5/30/2004 10:46:01 PM|||Beth Dargis|||

June 1st I will be beginning the month long e-course to creating a new habit.

You will receive daily e-mails with encouragement and exercises to help you form your habit. I have also set up a messageboard so we can all support each other. Invite your friends, because we all know it's more fun with a friend.

You can sign up each month if you want to create additional habits.

I look forward to seeing you there! Sign up here: http://www.encouragingcoach.com/programs-habits.htm

Today we were at the in-laws and we found a baby snapping turtle. At first we weren't sure what kind it was, but then we saw the sharp, curved claws. Not to mention that it was breaking sticks in half with it's powerful bite.

|||108597174165707355|||Free New Habits E-course5/29/2004 08:25:35 PM|||Beth Dargis|||

We were going to have a garage sale today. We got everything together and set it up. We sat out for three hours, but only a few people came up. Even the traffic was a lot lighter than usual. We decided most people must be camping. We didn't want to waste the rest of the day, so we packed up. Grabbing a friend we went out to lunch and then drove to the beach. Lake Michigan was misty and a little rainy. Yet, I found it beautiful. Many people were out taking their first sails.

Jeff's brother called to say they were in town. They joined us at the beach. The kids laughed as they all went swinging. Then the nine kids hunted for fossils and shells.

We got a call from my mother-in-law saying they were going to the garden store near our house. Could they stop by? So they came over and Jeff's brother's family came over. The kids ran all over playing games outside, the men were attempting to fix my computer and I talked with my mother-in-law.

The day turned out to be a delightful change of plans.

I think we'll try the garage sale on Memorial Day, right after the parade. The parade will be just a few blocks from our house. Lots of people will be traipsing by that day.

|||108587781566498997|||A change of plans5/27/2004 12:38:16 PM|||Beth Dargis|||

I love this quote from Jennifer Louden in her Comfort Queen Daily Dollop:

CQ'S DEFINITION OF BALANCE

"Balance doesn't mean you work 5.7 amount of hours, exercise 20.3 minutes four times a week at a heart rate of 82%, spend 3.4 hours with your children or parents or community. BORING. OPPRESSIVE. Who wants to be a well-oiled machine? Divine balance means-you know the drill-creating your life by listening to your unique needs and constantly adjusting as you walk along your unique unfolding path." CQ takes a breath. "Whew, I do get excited about this!"

I think way too many people, women especially, have this idea that we can always be in perfect balance if we just manage our time right. We drive ourselves insane attempting to keep all the balls in the air simultaneously. And usually way too many balls in the air. Some days you will notice your health needing more attention. Other days you will feel like being really productive. Different days you need connection and spend more time with people. Paying attention to your needs will allow you the freedom of a balance that truly nurtures you.

|||108567630244586556|||Balance5/25/2004 02:44:31 PM|||Beth Dargis|||

Want to wear some of those gorgeous new scarves, but not look stupid? Me too. I ran across some sites on how to tie scarves in different ways:
http://members.aol.com/modefrance/tying/scarf_tying.html
http://www.apparelsearch.com/scarve_knots.htm
http://www.bellescarves.com/how_to_tie.html

Exercise: Two 30 minute walks

|||108551079573328375|||Scarves5/24/2004 09:55:08 PM|||Beth Dargis|||

I am grateful for...
Work I love
Mephisto sandals I got on e-bay for a song
Dinner I didn't have to cook last night
Smile from my son today
Giving myself a pedicure tonight

The newest 52 changes is up: http://www.encouragingcoach.com/projects-52changes.htm

Exercise:
I did 15 min of ab/core work, 30 minutes of weights and 15 min of yoga

I'm still decluttering since the garage sale was rained out. Today I decluttered my bulletin board, dishes, school memorabilia and textbooks, and kitchen appliances.

|||108545130878081547|||Grateful5/23/2004 08:29:32 PM|||Beth Dargis|||

Looking up at the trees I can't help realizing there is a whole big world out there and it's not all about me.

|||108535875246658665|||Trees5/23/2004 08:24:18 PM|||Beth Dargis|||

My garage sale was rained out so I have another week to continue to declutter. A great book I found is called The Declutter Workbook by Mary Lambert. She breaks up decluttering into 101 mini projects like living room inherited objects, home office pinboard, and dying flowers. It's really helpful to have them broken done. She also includes benefits of decluttering the areas, ideas for maintenance and little rewards.

|||108535855877229812|||Decluttering5/21/2004 07:38:17 AM|||Beth Dargis|||

My newest newsletter is out: http://www.encouragingcoach.com/newsletter-may-04.htm on Procrastination.

Here are some great questions and answers from the Energy Addict, Jon Gordon, on energy: http://secure.jongordon.com/ask_energy_addict.php. Then stop by the link on that page for tips to increase your energy.

We are almost all weeded out for the garage sale this weekend or next. The weather is predicting a week's worth of rain right now.


I also got the winter stuff off the porch and made it a nice area to sit again.

|||108513994011127230|||Newsletter5/21/2004 07:04:34 AM|||Beth Dargis|||

I spent a gorgeous, long day on Wednesday. First I chaperoned an all day field trip with my son's class. They were doing outdoor challenges. They struggled with learning to do things as teams and using their creativity to problem solve. I enjoyed watching them grow. Another lady and myself were at the furthest stations away, plus we got lost and managed to walk in one big circle.

Afterwards I went to a Kid's Hope party to be with the first grader I mentor. We walked from the school to the park to the school again. This will be the last time we will see each other until the fall, or ever if they move. They are unsure at this point. She held my hand during the activities, chatted and laughed throughout the day. We had a picnic lunch with grilled hot dogs. Her favorite.

After the party I was supposed to go to exercise class. I was walked out and was sore the next day as it is, so I bowed out. Instead I fixed dinner, talked with my family and read a few minutes.

Then I printed out the VBS agenda, so I could head up the meeting. We got some dates set and things accomplished, although there wasn't many people there.

By the time I got home, I was tired and wanted to go to bed. Spend some time cleaning and with hubby and kids before I dropped to sleep.


Flowers from my garden

|||108513793428146687|||Hectic Day5/18/2004 09:38:26 PM|||Beth Dargis|||

I got a lot done today with doing challenges with some friends at Get It Done Day.

We've had harsh wind the past few days. All the helicopter seeds are flying around. You don't even have to pick them up and toss. They are covering the driveway and my Vue. I got some quick pictures before the wind took all the petals to my irises.

|||108493090975361746|||Irises5/17/2004 07:58:15 PM|||Beth Dargis|||

I was on fire today! I weight lifted, walked, and cleaned the house before I settled down for some work. I got my newsletter written and sent and worked on a couple e-courses that I wanted to get going on. I got the sweetest letters from some of my subscribers today. They really made my day.

I got some groceries, got gasoline ($2.11 a gallon, yikes!) and washed my car before having an energizing lunch with a friend.

I got done with a few pesky, little things I haven't had a chance to get to that were draining my energy.

My cousin just started a new business venture, if you are into scrapbooking, take a look: https://scrap4funshelli.leavingprints.com/myprints.asp?

|||108483876202613263|||Productive Monday5/17/2004 07:52:42 PM|||Beth Dargis|||

Yesterday was what Sundays are supposed to be like. We walked to church in the sunny 65 degree weather. After church we ate and talked. It warmed up even more outside so the kids and I planted the rest of the vegetables in the garden and potted some orange, fiery red and purple flowers. I read for awhile then we took the kids to the park. After they played awhile my son and I played tennis. If you can call it that. We play very badly. I hit three over the fence, numerous balls flew into the court next to us that was playing a competitive doubles game. Luckily none interfered.

After taco dinner the kids layed out their clothes for the week and I planned the week. Once the kids were in bed I got a little alone time with hubby. He left for work around 9:30 and I got ready for bed then read some more.

|||108483826200709457|||Relaxing Sunday5/15/2004 10:08:30 PM|||Beth Dargis|||

I was showing Jeff the itty bitty lettuce leaves popping out of the garden, when two cardinals zoomed next to us. We watched as two brightly colored males chased each other in a circle. Round and round over our wooden fence, behind the fence, through our trees and right in front of us. Too fast to get a picture. I called the kids out to watch. They laughed and giggled at the spectacle. They must have been circling for about 15 minutes before moving into a figure eight then finally one was left to rest in our tree. The other one must have admitted defeat and flew off.

|||108467359091267194|||Cardinals5/15/2004 08:03:57 AM|||Beth Dargis|||

On the shore of Lake Michigan last year

I'm thinking summer already. Looked at the calendar and end of school stuff. I want to plan the greatest summer ever. (I say that every year.) We've already discussed that every Monday will be beach day. My husband works 3rd shift and I work from the house, so I will be able to work while he sleeps and then we can all head off to the beach in the cooler afternoon around 4:00.

I also ran across a fun article on 140 Ways to Do Nothing http://www.fineliving.com/fine/rejuvenation/article/0,1663,FINE_1404_2209831,00.html

|||108462276333794807|||Summer Fun5/14/2004 10:01:24 PM|||Beth Dargis|||

The newest of the 52 changes is on the website: Tiny Change #30. Resign from one committee, volunteer post, or duty you don't really like. I know it's going to be a tricky one. http://www.encouragingcoach.com/projects-52changes.htm

|||108458658959739353|||52 Changes 5/13/2004 07:51:55 PM|||Beth Dargis|||

Brea and I went to the library today to read magazines. I was reading Prevention magazine and it had a short article on being balanced vs. being centered. Balance is almost a figment of our imagination. Nobody is perfectly balanced all the time. We have this idea that if I just get our time organized we can fit our whole life in nice pie slice pieces. In reality we are just trying to keep the whole pie from crashing to the floor.

Instead, let's strive to be centered. Have you ever met the woman who has kids hanging on her, the doorbell ringing, the phone ringing yet she seems calm and relaxed? She has an innate sense of what is important.


Part of getting centered is taking quiet time for yourself every day and listening to your thoughts and feelings. Instead of trying for perfect balance so we can show the world what a perfect person we are, we understand what we need to do to make ourselves fulfilled.

And many days it will be playing at the park or reading a novel, instead of making sure the house is spotless or the report no one will read is done.

|||108449825096817723|||Balanced vs. Centered5/12/2004 10:18:56 PM|||Beth Dargis|||

Are you interested in learning more about Prosperity? Julie Jordon Scott has a free 42 day program. You can sign up here http://www.5passions.com/42days.html

|||108441491622141618|||Prosperity5/11/2004 10:29:03 PM|||Beth Dargis|||

Question of the Week: How do I feel about the choices I have been making lately?

(From Comfort Secrets for Busy Women by Jennifer Louden)

|||108432906364582215|||5/11/2004 10:18:12 PM|||Beth Dargis|||

My daughter was in the chorus of the 4th grade play. Imagine young kids singing, saying long lines, skating, throwing a basketball (and it never went off stage!.) A fun musical about some kids trying to find out what they are good at in gym class. They try out different things and in the end find out that it only matters if you play your heart out. Then you are a champion.

I have to admit - I hated gym. I never played my heart out. I tried as many ways as possible to get out of playing at all - going to the back of the line over and over, faking a broken finger, and standing waaaaay out in the outfield. There is only so much humilation a short, near-sighted, uncoordinated girl can take!

|||108432889287181057|||5/10/2004 08:15:30 PM|||Beth Dargis|||

I just love how tulips look in the rain. I took this photos in my backyard.

|||108423496814332210|||5/06/2004 11:48:06 AM|||Beth Dargis|||

Lately, I've forgotten to stay present. Worrying about the future, not really listening to the kids, focusing on the next to do's instead of the one I am on. I started noticing my stress levels going up. I couldn't figure out at first why I was so cranky. Then it dawned on me how out of the present I had gotten. All that worrying about future events and to do's slowly drained out my energy.

So, today I am focusing on staying present where I am. I stopped what I was doing completely to turn around and listen to my son. Later, he wanted smoothies and instead of saying I'm working, can't you make it yourself, I had an enjoyable time making smoothies and chatting with him. I had so much energy during my work time today as I focused my thoughts on the project I was on. I also got through ithem faster than usual.

Today I am grateful for...

~A gorgeous, sunny warm day

~Strawberry banana smoothies

~An extra long journaling session as I processed some thoughts

~The ability to work at home and be with my family, and to do work I love

~A free book I got in the mail from someone

~A nice card my mother-in-law made me for Mother's Day

|||108385848663218909|||5/03/2004 03:06:48 PM|||Beth Dargis|||

Ehow has some great step by step cleaning lists. I ran across How to Clean a Stove today.

|||108361120843684440|||5/03/2004 12:46:41 PM|||Beth Dargis|||

Question of the Week: What are my five priorities for the week?

|||108360280184751980|||5/03/2004 12:38:56 PM|||Beth Dargis|||

It’s Tulip Time here in West Michigan. Tons of tourists. But, the tulips are very lovely. We had perfect weather for them. And we are proud. It was named Reader’s Digest Best Small Town Festival in America.

This morning was very productive. I did my quiet time and walking. Took ds to school and did half my morning routine. I ate breakfast with dd because usually I eat with ds because of the way the schedules are. We had a delicious blueberry banana smoothie.

I did 2 hours of work for David, some coaching work, and updated my web site.

I just through a load in the wash and will be doing some more coaching work.

|||108360233692931071|||5/02/2004 10:22:56 PM|||Beth Dargis|||

Today we visited some friends and family. Our first stop was to help someone with their computer. The kids played with his fluffy black dog.

At Jeff's parents some family friends stopped by. We had a great conversation about overwhelm, priorities, time and doing stuff we wanted to do. We were saying that we don't want to just push through, we want to get things done, but in a nurturing way.

|||108355097644767090|||5/01/2004 02:38:12 PM|||Beth Dargis|||

Yesterday my daughter and I made ice cream with her Baskin Robbins ice cream maker. She just loves to do that. My husband, his dad, and our son went to the computer store and I asked Brea what she wanted to do. "Make ice cream!" she giggled. Afterwards we picked up Master and Commander plus Scooby Doo at the video store. We had to stay in the car when we pulled up to the store, because one of our favorite songs were on. Brea and I sang nice and loud till the song was over. We got a few glances from people actually going into the store, not just sitting in their car outside the store.

Yesterday was my monthly planning. My two main goals this month are:

1.To finish decluttering so I can put on a garage sale

2. Work on my health - exercise, more fruits and vegies, water and stress relief

|||108343669204956067||| Go to the Archives, and click 'republish all'.