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"You have taught me to believe in myself and to take things slowly, one step at a time, keep sight of my goals, both short term and long term.

Your coaching style was both nuturing and motivating, you seemed to intuitively know some days what I needed most. Your caring and understanding was so appreciated and it came from the heart."

-Holly C.

I would recommend the Simplicity Course as an easy, practical way to start simplifying one's life. I especially liked the segments on Tolerations, Wardrobe, and Office and Paperwork.

Each day focuses on only one task, which is helpful to people who feel overwhelmed by the complexities of modern life and hardly know where to begin downshifting.

-Joan, New York

Beth has an uncanny way of, "reading between the lines" to see a person's heart. I appreciate how genuine she is.

I have already begun implementing her suggestions, and am dumbstruck at how well they are working. I am feeling so much more secure, and feel I am finally put onto a life path that will bring me joy for many years to come."

-Sue Halpern

I feel more focused and have an objective instead of aimlessly filling up the day.

-Shelli Segura

 

 

-Do not wish to be anything but what you are and try to be that perfectly. –St. Francis De Sales

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Encouraging Words

July 2003

Welcome to Encouraging Words monthly newsletter. This FREE newsletter is designed to encourage you in creating a life so joyful and authentic, you radiate. Please pass it along to friends you would like to inspire

Wow, it’s been a year since I began this newsletter! I am so glad you have continued on this journey with me.

I just got done with a few big projects, a web site design, and co-directing our church’s Vacation Bible School. So once those hectic weeks ended, I made sure I had time to rest. I’ve been swimming, watched movies, read tons of books and caught up on some scrapbooking. After a nice slow week, I am back in the saddle again.

After a hiatus for my web site, I have put it back online and am updating it. http://pws.chartermi.net/~dargis/


”One’s philosophy is not best expressed in words; it is expressed in the choices one makes…In the long run, we shape our lives and we shape ourselves.” –Eleanor Roosevelt

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How are you doing on your summer fun list? Have you been creating your support system?

Stocking Up

Running out to the store at the last minute is a big energy drain. Making do with supplies that aren’t made for the job is frustrating. This month we are going to do some stocking up and taking inventory.  As we go through lists for various rooms, remember to add items that are important to you. The goal is to have enough, but not to have too much in the form of clutter. As you are looking to stock up, remember to be grateful for what you have and plan for what you don’t. You may have to cut out on lunches out for a little bit to put this foundation into your life.

Let’s start with the Appliances. How are your oven and washer working? How old are your appliances? This Old House has a chart on the average life span of appliances. http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/knowhow/managinghome/article/0,16417,216991-4,00.html

If you are getting close to the life span of some of your appliances, now is the time to save for a new one. No more “surprises” when an appliance goes kaput.

Onto the Kitchen. Do you have all the supplies you need to prepare healthy, delicious foods? I know there are a few recipes I have that remind me I need a garlic press.  Here is an inventory list for the kitchen: http://lifesaverlists.tripod.com/kitchen.html You may not need all of the items on the list, but it is a good reminder for things you really could use in your kitchen. Do you have enough food in the pantry to whip up a few of your favorite meals? Print out a pantry list: http://www.nutritionexplorations.com/parents/pantry-list.asp and tape it to the pantry door. Before you go grocery shopping, check your pantry to make sure you are still stocked up. No more 5:30pm trips to the grocery store for tomato sauce.

In the Family Room, do you have an abundance of things you love? Does your CD collection contain music you enjoy listening to? Are there any new CD’s you would like to put on your birthday list? Do you have your favorite movies on DVD or VHS? Do you have a stack of books you want to read? How about space? Do you have enough room to move around or is there too much clutter?

Now we get to open your Bedroom.  In the closet we usually have plenty of clothes. But, more often than not we have too much of one type of clothing and are totally missing other types. Check out this wardrobe list to see if you have the basics: http://www.mindspring.com/~dedore/wardrobe/basics.htm Do you have enough tranquil space in your bedroom? Are you getting enough sleep? Do you get enough quiet time?

I know the place I find myself running out of things too frequently is the Bathroom. Use this supply list: http://lifesaverlists.tripod.com/bathroom.html and add to it any items or particular brands you use. Do you have all the cleaning supplies you need? http://www.listorganizer.com/housesupplies1.htm

Have you set up a Home Office for paperwork and family organization? http://money.howstuffworks.com/home-office.htm As the secretary of your home office do you have a reserve of office supplies? http://www.byu.edu/fc/fds/starter/office.html

How prepared are you for an Emergency or just a popped button or loose bolt?

72-Hour Kit:  http://www.beprepared.com/Articles/check.htm

First Aid Kit: http://www.listorganizer.com/firstaid1.htm

Sewing Kit:  http://sewing.about.com/library/weekly/aa112400a.htm

Tool Kit:  http://www.onthehouse.com/tips/20000501

When we have the resources to make our life run smoother, we will have more time to go after our dreams.

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Self-Care Tips for July:

·         Go for a long walk on the beach or through the woods

·         Visit a church

·         Ask in your journal, “What do I need more of in my life.”

·         Read a book for fun

“Remind me each day that the race is not always to the swift and that there is more to life than increasing its speed”
-O.L.Crain

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Relationship Ideas for July:

·         Reach out to somebody today

·         Contact your family and let them know you love them

·         Have a candlelight dinner with fresh flowers

·         Make a long cuddle time with your kids

“People are lonely because they build walls instead of bridges.”
—Joseph Fort Newton

I am reading a wonderful book called Simple Steps: 10 Weeks to Getting Control of Your Life by Lisa Lelas, et al. The book gives you four baby steps each week in the areas of health, weight, home and spirit. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0451208625/sweetpetites-20

I have room for some e-mail coaching clients for three-months of sessions. If you are interested e-mail me at dargis@chartermi.net. I answer many questions in my coaching FAQ: http://pws.chartermi.net/~dargis/coaching.html

I encourage you this month to be thankful for your abundance, build a reserve and to slow down.

Warmly,

Beth Dargis


Written by Life Coach, Beth Dargis
Dargis@chartermi.net

Past issues are available at the newsletter section of the website.
Copyright (c) 2003 Beth Dargis, Zeeland, Michigan.  All rights reserved.
Feel free to use these articles on your website and newsletters as long as the footer is included. Permission is granted to reproduce, copy or distribute this e-letter so long as this copyright notice and full information attributing Beth Dargis is attached.


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