by Carol deLaski | Nov 19, 2012 | Gratitude
It is five days after a great event and I am still feeling the glow of having spent a truly special night with special people. Our Gratitude Dinner held last Tuesday night was a member’s and alliance partner’s-only event and 24 women were able to attend and share an evening of wonderful food and drink and great companionship.
What an incredible warm and connected evening! There were women that have attended our retreats that reunited with other retreat participants, alliance partners that enjoyed meeting for the purpose of socializing rather than working on a task, and there were coaches that relished the opportunity to witness the amazing women that choose to work with us.
What a blessing it is to live in a time and place where we can share beauty in the people we are with, the place that we gather, and the food and drink that we enjoy. What a joy to have healthy bodies that support us, enough financial means to support ourselves, and families and friends that want our company. This is truly a week for giving thanks and the Wholistic Woman Community did just that.
Some additional thanks go to Bill and Laura Hall for being the wine sponsors, Lisa Fiedler at TASTE…at Your Table for the delicious food and service, and Michael DiSciullo for rearranging furniture, setting up chairs and tables, and taking the dog out for the evening.
It is a privilege to be connected to clients, members, and friends that are truly committed to living their whole best life.
Thank you for a wonderful evening and if you would like to join us in the future, join our community at www.wholisticwomanretreats.com and like us on Facebook.
Most people think that those who are happy have gratitude, rather it is those who have gratitude are happy! *
The opportunity to speak out loud, what we are grateful for acknowledges and spurs more thoughts on how fortunate we all are. As human beings we focus on what’s not right more often that what is right in our lives. Focusing on the positive helps put the nagging problems and issues in perspective so that we have greater clarity on what to do about those issues. It lifts our moods and creates positive energy. I encourage you to take the time to share your gratitude with your family and friends during the week of Thanksgiving, as well as all year long.
Lisa DiSciullo
Lisa DiSciullo Coaching
[email protected]
*NOTE TO READERS: I saw a quote like this on Facebook and went back to find it and couldn’t, so if you know the real quote and who should get credit, let us know here!!
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by Carol deLaski | Nov 8, 2012 | Carol deLaski, Success
“I always wanted to go on a hot air balloon ride,” my mother quietly said as we sat around the picnic table discussing our bucket lists last summer. We had just completed the Wholistic Woman Zip Line Retreat, and the rush of accomplishment left an afterglow with many of the women that prompted discussion about what they wanted to do next. Some had spoken of sky diving and scuba diving, but my mom was caught up in a dreamlike reverie about hot air balloons. I looked at my mother with new eyes as she shared this desire of her heart. She continues to amaze and inspire me as she embraces a life of travel and adventure into her eighties.
The conversation led me to wonder why we put off doing the things that inspire and excite us. What are we waiting for and what does it take to move us into action?
In my mom’s case it simply took putting the wish out there and then saying ‘yes’ to an invitation. My two sisters and I decided to gift a hot air balloon ride to her for her 82nd birthday this year. Mom’s response, when we ran the idea by her, was an emphatic “Yes! Let’s do it!” and we all shook our heads in admiration of her unbridled enthusiasm.
Despite her initial excitement, though, on the day of the ride, she seemed quiet and pensive as she sat in the van watching the beautifully colored balloon inflate. The pilot, Ron, drafted us three sisters to be part of the crew and we hurried to follow his instructions while Mom waited patiently to board the basket. I could see her hesitancy now that the moment was almost upon us. How many of us do the same, bravely setting out to do something new only to waver as the moment of commitment approaches?
To distract and encourage her I read her a post on Facebook from a woman in Germany who had met Mom at a previous Wholistic Woman Retreat in 2011. Upon learning of our impending hot air adventure, Karen wrote how inspired she had previously been by Mom doing a zip line over the lake during the 2011 retreat. Along with others, she sent Mom birthday wishes from “your biggest fan in Germany”, encouraging her from across the world. We marveled at how small the world is now with instant communication and the sense of connection it brings. We also noted how uplifting it is to receive encouragement from others when we are feeling unsure of ourselves.
So what does it take to make our dreams come true? An initial component is gumption; that inner sense of courage that overcomes fear and nervousness. Whether we state our wishes quietly, as mom did, or broadcast them boldly for the whole world to hear, subtle movement begins when we give voice, or expression, to our desires.
Once we begin moving forward we can anticipate that there will be moments when we falter. A second component that is necessary for our success is encouragement and support. As a leadership coach, I have had the privilege of seeing many men and women grow into all they want to be. Whether it’s checking something off their life list, learning a new skill, or launching a new business, people ‘on-the-grow’ energize one another to achieve their life dreams.
I am blessed to have a mother who models this for not only me and my family, but for the entire Wholistic Woman Community. She inspires all of us to live life fully, no matter what our ages, and to embrace an attitude of enthusiasm that overcomes nervousness. Surrounding ourselves with people who inspire, motivate, and encourage us when we waver is critical to our success.
Could you benefit from associating with such a group of people? We warmly invite you to join this community that supports ongoing growth and forward movement to achieve lives that are personally satisfying and fulfilling.
Stay tuned here to learn about monthly topical coaching opportunities in 2013.
To read the rest of the story about the hot air balloon ride click here….
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by Carol deLaski | Oct 1, 2012 | Carol deLaski
What an incredible Retreat! Spectacular location, empowering breakout sessions, heart warming stories of strength and courage, new friends and accountability partners and a nice set of ACTION steps to work on.
We look forward to seeing many of you at the Gratitude Dinner in November 13. It’s for Wholistic Woman Members, so don’t forget to sign-up soon.
“What a great weekend retreat! Completely enjoyed myself. Recharged and energized my spirit! Thank you all again.” ~Gayle
“Ignite Your Spark” retreat gave me the kick in the butt that I needed to make changes to my way of thinking and my life that are necessary to find true happiness in my personal life.” ~Melinda
“Every time I attend a retreat, I feel such loving energy just exuding off every woman! It is such a wonderful feeling!” ~Lisa
“These retreats are awesome in so many ways – first removal from my “everyday” to focus on me being greater – not just for my sake but for the people in my life. It shows me how far I’ve come, where else I can go plus inspires me to know I am not alone. As my husband fondly say “I go to “find” myself.” ~Loretta
“Every woman should have the opportunity to attend these retreats.” ~anonymous
“Wow! Great retreat of inspiration. Thank you.” ~Joann
“I learned so much and it surpassed my expectations.” ~anonymous
“Just wanted to say I found it to be very nurturing and supportive atmosphere! (I’ve never seen so many friendly, smiling women – so that’s a good sign!) ” ~Jessica
“I treated myself to a retreat for me.”~anonymous
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by Carol deLaski | Sep 6, 2012 | Business, Children, Family, Finances, Fitness, Health, Laura Hall, Nutrition, Success
I am so excited to be giving you a little preview of one of the upcoming workshops being presented by Lisa DiSciullo and myself at the upcoming Wholistic Woman Retreat! We’ve titled it, “Spark a Wholehearted Life” and it’s being based around the work of Brene Brown. I first learned about Brene Brown after watching one of her TED talks http://home/wholisu6/dev.wholisticwomanretreats.com.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_on_vulnerability.html and if you haven’t seen this, I highly recommend it. Her work has given me permission to be perfectly imperfect and as a “recovering perfectionist” this is just the permission I’ve been waiting for.
Wholehearted living is about recognizing your worthiness, that you already are enough, and then living from that place in harmony with your perceived imperfections. It’s about turning inward and acknowledging what is true for you and embracing that. It’s about letting go of allowing other people to dictate who or what you are supposed to be, and choosing your authentic truth, and then being courageous enough to stand up and say this is the real me. I’m done pretending to be something I’m not. I’m done trying to live up to unrealistic expectation. I’m done living by someone else’s rules for me. Here I am world, vulnerabilities and all! It’s not easy, but as someone who has been practicing this, I promise you, it has been well worth it!
Of course, this is life, and life is sometimes messy, so of course there are things that can get in the way of living a wholehearted life. Some days are better than others, but knowing what the potential road blocks are, allows us options, or detours, around these potential pitfalls. And on the positive side, there are also daily habits you can create that will assist you in wholehearted living. We will be looking at both of these aspects.
If this piqued your curiosity, if this leaves you wondering how effectively you are living a wholehearted life, if this has your imagination soaring about what would be possible if you started living life on your own terms, then please join us!
So, what are you doing September 28th and 29th? If you’d like to join us at the retreat, sign up TODAY as space is limited. You can do this at wholisticwomanretreats.com
Here’s to changing the world, one wholehearted life at a time!
Laura
Today’s author: Laura Hall is an iPEC certified life coach who believes every woman deserves a coach. She offers both one on one as well as group coaching services. She can be reached at [email protected] or check out her website at http://home/wholisu6/dev.wholisticwomanretreats.com.hallcoaching.com/.
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by Carol deLaski | Aug 19, 2012 | Business, Children, Family, Finances, Fitness, Health, Linda Norris, Nutrition, Success
What a way to get out of my own head!!
Wwwhhheeee!!! Flying down a zip line, through the trees, on a 90-degree summer evening and feeling the wind—I could even feel it through my tennis shoes as my feet dangled down in the breeze. Now if that doesn’t clear the cobwebs out of your head from a day of sitting in the office, nothing will.
I loved the chance to do this Zip and Sip (of course we had to celebrate with wine and picnic dinners afterward) with other wholistic women on Tuesday, July 17th. I like hanging out with these ladies–not only the life coaches, who are the glue that holds the Wholistic Community together, but the women they draw to them.
I’m not a coach, even though I spend a lot of time with them. I’m like the rest of you: worried about your kids, your job, your husband, your health, your Mom’s doctors appointment, your son’s new girlfriend….you name it, and you’re taking it on, just like me. Personally, its my kids, my work, my hot fla……..well….we won’t get too personal but you get the drift.
Yet when I get together with this group of women, its like a book club, a baby shower, a business meeting—–all wrapped into one. It gets me away from my worries and allows me to relax, yet at the same time, if one of my worries is on my heart and I feel an affinity with the woman I happen to be laughing with, its ok to share a worry–not only OK, but release. Because the women drawn to our group are non-judgmental, good listeners, and will always share some perspective they’ve experienced that relates to my problem—-and I feel so much less alone!
As you look at this Zip Line video, you know now why I come to these social events put on by Wholistic Woman Retreats–not just the weekend retreats, which are a double- or triple-dose of what I enjoy, but the socials, workshops and other things we’ve done. Its a space to work things out for myself, but supported by other women who have the same worries. Let me know with your comments if you feel the same way!
Linda Norris, NW Communications lind[email protected] 240-315-8876
Check out our new website: www.nwcommsyourstory.com
FB: www.facebook.com/nwcomms
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by Carol deLaski | Jul 12, 2012 | Business, Carol deLaski, Family, Health
“Why do you retreat?” a young woman asked me recently. My eyes lit with delight at the opportunity to talk about one of my favorite topics. “Retreats are wonderful experiences where we take time away from our day-to-day lives to relax, gain new perspectives, and have fun!” I explained. “They offer us the opportunity to learn new skills or perhaps remember ones we have forgotten and want to start again. Most retreats offer time of solitude as well as time for fellowship with others. They provide chances to reconnect with your Self and with other wise women. It’s a magical combination of individual and collective relationship building.”
To be honest, I have always loved retreats. My interest in them sprouted from family camping trips I experienced as a child. Time spent in the woods, away from the comfort of home with my large family formed lasting bonds and memories. Not only did I enjoy the time with my siblings and parents, I also benefited from being in nature. Camping made it clear what was most important: to stay fed, dry, and physically comfortable. Spending time in the woods presented the opportunity to witness God’s creation up close and personal. It was good for my heart and soul to escape to the woods with my loved ones. I came home dirty and ready for a hot shower but also reconnected to an inner sense of simplicity and priorities.
Those memories led me to help organize family retreats for my church when my children were young. We would travel to the Eastern Shore of Maryland with other families where we would stay in cabins on the water’s edge. Both structured and unstructured time allowed multiple generations to interact in fun, educational, and spiritually nurturing experiences. More lasting memories were made over many years as we continued a tradition of retreating to the Shore.
These experiences made me a firm believer in the benefits of retreating and led to the formation of ‘Wholistic Woman Retreats’ in order to provide nurturing experiences for women. Gone are the days of roughing it, though! Our retreats are physically comfortable while at the same time they encourage participants to step out of their comfort zone in order to experience growth. We don’t develop without some degree of discomfort. Our goal is to balance your comfort with experiences that stretch you to try something new such as reflexology, acupuncture, creating a vision board, or engaging in a discussion about a new skill you’re learning. We meet you where you are and move forward with you in the direction you want to go. We want you to come away from our retreats feeling refreshed, inspired, and supported in your new endeavors.
Who comes to our retreats? They are designed with the busy woman in mind. The truth is we each have a lot going on in our active lives. We accomplish a great deal for our employers, families, and our community. It’s been said if you want to get something done, give it to a busy woman! We are experts at juggling multiple demands and handling them well (for the most part…no one’s perfect, after all).
What we need, though, is time that is for us. Time to stop being busy and to refresh ourselves with laughter, healthy food, gentle movement, positive information and skill building. We provide busy women with time to receive (instead of give); time to recharge your batteries before you return to the demands of your busy life.
Everything that Wholistic Woman Retreats offers is a retreat for your mind, body, heart and spirit. Whether it’s an evening retreat, a tele-retreat, a one-on-one retreat, or a weekend retreat, we want to provide experiences that are enriching, fun, and supportive. I invite you to join us forthis fall’s ‘Ignite Your Spark’ Wholistic Woman Retreat. Reclaim your strength, peace, and direction with us this fall. You’ll return to your life well rested, inspired and re-energized for the activities you’re most passionate about.
Details: for more information go to www.wholisticwomanretreats.com; Early bird registration ends on 7/31 so sign up now to receive a $25 discount*. All early registrants are entered into a Spa Package giveaway; so don’t delay!
**easy payment options are available.
Author: Carol Hayes, [email protected] or 301-371-7460
Through her company, Clear Choices Coaching, Carol shares her expertise and skill fostering growth in people of all ages. She is especially energized when her coaching helps people experience “breakthrough” moments where they push through their personal edge and grow more fully into the people they want to be. Carol’s certification as a Life and Energy Leadership coach comes from The Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (IPEC), which is accredited by the International Coaching Federation. She is also a dynamic speaker and workshop leader who facilitates energizing connections with groups of all sizes.
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by Carol deLaski | Jul 7, 2012 | Business, Fitness, Health, Linda Norris, Success
Years ago, I participated for a short while in a group to ease a bout with panic disorder. It was called Co-Dependents Anonymous, and one of their signature themes was the statement above, among the familiar 10-step process.
It was a real challenge for me, because I tend to hold onto my life tightly, certain that if I work hard enough, try hard enough, manage things closely enough, everything will turn out OK.
Yet there are times when I have to push myself to just trust, and close my eyes, and undoubtedly, good things will happen.
- Despite closing my heart and feeling I would never truly fall in love after my first marriage ended in divorce, I decided to let go and trust that good things might be allowed to happen for me, and with a wonderful man I met named Eric. I am now married and in love in a way I never dreamed I could be.
- After I was laid off from a job and a company I loved, I let go and refused to allow myself to fall into the despair that is so easy and normal for people who lose their job through no fault of their own. I consciously decided to let go of the anger, the self-victimization, and was able to progress immediately into positive space—job interviews, first clients, and a business that is slowly but steadily growing.
There’s another kind of letting go that made me mull over these control issues. It’s the physical letting go of fear when you’re faced with a more “in your face” challenge—and we have the perfect example available to all of us wholistic women this month, skimming down a zip line. I had only done one short zipline on a Girl Scout challenge course before the lengthy zipline we did at the 2011 retreat, which allowed us to fly down a hill and brush over a small lake.
Taking that first step off the platform was the scariest part, but I closed my eyes, Let Go, and Let God. And She came through—what a ride it was, and Her hands —in the form of the half-dozen other women waiting to help break my landing—were waiting to congratulate me! (You can see me near the end of my ride in the photo).
If you want to have a very real experience with Letting Go and Letting Your Self Control give over to something greater, consider our summer activity. It will expand your possibilities in ways you will always remember!
(For more info on the event, visit here: https://wholisticwomenliving.com/zip-into-summer-zipline-event/)
Linda Norris, NW Communications
[email protected]
240-315-8876
Check out our new website: www.nwcommsyourstory.com
FB: www.facebook.com/nwcomms
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by Carol deLaski | Jun 26, 2012 | Fitness, Health, Nutrition, Sandie Lynch
Have you or heard a friend say, “I just can’t lose weight!” Most likely a more accurate statement may be “I just can’t keep off the weight I’ve lost.” Almost everyone who tries to lose weight can, but after the diet and/or exercise program they were following ends, the weight creeps back on twice as fast as they lost it. How do some people lose it and keep it off? Here are a few tips if applied consistently helps keep the weight off for good.
- Starting your day with a balanced breakfast. When we sleep our metabolism slows way down. If you tend to go most of the day without eating, you are losing precious hours that your metabolism could be much higher. Those who eat a balanced breakfast within an hour of rising burn more fat in the hours that follow then those who don’t eat or eat just starch alone. A balanced breakfast may include; some whole grain cereal, low fat milk, maybe some walnuts on the cereal and a little protein like an egg or peanut butter toast So eat up and burn more fat!
- Eating extra snacks may help you stick to the plan. Avoiding the hunger gremlin is one of the best ways to prevent sabotaging your efforts. Often individuals are “too good;” not snacking all day. So when they finally eat, being starved, they over do it; overloading the system and creating a fat building situation. The very last thing we want! Eating small frequent meals and snacks helps the body and mind stay in control!
- Cleanse the body naturally without the need to “detox” it. The body is extremely efficient in removing waste and eliminating it. Eating foods that are naturally high in water and fiber assists the body be more effective in the natural cleansing it does every day without the need to go on a diet that eliminates healthy foods to “detox” it. Eating high fat and processed foods slow you down and are slower to move through the digestive system making you feel heavier and slow. Therefore, eat high fiber and water content foods for normal and regular elimination, this will help you feel lighter and more energized to live an active life which will help keep the weight off
Today’s author: Sandie Lynch MS, RD, LDN, PFT, Registered Dietitian, Personal Trainer, and Wellness Life Coach. For more tips to maximize your metabolism and burn more fat for good, attend Wellness Workshops in the area by ATP Consultants, LLC with Sandie Lynch. Don’t miss Sandie’s next workshop sponsored by KRB Customized Training Solution’s BYOB at the Wine Kitchen in Frederick, Maryland June 27that 5:00 pm.
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by Carol deLaski | Jun 20, 2012 | Carol deLaski, Family
My favorite word lately is confluence. It’s not a word I typically use but I find myself describing my life with it more and more of late. In aquatic terms it means “a flowing together of two or more streams” and in more general terms it is defined by the coming together of people or things. For me, it’s the realization that there are multiple streams, or areas of my life, that are converging at this particular time, and I don’t know how it’s going to turn out.
Perhaps you have observed the joining of two streams or rivers and have noticed that when they combine there is turbulence; a jumble of waves where molecules twist and turn around each other. The tangle of waters eventually smooths out into a combined river that flows onward now bigger and stronger than either could be alone. It’s almost mesmerizing to stand and watch the confluence of streams as the water sorts itself out and decide how to flow together.
Due to several near drowning experiences in my life it’s easy for me to panic and feel threatened by churning waters. Therefore, I find it interesting that confluence is the image I have of my life right now. What I notice is that I’m not panicking. I admit that I sometimes wake in the night trying to sort out the decisions that need to be made but ultimately I recognize there is a larger plan at work.
I have learned to trust that a Divine guidance exists and intuitively know that an overall plan for my life is unfolding. We are each called to fulfill a purpose. In its purest form I believe that calling has to do with relationships. Whether it’s the relationships we have with others through our work, or our families, or communities determines if that calling presents itself as a career, volunteerism, or at home.
As I learn to trust inner guidance more and more, believing that there is a divine plan for my life, I know that I can observe the confluence calmly. In the past the uncertainty about my future and the stress to make the “right” decision would have had me in a snarl of emotions literally bobbing on the waters of the merging streams. Now I notice, however, that I can quickly step back from the converging streams of my life and say with interest “I wonder what’s going to come from all of this.”
Approaching ‘life confluence’ with inquisitiveness instead of panic is new to me, yet feels good. Unlike before, I am not frantically trying to make something happen nor passively just letting things happen to me but I am somewhere in the middle. I am trusting that it will become clear what steps I am to take next.
In the meantime, I gather information and pray for guidance. I show up in my relationships with others and share openly my thoughts and feelings. This includes my relationship with myself (knowing my own heart) and with my God (connecting to divine guidance for my life).
I don’t know what the merging of the professional and personal streams of my life will be yet but I know that I can ride through this confluence in a boat constructed of connections: to myself, my God, and the people in each stream. I daily release my doubts and fears, choosing instead to embrace expectancy and trust. Approaching change in this way makes it a great adventure and a thrilling ride.
Today’s author: Carol Hayes, [email protected] or 301-371-7460. Through her company, Clear Choices Coaching, Carol shares her expertise and skill fostering growth in people of all ages. She is especially energized when her coaching helps people experience “breakthrough” moments where they push through their personal edge and grow more fully into the people they want to be. Carol’s certification as a Life and Energy Leadership coach comes from The Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (IPEC), which is accredited by the International Coaching Federation. She is also a dynamic speaker and workshop leader who facilitates energizing connections with groups of all sizes.
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by Carol deLaski | Jun 13, 2012 | Carol deLaski
We are preparing another fabulous women’s retreat for you at the ‘Lodges at Gettysburg’, 685 Camp Gettysburg Rd, Gettysburg, PA, 17325 . View this short video clip to see this beautiful space we’ve chosen just for you. Plan to join us to keep yourself fueled and aflame.
This year’s retreat will be rejuvenating and enriching for any woman who needs to take a break. If you’re like me, I can get so busy taking care of others, at work and at home, that I sometimes neglect to take care of myself. If I don’t slow down and refuel, I’ll run out of gas, just like my car.
If you can relate, know that you’re not alone. We all need reminders (and sometimes permission) to focus on ourselves. Here is your chance to slip away for some “me” time this fall.
Wholistic Woman Retreats mission is to provide a variety of retreat options for busy women to refocus, rest, and grow their whole self: body, heart, mind, and spirit Through mini-evening retreats, tele-retreats, one-on-one retreats, and our premier overnight retreat we provide enriching opportunities for personal and professional growth in an atmosphere that is relaxing, fun, and supportive.
We know how important it is to take care of you. We also know how difficult it can be to make your physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health a priority when there are so many other demands for your time and attention. Our mission is to create a welcoming, safe, space where each woman can show up just as she is and grow in exactly the right ways for her. Our coaches meet you where you are and move forward with you to create the vision, action plan, and accountability you need to make your vision a reality.
At the fall retreat we will provide a variety of opportunities for you to choose from…
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The luxury cabins of The Lodges at Gettysburg are perfect to share so consider inviting one or more friends to join you for this enriching experience. If solitude is what you need, we offer private rooms to pamper yourself with peace and quiet.
Register now to enter your name in a special drawing for incredible gifts at the retreat. Payment options are available or consider becoming a member of the Wholistic Woman Community and receive discounts on our events, including $25 off the retreat.
Isn’t it time you made yourself a priority? Join us for this fun, enriching and supportive time away. You’ll be glad you did!
What an incredible warm and connected evening! There were women that have attended our retreats that reunited with other retreat participants, alliance partners that enjoyed meeting for the purpose of socializing rather than working on a task, and there were coaches that relished the opportunity to witness the amazing women that choose to work with us.
