancreatitis, tumors or anything serious like that. Apparently a cyst on my ovary had ruptured causing enormous pain but something I will recover from without any evasive procedures. Whew!

So now I am reflecting on how I view this body of mine. Not very well. I take it for granted at a minimum. Worse, I tell myself that I hate it. I do. I say that to myself all the time. This body that shows up day after day and serves me without pain or illness....I hate it because the shape is wrong. How absurd. I am turning a new leaf. It's time to have gratitude for a perfect body.

Why Are So Many Women Dissatisfied with Their Bodies?

How many women do you know who think their bodies are just fine the way they are? The sad fact is that we live in a world in which it has become normal for women to dislike their bodies, a world in which even healthy eight-year-old girls may worry about their size and shape.

This body has delivered 3 healthy beautiful babies, walked 60 miles for Breast Cancer, run a half marathon for Leukemia Lymphoma, carried hurt children to the car, lifted, pushed, crawled, jumped, skipped, hopped, run and walked on command.

It's time for a little appreciation! It is my intention to love my body - to reward it for all it has given me by taking better care of it. I will drop the extra 30 pounds I have forced it to carry for the last couple of years. How unfair is that!

Anyone care to join me?