coachjoelle.com

Happy Monday!

For my husband and I, casual conversation and a glass of wine over a fine meal is one of our greatest pleasures.  It is not uncommon for us to spend several nights a week out at some of our favorite restaurants sharing the events of our day and enjoying each other’s company.

With that being said, something has been happening over the past several months that is creating some new patterns in our life; new patterns that excite me as I imagine the possibilities.

As many of you know, last fall I took on a 21 day cleanse, the lessons from this were many and as a result I have created a greener, more vibrant diet, relying less on animal protein (because now I know I can) and bringing in much more of the crazy greens and stuff like seaweed and Kale, foods that in the past I really would have had no idea what to do with.

Add to this my husband’s passion for the environment and the litany of information and documentaries he has brought into my life regarding GMO’s ( genetically modified crops), pesticides, and fish mercury levels and I find we are now shopping organic, GMO free, buying free range eggs and choosing our meat and fish very carefully.

Then add that I am preparing to get pregnant.  Yep, you heard me.  Unless some intriguing unforeseen circumstances arrive, we will get busy and start our little family shortly after our 2 year anniversary coming up February 14th.

With all these factors I have a heightened desire to serve my body, serve my family’s health and serve our not yet conceived child by creating a pure, clean, non-toxic, healthy environment using all the knowledge presented.

So with all of this background it will be no surprise to you that our weekly trips to Whole Foods have become less of a novelty and more of a necessity as we stock up on everything from organic produce to almond milk to hemp seeds (a brilliant protein source, by the way.)

This Sunday’s trip was a carefully planned event as my dear husband has recently rediscovered the joy of cooking.  He has treated me to his special patented stir fry two weeks in a row (the ingredients of which you shall never know as he has sworn me to secrecy) and he was anxious to bring his creation to the dinner table a third time.

After all the stir fry ingredients had been acquired, while we were looking for whole grain, imported Italian penne (I read that the Italian pasta is a great buy as it is held to a high governmental standard and to a high consumer standard by the people of Italy) my husband picked out an organic vodka sauce and a roasted pepper sauce and he said to me….”Hey babe?  How about I do the cooking this week?”
How delightful is that!!

So for the days to come I will play kitchen assistant to his iron chef and together we will create natural, clean, vegetable-filled delicious meals in our home.   Ahhhh.

Isn’t it amazing how “simple” the “simple pleasures of life” can be?

May your days be filled with simple pleasures, lovely meals and delightful company.

Sending hugs,

Joelle

P.S. Some day, in the not too distant future, Jeff and I plan to live in the woods, with a garden, composting, singing Koombya .  Ok, maybe not Koombya but there will be singing and a brilliant community and meals with friends on the patio and great wine. Yummy!:-) For now, we will make meals together, watch the falling snow from under fuzzy blankets, cuddle our cats and continue to create the life we have imagined. Smooch!

Hi gang!  In today’s issue of the Livloud! Newsletter you are invited to Have an Uncommon New Year! 

• If you are ready to really take a stand for your life…

• If you are truly sick of broken New Years Resolutions…

• If you really want to make 2008 the year that makes the difference…

Then read on to make 2008 an Uncommon New Year and a year to remember! Read Article To your greatness! Joelle

Hello everyone I wanted to get back in touch after a lovely holiday!

My husband and I spent a week in Canada with my mom, sister and extended family and I could take up pages just sharing about the joyful traditions, the amazing meals and all the love.  I won’t do that however, instead I will sum it up by saying, my family rocks, Winnipeg was a wee bit chilly and my husband and I would be very happy living at my mom’s house, she is the consummate mom!

I will be putting out a new issue of the LIVLOUD! Newsletter this week to address your  New Year ambitions, but if you are anxious to begin creating I invite you to check out my article, Dream Along With Me which I wrote for Ladies Who Launch, a wonderful women’s organization committed to entrepreneurship and creativity as a lifestyle. 

We are enjoying a delightful 60 degree day in Cleveland and while it is ridiculous to have this kind of weather in January, It has put the biggest smile on my face.  I love the smell of green. Ahhhhh.

Have a fabulous Tuesday.  We will talk soon.

Love,

Joelle

Hi guys!

Last Friday I was doing my regular Friday ritual, lunch at my favorite Mediterranean restaurant, Aladdin’s, and then a trip down the street to Bridgette’s for an afternoon of nail papering with wine and trashy magazines, when I stumbled across some really extraordinary holiday gifts.

First, to create some context…years ago at a Barlow Girl concert, a Christian organization called World Vision gave the audience a chance to make a difference for people on the other side of the world.  When they held up the sponsor card for Ontonio Brian from Africa I jumped on stage and started a new adventure in learning more about a world that was so far removed from my own. 

For the past several years I have had the privilege of sponsoring Ontonio and his family to support them in having some of the basic necessities that most people reading this email may take for granted.  While I am aspiring to my new home in the forest and moving to a weekly instead of bi-weekly massage schedule, many of these people are challenged with putting food on the table and having clean water to drink.

I regularly get opportunities to provide additional funds beyond my monthly sponsorship but am rarely called to do so.  That is, not until I saw their holiday catalogue and some truly remarkable gift giving opportunities.

.

• For the cost of a night out you can provide a family with a goat and two chickens to provide nutritious milk and high protein eggs.

• For a car payment you can provide a farmer with two oxen and a plow, increasing their productivity by up to 500%!

• For someone with a little more money to spend you can actually provide a family with a house.  They have these wonderful round homes called Mongolian Gers, the building of which, in one story allowed a mother and her children to move out of a one room shack that they were sharing with 10 extended family members.  Imagine. I can barely.

• You can even buy a flock of ducks! (well, you can send 5 but I figure that must almost qualify as a flock.) For most of us we can go to the store and get chicken any time we want. 

For most of us we can go to the store and get chicken any time we want.  We can even have them delivered to our door, already cooked, with seasoning and a bottle of coke. This catalogue was a powerful reminder for me of how much we have and how little it can take to make a difference.

As I was having my feet rubbed, drinking my glass of wine, I read on with tears running down my face.  Little by little my sheltered life gets opened up to the struggles of the world, and for this I am grateful.

If you are looking to give some extraordinary holiday gifts or perhaps take on serving a life on the other side of the planet you may want to check out  www.worldvision.org.

Sending gratitude, abundance and awareness.

Joelle

P.S.  World Vision is a Christian organization and some of the money does go to administration and providing religious education in the communities.  From my understanding it is not presented as a “must do” but as an opportunity which the people can take or leave.  Just something I wanted to be sure you were clear on as you make choices about where to share your wealth.  Love to you!

Ok,

When my friend Sheila sent this to me I was laughing so hard I was crying.  This, is the story of my life.

Check out this little kitty video and then just add another person in bed and 3 more cats and you will get a glimpse into the fascinating and very furry life of Coach Joelle.

Too too funny…. because it is true.

Enjoy

Love,

Joelle

In case you have not yet met our furry family, here are their bios KITTY PAGE LINK!

Hi guys!

A few weeks ago I told you about the fabulous Daniel and Michael Carberry of MDC films and the opportunity I had to play with them in their new movie.   Well, they just sent me the link for the trailer and I think it is awesome!! The movie is called Day Trip and I cannot wait to see the finished product.  Enjoy checking it out and if you watch closely you will get a glimpse of my moment in the spot light.

Watch the Day Trip Teaser Video

HUGS!!

Joelle

Business Women of NE Ohio….

I am very excited to share a special coaching opportunity for those of you who are ready to make 2008 a year that knocks your socks off!  

What If… you could jump out of bed each day …

• completely inspired by your business vision

• consistently reaching your boldest ambitions

• with enough time and energy for a rich, fun and fulfilling life?  

Imagine for a moment… What would be possible if you had a personal board of direct”hers” to help solve problems, share challenges and celebrate triumphs?

What would it be like to have a place where you can really let your guard down and be yourself?

What could you accomplish in your business and your life if you had your own professional coach?  

What could you achieve with a team of people committed to your support and success?

How would your life be different if you dedicated time for your personal development and the intentional creation of your business?

How would having all of this impact the future of you business, your growth as a leader and the quality of your life?

If this is catching your attention then you may just want to check out a new coaching program I am starting called The GirlPower Mastermind. 

The Purpose of The GirlPower Mastermindis to support women business leaders and owners in working, leading and living with joy and ease. If you are unfamiliar with the Mastermind Principle Napoleon Hill described the mastermind as:

"The coordination of knowledge and effort of two or more people, who work toward a definite purpose, in the spirit of harmony."

continues …

"No two minds ever come together without thereby creating a third, invisible intangible force, which may be likened to a third mind."

I have experienced the power of this type of collaboration and it is truly a place where remarkable things happen! To amp up Mr. Hill’s description, in The GirlPower Mastermind we bring “GIRLPOWER” to the “MASTERMIND”, combining the power of like-minded women, professional coaching and a focus on joyful living. 

 The GirlPower Mastermind provides a unique opportunity for women business owners, entrepreneurs and leaders to know themselves, build their businesses and live their dreams.

If you would like to see if The GirlPower Mastermind is a fit for you and your business: Please check out this link to read more Or email me at joelle@coachjoelle.com  Or give me a call at 216 320 9298 and we can explore the possibilities. To 2008 being a year to remember! Joelle

Hi all!

Due to an absolutely delightful turn of circumstance my Thursday 4:00 commitment was removed.  This means a totally FREEEEEEEE Thursday in preparation for my Friday off.  He he! 

Free, that is until I head to the Ladies Who Launch meeting tonight at the Cleveland Wine School – rough life, I know. I started the day with a leisurely shower and my green shake which for some reason for the last two days has left me totally high, talking to the cats and singing.  WOO HOO!

In the shower I was clear that today I would be doing things that needed internet access so I headed out to Phoenix Coffee instead of the customary Starbucks around the corner.  I plugged the meter for 5 hours, anticipating a delightful day of writing and creating. I have my coconut white tea, a totally comfy couch, an outlet for my computer and phone and free internet access.  I can smell the tasty food they are making at the counter and am totally excited for the green sludge shake to wear off so I can choose a fabulous lunch.

I am browsing images in Istock Photo for images of delighted, connected business women for materials I am creating for the GirlPower Mastermind group launching in January.  My I-pod delivers all the songs I love and I have this sense of community and adventure as people come and go around me.

Who knows, perhaps I will have some new opportunity show up from this new place to create.  I am very much ready to sing. I think this would be a perfect place to be found by a guitarist or a band looking for a singer. Hmmm.

We will see.

Blissfully!

Joelle

I have to tell you a story.

It is a story about a woman who was in the Make Your Life Program last year, who has since become a dear friend.  Though we have never met in person there is a love and a bond between us and I am so grateful to know her on this path.

When we met she was an energized young woman with big dreams.  She was seeking her place in the world and had gone home to live with her parents for a few months before embarking on her next adventure. While she rested she wrote the vision of her life in detail.  The life of travel and adventure, the perfect man, the life she imagined.

Armed with a freshly painted vision she continued with her life.  Not long after a friend sent her an email about a very special website and told her she should check it out.  She did and when she saw the profile, writings and inspiration of the site’s creator she loved what she saw and promptly declared that she was going to marry him! 

Soon after, she was called to California.  She had lived there before and knew it was time to return.  When she headed to California she moved with only what would fit in her car.  She had visions of a home near the beach.  Though the logistics of LA housing would have daunted some, it was only a matter of weeks before she had her perfect room in a perfect home right near the beach, and naturally, the previous resident happily left the entire space furnished at no extra cost. Home….check!

Next she set out to find places to contribute and people to serve, a way to make her living.  She was quickly connected and making things work.  She bravely took action, kept listening to her heart, and kept her focus on the dream. One of her business endeavors was a conference that required getting sponsors.  She thought that her future husband (the guy on the web she had never met) would be a perfect sponsor and imagine this, one of her business partners said that they knew the guy and had his number…. (please insert twilight zone music here). Her response to this?  She said “Perfect!  Call him.  They should sponsor us and by the way, I am going to marry him.”

One thing led to another, and after one faithful conversation between our heroine and one of Mr. dreamy’s business associates, the associate gave him a call and told our prince charming to ask her out.  NOW! And he did.

Soon after they were dating, they were an “item”, and it sounded blissful.  They truly had the same values and interests and she called me with stories of growing together and reading books by candle light.  It sounded perfect. But there was something missing.  My friend realized that there was something she needed from her new guy.  There were little nuances and actions that she needed, to feel fulfilled in the relationship.  She got up the courage and she shared her wants and needs, ready to stand her ground.  His response?  He understood why she would want those things and he was not ready to give them or at least, not to her, not now. Ouch. But good to know. 

They ended their relationship and went their separate ways. Awwwww But do not fear! Two weeks later, he returned. And he did it with Gusto!  He realized that he wanted her and was willing to prove it.

He began to give her the things she needed, they took on their relationship full force and have been inseparable! Since then, he sold his business and they have been on adventures around the country. The most recent of which was a 10 day silent meditation during which they could not speak to or make eye contact with each other for 10 days. (wowza!) When they could finally talk, he pledged her his life and asked her to marry him. I just spoke with my friend today. 

They are heading to India for 2 to 6 months to write and read and have adventures and she also informed me she just shaved her head and donated her lovely long hair to charity www.locksoflove.com.

12 months ago she was living in the Midwest with her parents wondering what the future would bring and today she is engaged to the man of her dreams and traveling the world. When my friend was in the program last year each person declared what kind of life they were creating; “delightful” “fun-filled”  “adventurous”.  She chose to create her “magical” life.  I’d say she has been pretty successful.

For all of you out there waiting on dreams that are not yet fulfilled I share this story as a source of inspiration.

• Take time to create your visions of the life you imagine. 

• Do not limit yourself to what feels practical.  Dare to write what you really want.

• Have faith in your ability to live those dreams.

• Follow your heart.  See what new places it leads you.

• Stand up for yourself.  Know that you deserve nothing but your heart’s desire.

• Be patient with the journey.  Often when things seem quiet there are miracles unfolding behind the scenes.

• Be open to life happening in unexpected ways.  The path you pick may not be the only way to your destination.

• Have fun! Joy is very sexy!

• Take action.  Take action out of passion and joy. Take action that feels good and calls you forth.

Toil and struggle are not a prerequisite and are often counter productive to living your dreams. It is amazing what can happen in a year.

Mark this moment, create the vision and live into the new life that awaits.

I love you. 

 Joelle

Last Wednesday I had a moment of clarity. 

I just picked up my mother from the airport. My uncle Rob was in from New York and we were gathering to celebrate the Thanksgiving weekend.

My husband arrived home from work with a case of wine and mom and uncle Rob unloaded their baskets of goodies; maple glazed nuts, chocolate from Canada, and of course, more wine. 

Soon after the doorbell rings and a vision of loveliness awaits at the door.  That morning, I received the sudden inspiration to invite my new friend to meet my mom.  She said yes and came to join the festivities.

Five of us coming together with our own stories and experiences, our own passions and insight; we discussed life, politics, the latest movies, and drank wine for hours.

There was a moment where I had a flash of a scene from the movie “Under the Tuscan Sun”.  In the final moments the main character is sitting in totally bliss and appreciation.  A large table is set and around it is assembled a motley crew pulled together from various parts of her new community.  Finally she had found the family she was longing for.  It is a vision that has often crossed my mind as I settle into the idea of putting down roots in Cleveland.  This scene of love and community is a vision that delights and inspires me.

At 8:45 last Wednesday night, I had my very own version of that vision; community, joy and family.  That tiny glimpse was all I needed for a renewed commitment to having one heck of a kick-butt loving community right where I am, right …about….. NOW!

I am so blessed to have friends, family and a loving community all over the world and for those of you who happen to be local (or you want to jump on a plane), the door is open. Come on over because Joelle is ready to play!

HUGS! 

 Joelle

Hello Everyone!  Thanksgiving is the perfect time to remind us of one of the secrets to great living. 

Gratitude

It doesn’t cost you anything and it is one of the very best things in life.  It is a powerful tool for loving your life and today’s issue of the LIVLOUD Newsletter invites you to take on gratitude with special intention this week.

Read Whole Article

Thank you for being a part of my community. 

I am grateful to have this place to explore life and to share the adventure.

With love,

Joelle

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hi guys, 

Resilience, commitment and the capacity to take something to its completion are all important aspects of powerfully creating a life you love.  On the other side of the equation it is equally import to know when it is time to drop out, let go, and joyfully announce I QUIT!

How many of us spend hours, days, even years of our precious lives doing things that we don’t enjoy, feel are a waste of time or that might even verge on painful?

Whether it’s a class that no longer serves your purpose, a social or business organization that saps your energy, or a soul sucking job, far too often people stay in the things they are doing because they should, have to, or would never dare quit!

Today’s Livloud Newsletter artical is about the joy of quitting! Read on if you are ready to have more space, more joy and more free time! 

 Read whole article: Be a Quitter

HUGS

Joelle

WOW. 

Today I was grappling with some of the big life issues, contemplating what to take on next, defining new directions, going deeper into my personal mission and my plan for this life.  This was a day when the coach needed some coaching.

On the way to a Reiki session I made a couple phone calls and on the way out the door I sent an email to two of my special “girl power” women in my life.  By the time I returned to the car after my appointment I had two returned messages, each from a special woman in my life ready to answer the call for support.

The first call I returned, I caught Jennifer graciously ready to spend my 40 minute drive exploring the nuances of my current inquiry.  She listened and gave her insight.  We shared some life stories and at the end of it I felt clear and peaceful. Upon returning home my dear friend Joan had sent me a 3 page email in response to my own, sharing insight, inspiration, encouragement and provocative questions for me to ponder.  I truly just sat there in awe.

Thank you Joan, Tonetta, Mom, Jen, and sweet sweet Alexandra (and all you special people I know I can call on when I need you) you are a gift to me and I am so grateful for your presence in my life. 

Thank you for being on my side.

I wish you peace.

In gratitude,

Joelle

Well, I am in week 2 of my Detox cleanse and I am having a blast! 

That means it is officially 13 days without any kind of animal product including fish and dairy.  The whole process is quite miraculous as I am discovering that at least for short periods of time, my body can live quite happily on fruits vegetables and the prescribed green sludge that is part of the program. 

This week we have gone from a vegan diet to completely and solely raw foods in addition to psyllium husks, digestive enzymes, probiotics and this special clay that absorbs toxins.  We have also added Kamut which is the equivalent of wheat grass, some sort of concentrated oxygen, 8 ounces of freshly squeezed vegetable juice and 8 ounces of something called energy soup (10 different vegetables in a blender eaten raw).

At first it all seemed a little overwhelming but as I said, I am completely in awe of the way my body is taking to it all.  When I drink my spinach and cucumber juice my tongue says YUM! No cravings for sugar or alcohol (not sure how that happened). And I am having a blast collaborating with the serving staff at restaurants to see how I can stay on my program and still have an interesting and enjoyable meal. 

On Saturday I had my first trip to a new tapas restaurant called Light bistro with my husband and another couple.  I discussed with our server what I was up to (raw foods – nothing cooked over 114 degrees, no meat, dairy or sugar) .  He went back to speak with the chef and upon his return he says no problem and asks me if I would like a 4 or a 5 course meal! WOW! It was amazing and delicious and everyone at the table was looking over at the masterpiece I was being served.

I have also discovered the pure delight of raw cocoa nibs (the raw bean) with almond milk, a bit of organic coconut, stevia (herbal sweetener) , a banana and some ice.  We are talking on heck of a healthy, totally delicious chocolate milkshake!

Which brings us to the big test.  

For the next 3 days I will be at the east coast Bar and Nightclub convention and trade show. If the pictures on the website did not tip off that this will be one massive party, then the fact that no on is admitted under 21 pretty much sealed he deal.  So I am off to work my raw food/no drinking/ MUCHO health plan inside of a massive eating and drinking festival.  BRING IT ON BABY! Once I make it through this I know that next weeks fast will be a breeze!

If any of you happen to be drawn to the idea of a cleanse I would highly recommend it. I am acquiring a whole new relationship to food as fuel and to what a body is capable of. Grab yourself an apple and chug some green sludge!

Cheers! 

 Joelle

Hi everyone!

I am delighted to share today’s article with you from a lovely women I had the honor to connect with last year.  In our conversation she shared with me a practice she has taken on called giving a “Happy Day Gift”.  I was so touched by the notion I knew I needed to share it with you.  

Read Whole Article

Also a reminder that THIS THURSDAY is your opportunity to get pumped, get motivated and get more done in 2 hours than you do in most weeks!

Join the Coach Joelle Monthly Productivity Booster Call to battle your resistance, harness the power of the group, and carve out dedicated time to make sales calls, finish a project or launch something new!

Click here to participate. Cost $0.00.

Have a brilliant week!

Joelle

To demonstrate how ridiculously inflexible a person is!

So I am on day 6 of my 21 day detox cleanse and while I have so much to report on, from the green sludge I drink for breakfast to the very interesting stuff I am learning about the impact of heating your food over 114 degrees,  today I am going to share about my yoga experience.

Part of the cleanse program is that I get unlimited yoga, pilates and girotonics and I am using the opportunity fully.  The space at Inspiral motion is a lovely quiet space full of lithe gracious women.  Just being there makes you want to drink green tea and eat organic.  I have had the pleasure of attending 3 classes and each was full of adventures in inner peace and the wonder of a body.  I really just want to share with you the insight I gained in these classes on the nature of the body. 

As I mentioned at the start, I am completely in awe of how inflexible I am!  I cannot fathom how the other folks in the class can get their nose down to their knees while I have a two foot gap between my head and the little spot on my leg where I am supposed to be able to rest it. Truly amazing! And I am intrigued by the possibility of someday being able to move and contort my body in such ways. More importantly, I noticed how much of my body does not get used in my day to day life.  Even with running and walking, for those of us who sit a lot there are parts of the groin and ribs and lower back that are for the most part ignored. 

As I stretch and bend and move these parts of me my body opens, releases and says AHHHHHH. I can feel myself releasing stress I have been carrying for years, my body is realigning and little chronic aches and pains seem to be slipping away. I can see how this type of movement, this flowing, intentional, stretching, opening serves a whole other world that the weightlifting and running does not touch.

Yoga is nothing new, in fact, it is ancient.  I have done it at numerous points in my life and likely you have checked it out in the past, but just in case you forgot as I did, the beauty and healing power of this movement, I invite you to check out a yoga class for your body, mind and soul.

Namaste.

Joelle

It’s Thursday evening. I am sitting outside Starbucks finishing the final pages of the very last Harry Potter book. Tears running down my cheeks, it is an absolutely perfect ending that leaves me completely content. No cliffhanger, no loose ends, and every little thing ends up just that way I would have hoped. 

Ahhhhh. This perfect moment could only be topped by one thing… the arrival of my husband home from his day! Kisses at the door and then we take a jaunt across the street to our favorite martini bar for a beverage, dinner and the perfect evening on the patio.  As we take on our usual Thursday conversation, we scheme about the future, dream about what we are creating and revel in each other’s adventures of the day. 

This is truly the very best thing in the world for me.

As I am listening intently completely wrapped in his sharing, sitting on the edge of my seat to hear what is next, I realize something. I realize something deep and powerful and exciting about why I love taking on life beside my husband. I realize that with this partner in life, instead of me, standing alone, creating life on my own, taking on the adventure solo, suddenly with Jeff I have a true partner in creation.

On the one hand we get to dream together and his dream enriches and expands mine. On the other, he has his own adventure and because our lives are so deeply and undeniable intertwined, his adventures may take me and my life down whole new paths at any time, just as mine can jump up and surprise him and he gets to come along for the ride!

I used to be afraid of this. I used to resist it.  “Leave me alone and get out of my way! I have a life to build here and you better not mess it up!”

Today it is double the adventure, double the fun!

May you each find someone delightful to share your adventure with!

A toast to partnership, adventure and trust.

Huzza!

Coach J

I am totally Jazzed! 

I just signed up for a 21 day cleanse and it starts next Tuesday!   The program includes 4 weeks of instruction, reading materials, supplements, unlimited yoga, Pilates and GYROKINESIS® , the support of a community and the care of Janee Kuta-Lliano a seasoned professional in Internal Cleansing and Detoxification.  HOW MUCH FUN!

I have been heading down this path for a while, little by little, and I am ready to go all the way! 

Here are all the things that have been on my mind that have brought me to this place. 

1) I know some beautiful, healthy 50 year olds. They all concur, no red meat, lots of greens and little to no interest in sugar.

2) My husband has been reading about the chemicals in our foods, and the impact of pesticides and genetic engineering on our food supply.  Some pretty interesting stuff that has me convinced organic is the way to go.

3) My skin has been having some issues. It could be hormones, it could be stress, it could be that the skin is the second liver.   I figure if I get all the junk out of my system there is a chance my liver can do the work and leave my skin out of it. ( I have recently added dry skin brushing and the juice of 1 fresh lemon in warm water each morning to support the liver in it’s process.)

4) My journey with my food coach Paul Koros last year showed me that vegetables, hearty grains, portion control and eliminating sugar can do wonders for my body, remove sugar cravings and take me to pre-college weight.

5) The cycle of sugar cravings and alcohol consumption lead to among other things, yeast in the system that increases cravings, impacts insulin processing and exacerbates hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). 6) I found out my husband’s vitamix (heavy duty blender) makes awesome fruit and vegetable juice with all of the fiber and super easy clean up.

7) Two years ago I went off of the pill, and avoid antibiotics at all costs after reading the Body Ecology Diet. This was the beginning of a choice to be as “natural” as possible.

8) This spring Whole foods came to town which makes all sorts of healthy eating choices much more accessible and fun!

9) I am going to be on TV soon so I might as well get my skin and my body under control once and for all. Details to come on this but one way or another…. It will happen!

10) I am excited about the idea of eating green, eating raw, buying organic, slowing down the pace of life a bit and spending time making conscious food choices and creating meals.

In addition to all the health benefits of this process I am also really excited about meeting other people on this path as I can see that this adventure will lead me to the next and the next. I will keep you posted.

Here’s to 100, healthy and hot!

Joelle

Saturday I woke with one thing in mind.

Health.

I was up at 8 and on the computer reading through notes a friend had given me from an “ultimate health seminar” she had attended.  I checked on line about bee pollen and “super foods” and antioxidants and once again took on the exploration of what would be best for my body, my skin, my longevity and the planet.  Living to a hundred, healthy and hot! Sounds like a good goal.

With this active morning I become clear about something else. There is a body, mind soul event in town and I wanted to go.  I tell my husband that this is on my agenda, he decides to come with me and what an adventure!

Upon entering the exhibit room there is a man climbing on someone on a table. The practitioner is Asian and he is performing some sort of shiatsu, massage, martial arts, primal scream therapy.  A group has gathered to watch him at his craft – a dancy, massage, wrestling type movement punctuated with loud shouts and groans. Never made it on the table but it was fun to watch!

We both got reflexology (the art of understanding and healing the body by rubbing your feet) and I loved the gal. She mentioned that my adrenal system was compromised and I should look at some supplements.  Smart gal, I went off my adrenal suppliments the last time I ran out and I realize it might have something to do with my desire to strangle a couple people over the past week.  

The reflexologist is also a reiki teacher ( energy work) and I have been really clear that this is something I am ready to take on learning more about. You know what they say, when the student is ready…well hello teacher!

I even met a lovely young woman to advise me on fasting and, joy of joys, colon cleansing! This is a good thing since the last time I tried a fast on my own I made it two days into the pre-fast ( only raw fruits and vegetables and some plant protein) before I realized I was really really really hungry, so serve up the meat and potatoes!

I got a lot of resources and answers at the event and I LOVED exploring it all with my guy ( we play so well together) but the most fun and our biggest answer was an unexpected adventure.

Pet Psychic!

Jeff saw the banner and immediately signed up.  His beloved pet Smokey had died recently and I guess he was just compelled.  Nothing I would ever choose but that was before we met Agnes Thomas PH.D Pet Communicator.

We have 15 mintues… the clock is ticking. “Tell me the names of your pets” she asks. Smokey – grey tabby – male – deceased – 17 years Bandit – Black and white – Female  17 years Zanadu – grey tortie –female -10 years Lucky – dark tortie – female -8 years Linguinee – grey tabby –female – 5 years “Who would you like to speak with first?” she asks. “Smokey” we both agree. Agnes calls on Smokey, supposedly finds him in the ether, introduces herself, tells him the she is with his “parents” and asks if she can talk to him. She immediately pauses and goes. “Oh, what a good boy. What a good natured cat! He is so sweet and friendly and laidback.” BINGO! Jeff looks at me eyes wide. These are the exact words he would use to describe Smokey. Jeff has always said that Smokey was like the kid is school that didn’t below to a particular group but got along with everyone. One point for Agnes. Then she asked him “What happened to your body?” Smokey’s response. “My kidneys were not that good and I got really thin.” Awe struck again! This is exactly what happened to him. We were giving him intervenes fluids for his kidney failure for 3 years and then he got really skinny until there was just nothing left of him.

By now we are crying. She asked him “What are you doing now?” He replied “playing in the meadow chasing butterflies.”  A bit of a long story but this was dead on as well. When she asked” Who greeted you when you came over?”  The description provided was immediately recognizable. A beloved uncle of Jeff’s that had passed the following year. We learned about what Smokey has in store for the next few months and that he has decided to come back as a black and white kitten next fall.

But wait… there’s more! Next we talked to Lucky.  Agnes said lucky was a little odd.  She was happy but there was something not quite right. Agnes asked Lucky .”What would fill your heart?” Lucky replied, “Hold me in your arms….” “That shouldn’t be so hard.”, Agnes interjected, but Lucky wasn’t finished. “But don’t hold me upside down!” Lucky said. “I don’t like looking at ceilings and I never learned how to “jump up”(as in jump up to the ceiling as opposed to jump down to the floor)” Jeff and I looked at each other, mouths gaping and we started laughing!  We are both notorious for grabbing lucky and holding her like a baby, on her back in our arms. But no more!

Finally we talked to Bandit. Bandit seems to have been trying to tell us something for some time now. “Something is wrong, my urine smells funny and I am uncomfortable in my tummy. Please do what you did before.” She told Agnes. We had just brought bandit to the vet the day before because of these exact issues and were about to start the treatment that we did “before”.

As a result of our adventure with Agnes a couple of things have happened. My husband got some closure around his dead pet and we will likely be on the hunt for Smokey reincarnated next fall. Lucky will no longer be held upside down by her misguided parents and I got a whole new appreciation for Bandit.  I have to admit, as awful as it sounds, I have resented her a bit, meowing all the time, waking me up, being “demanding”. But Agnes let me see that this kitty deserves nothing but my love and patience. She is old and she is hurting and the next time we chat with her I want to make sure she feels well taken care of by her new mom.

Stranger than fiction, perhaps, but if you have a pet with “issues” or you just want to connect with your furry friends I invite you to give Agnes a call.

Take a walk on the wild side!

Joelle

Color color everywhere and it has everything to do with your quality of life! 

It is difficult to deny the importance of color, whether we are talking about your favorite tie or blouse, the paint you choose for your office or the landscaping you create for your home.  But did you know that there might actually be something behind why you chose your favorite color or that sudden urge to get out to the green of nature?

I recently had the opportunity to have a conversation with Marlene Mitchell, Director of the International-Certified Aromatherapy Institute.  Marlene is a delight to speak with and an incredible resource on a number of things including something called color therapy. As it turns out, color works on us in some subtle and not so subtle ways and like so many other things, it can be used as a tool to create your life.

The principles behind color therapy explain why I could not pull myself away from the amazing pinky violet hues of the Cleveland spring which ultimately translated in the Gerbera daisy that has become synonymous with Coach Joelle. It even explains why my friend Kristen is in a stage of creativity, energy and reveling in life and all she wants to wear is orange!

In Today’s article Marlene shares the importance of color and provides a new world of color awareness for you to use in everything from shifting your mood to increasing your metabolism. 

 Read the Whole Article click here

Enjoy!

Joelle