Category: Change

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365 Coaching Tips: 217th, 218th & 219th

August 5th Coaching Tip: Take Care of Your Mind.

As we returned from the intensity and competition of the National Senior Games in Des Moines, I prioritized recovery this week. I took it really easy yesterday; only took a couple strolls and got a few shots up in the LA Fitness gym nearby. This evening, I went to bed earlier than I normally do…even though I wanted to stay up and watch a key WNBA game that started at 10pm E. My mind is still on a bit of a high and buzzing with joy and excitement from my results at NSG; my blood pressure last week was un-usually high (130’s-150’s/97). I checked my BP multiple times this week, and it’s right back down to my normal levels of 107/68.

To prioritize my mind today, I really got organized this week (returning from vacation is always filled with a slew of emails and follow up). I prioritized what emails MUST be followed up quickly; I flagged them with a “red” flag. For medium and lower priority emails and calls, I requested connecting with them the weeks of Aug. 11 or Aug. 18, and even proposed the week of Aug. 25 or after Labor Day. A number requested, “after Labor Day works great for me, too.” And for me personally, I scheduled a massage and pedicure for this week, before we head to the lake this weekend for some downtime. Prioritize your mind; clear thinking will help you make sound decisions.

August 6th Coaching Tip: Take Care of Your Body.

As mentioned above, it was very important for me to get a massage early this week. And I splurged. Instead of getting my normal 50-minute massage, I got a 90-minute massage. Very glad that I prioritized this, as I have less soreness now and no injuries from last week at the NSG. While I was competing last week at the NSG, I made it a priority to eat and hydrate very well, drink zero alcohol, and get plenty of sleep (approx. 8 hours/night). I also had access to an indoor pool that had a surprisingly cool water temperature, so after each competition, I got in it and just walked around and swam slowly to help cool down my body a bit. We also brought a foam roller, and I used that to help roll out my hamstrings and calves. Take care of your body; you’ve only got ONE! (Note: we were in Des Moines for the NSG in three different venues for six days. I’m pleased to report that I did not see one injury while I was there. That’s a remarkable statement, since all athletes were 50-101 years old).

August 7th Coaching Tip: Take Care of Your Feet.

Our feet take the pressure of every single step we take; there’s nothing like our feet. When we lose our feet or our ability to walk, it can be quite depressing and debilitating. I’ve witnessed colleagues, friends, and a couple of my family ignore their feet/toes/ankles until it was “too late”. Now they have to wear unique shoes or special inserts or compression socks every single day. It was a priority for me to get a pedicure today and talk to the nail tech about a couple small areas on my toes that were tender. She really listened, inspected, and then helped those two areas, along with making my toes look pretty in Hoosier red nail polish. As I have moved from 50 to now over 60 years old, I’m learning a lot about how my body and feet like certain footwear. Don’t laugh, but I must have about ten pair of Nike Pegasus jogging shoes and Oofos sandals and slides. My feet like them, and my feet don’t hurt. Why change it up if it is working. Take care of your feet.

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365 Coaching Tips: 214th, 215th & 216th

August 2nd Coaching Tip: A Full Day.

Today was my final day competing at the 2025 National Senior Games. At 11:40am, I ran the 200m and finished 17th overall, after being seeded 38th out of 41 entrants. Most proud that I ran the 200m approx. 2.4 seconds faster than I had run it in June 2025 and more than four seconds faster than June 2024.

Then it was on to the basketball shooting competition. Over 30 women in my 60-64 age group entered the free throw shooting contest; I was able to make 22 out of 25 free throws and win the National Senior Games silver medal. The local Iowa woman was the gold medal winner; she made 23 of 25 of her free throws. In the three-point shooting contest, I was able to make nine of the 15 attempts, which landed me a bronze medal. Silver also made nine, but the tie breaker was that she hit more in a row than me. The gold medal went to the women who hit 10 of 15 three pointers.

For two months, I’ve been wearing two rubber bracelets on my right wrist that reminded me of this phrase: Nothing is impossible. Exceed your own expectations. These two bracelets had been in my jewelry drawer for a few years, but something made me grab them, wear them, and because it was two of them, to double down on my effort to do well at these NSG. I’m beyond thrilled in how this journey has gone, especially meeting some new people, refining my wellness, doing new and hard things, and having part of my “fam bam” there to see me compete today. Out of 12,500 senior athletes in the 30 different sports (and many events in the track & field), I’m so happy to be bringing home two medals and setting three new personal records (new lower times) in the 100m, 200m and 400m runs. It was a full day; full of fun, competition, and yes, throw in some nerves and anxiety.

August 3rd Coaching Tip: One of 12,500 Senior Athletes.

12,500 senior athletes qualified and registered for the 2025 National Senior Games. And, I was one of the lucky 12,500! Central Iowa did a superb job of hosting over 30 sports in over 20 locations across the towns of Des Moines, West Des Moines, Ankeny, Ames, Clive, Urbandale, Waukee, Grimes, Altoona, Polk City, Johnston, and Pleasant Hill. These 12,500 senior athletes came from all 50 USA states and 11 countries. Iowa helped us athletes by having volunteers everywhere, who were friendly and helpful.

As of this evening, the state of Florida leads the way with their senior athletes or teams receiving a total of 293 medals (123 gold, 83 silver, 87 bronze). Ohio has 246 total medals, Texas has 229, Tennessee has raked in 214. Indiana has 65 medals (24 gold, 22 silver, and 19 bronze). I’m proud to be the recipient of one silver and one bronze to help represent Indiana’s 65 medals.

August 4th Coaching Tip: Prioritize YOU.

Over the last few years, I’ve noticed that a number of friends and colleagues had wonderful careers going. Then, acting as an adult (senior) care giver turned their life upside down. The career goes away, while the care giving consumes them. And then the career is damaged, and some of these great people were laid off, others retired or simply quit. Through all of this, I’ve noticed that the ones (mostly all are women) who focus on providing care giving to a loved one also focused on their own health and overall wellbeing. In my opinion, it’s hard to care for others and be a role model if you aren’t taking care of yourself. Please prioritize you, especially if you get asked to care for others urgently or for the long haul. Care giving is tasking physically, emotionally, and mentally; caring for a loved one might even cost you your job. Take care of you and prioritize you, so that you can be at your best for others.

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365 Coaching Tips: 211th, 212th & 213th

July 30th Coaching Tip: Your Fans.

Going to the National Senior Games for the very first time in my life (I’m 60 years old, in August turning 61) has been a journey of training and challenging myself…pretty much by myself. Throughout this journey, it’s been pretty darn cool to see who are my fans. Some of my fans are the 100% no brainers, i.e. mom and my besties. But the surprises have been extended family and some remote friends. The common thread in all these supportive people is that they too have a common interest in wellness, staying healthy, traveling and running. Know who your fans are and also be a fan of others. They will never forget when you’re their fan!

July 31st Coaching Tip: Show Up For Life.

As in life, so goes the National Senior Games. Although senior athletes qualified and then registered (paid a registration fee), a number did not show up. For example, in the 100m sprint that I ran today, 19 of the 50 registered runners did not show up. I was proud that I did show up. Today at 8:55am, the weather and track were cooler today versus yesterday’s heat at the Iowa State University Cyclone Sports Complex. I felt great and scoped out my competition, and I could quickly tell that my recent eight to nine weeks of training was going to allow me to sneak up on some people. Indeed, that was the case. Although I was in the first heat, in lane 1 (as the slowest seeded-runner), I was able to finish fourth in my heat and ran my fastest 100m by a second and three seconds faster than I ran my 100m that qualified me in Indiana in June 2024. Thus, I was beyond thrilled to have finished 15th overall out of 30 competitors. I’m happy and also relieved that I did it. Tip for today is a simple but a bold one: show up for life.

August 1st Coaching Tip: Take The Call.

When people need to talk to you, really try hard to take their call. They need something or need someone to talk to. Today, I finally was able to chat with a longtime work colleague and now friend; he is growing his business and wanted to run a few things by me.

I consider it a privilege and an honor if someone is reaching out to me. But I must also be ready to listen and be fully present when we are talking; I would want the exact same thing. Kindness may be an overused word or them in these times of today, but it is truly a gift to give someone time. Take the call.

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365 Coaching Tips: 208th, 209th and 210th

July 27th Coaching Tip: Make It Work.

We are on our way from Indiana to Des Moines, Iowa, for the 2025 National Senior Games. As we prepared our trip, we really didn’t want to drive 7-8 hours in one day. To make it all work, I reached out to some of my gal pals in Illinois and we gathered for a homemade two-hour dinner at Molly’s home. Little did two of us know that one of our gal pals had some serious info to share with us. She shared some gut-wrenching news, we listened, and that’s what we do as friends: we got thru it all together tonight. We four have been thru the rigors of life these last two decades together of being friends. We’ve lost husbands, homes, and jobs; helped our kids beat addictions and making poor decisions, rebuilt our brands and legacies, finished half marathons, etc.

We made it work today for this quick but important homemade dinner and meaningful conversation; please, make it work. Squeeze in these types of important visits. My partner and I stayed overnight and slept on their couches in their basement. The other two gals said, “wait, wait, tonight was so much fun. We want to do a sleep over soon.” I know you’re all very busy, but make it work.

July 28th Coaching Tip: Heat Dome Dangers.

When there’s a heat dome, hydrate. Whatever amount that you are drinking, keep drinking. This heat dome is scary stuff and it is hitting millions of Americans as we head in to the last week of July. We were driving on the interstate for over 3.5 hours today, and we kept the speed closer to 72mph. Why? To help keep the tires just a lil bit less hot (so that they don’t split or shred) and to keep a very close eye on the road surface itself. We heard that in Peoria, IL, a section of the interstate had “bubbled up” and had created a very unsafe bump on the highway. Imagine hitting that bump doing 85 mph! That could potentially wreck-up your car, then you’re alongside the road in the hot sun with a heat index of 100-110. Another tip is to grab a gallon of water and put it in your car. You just never know when you may need a drink or need to drench your head on days like these. Be aware and be proactive when heat dome dangers are present.

July 29th Coaching Tip: Six Seconds Faster.

My first event today at my first-ever National Senior Games here in Des Moines, Iowa, was the 400m run. My previous times in the 400m at the Indiana Senior Games were 1:47 (June 2024) and 1:43 (June 2025). Today, my goal was to run 1:40; I even dreamed about it. As I lined up today, I got dry mouthed/thirsty and nervous but kept my legs moving. Once the gun went off, the anxiety quickly disappeared as I stood in my starting lane two. My pace was spot on; I finished my first 100m before my count of 18 (which is approx. 25 seconds), so I knew I was off to a good start in this 400m race. Plus, I had already passed someone in the first turn. Then, the second 100m was just fine, and I appreciated the strangers cheering for me along the backstretch. In the third turn, I quit counting and focused on two things: the gal in front of me in lane four and on my running form. I set my eye site on her and got back up “on my tip toes” and started chasing her down as we came down the final stretch. I happily finished third in my heat, with a 1 minute 37.51 second time. I was thrilled to beat my goal of 1:40, and very happy that I finished six seconds faster that I ran at the Indiana Games on June 8, 2025.

How did I do this? Prayer and also practicing differently. The last six weeks, I have been running one-minute sprints, that are a jog for the first 30 seconds, then faster and faster the remaining 30 seconds. I would do this for two minutes, too. Lastly, I worked on my form and improving it. I’m so excited that I went six seconds faster! (Note: showing up, staying in shape, allowing your body to rest, eliminating injuries is a big part of participating. Of the 31 registered runners in the 400m, 18 showed up. I finished 12th!)

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365 Coaching Tips: 205th, 206th & 207th

July 24th Coaching Tip: Ask Questions, Solve Problems.

Today I was asked to be a part of a “sales training” program with a goal of helping sales personnel learn how to ask better questions. If great questions are asked, this typically helps identify pain or problems that need to be addressed; these problems that need solved many times can trigger an emotional response from the buyer/prospect/client. As a salesperson, if you can help solve a problem and build trust, at a cost that is acceptable to the buyer/client, then you are adding value. If you can NOT solve a problem nor build trust or the cost is too high, the buyer may delay, drag their feet, distrust you, select someone else, etc.

What are some questions that you might ask? Try these on for color: what is it that you’re wanting to get accomplished? How committed are you to achieving this? What’s been in the way of this not getting resolved in the past? If I take the time and give you a practical solution and fair cost, are you willing to move forward? I’m sure that you have solid questions that work for you. Really pat attention and take notice when you help create an emotional response from the client, i.e. a joyous smile, a deep breath or sigh of relief, a stream of tears, etc. Stay present, in silence. They will usually open up and tell you more. Ask questions, solve problems.

July 25th Coaching Tip: Annual Infusion of HOPE.

In 2018, I was diagnosed with osteoporosis. My bone density test results were conclusive, and the treatment plan began. For a number of years, I took some daily meds and it also helped reduce my hot flashes. But in 2023, it was time to stop the daily meds (now that the hot flashes are gone) and move to an annual infusion for treatment. The first infusion hit me like a ton of bricks, i.e. couldn’t move for a couple days. Then in 2024, I drank more water and also took some Tylenol prior to receiving the infusion, and I felt much better after the infusion. Today was the day for my 3rd annual infusion; I intentionally hydrated well, did not work out, stayed out of the sun, and took some Tylenol. Hoping that these infusions will help stabilize my bone density; both my mother and grandmother shrank as they aged. I’m trying to be proactive by 1) ensuring my calcium input is at least 1,200 mg/day, 2) vitamin D is at good levels, 3) staying active and moving daily, and 4) strength training 2-3 times/week to help ensure the muscles around the bones are “in shape.” This infusion and these four items are my five-point plan of HOPE for my ongoing wellness fight vs. osteoporosis.

July 26th Coaching Tip: Etiquette Matters.

Open doors. Smile at strangers. Allow others to merge. Merge in wisely. Take your turn in lines. Return dirty dishes to kitchen sink or dishwasher. Pick up your trash. Greet others. Wave willingly.

Etiquette matters, and people see what you do in how you act and in how you leave things. There’s a phrase about staying at someone’s home: “leave it in better shape than the way you found it.” This etiquette might be as simple as leaving one fresh flower in a glass, and then cleaning up the house as you depart, leaving it like you found it. Etiquette matters on the golf course. Let others play thru, if you are playing slowly. Let the person putt who is farthest away. Be quiet when others are stepping up to take their golf swing.

Etiquette matters; it is witnessed, even if no words are spoken. Actions matter.

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365 Coaching Tips: 196th, 197th & 198th

July 15th Coaching Tip: Safety First.

Although I wasn’t feeling well on Sunday (a couple days ago), I took the time to really go thru my life and evaluate where I could easily improve some things that might improve my personal safety as I head into August (and turn 61 years old). The first thing I noticed was that my tires on my Tesla had not been rotated for more than 22,000 miles. As the daughter of my father (who owned a tire and battery shop when he was in his 20’s-30’s), this was unacceptable risk. Get the tires rotated, this week. I quickly opened my Tesla app, scheduled an appointment and a technician came to the house and efficiently rotated the tires and checked the tire pressure…all while I was at work. Safety improved and it was easy for me.

I also was noticing that my Apple watch battery was running out of charge between 5-7pm, which is not a good time, as I’m out usually running errands, on a walk, or working out. Laying in bed on Sunday, I ordered a new watch and arranged to trade-in my old watch. The Apple watch is up and running, and the battery is lasting much longer. Trade in’s are in process.

My auto insurance is coming due in mid-August, so I transferred the money to get that paid on time, so there will be no lapse. I don’t want to be in a car wreck, nor do I want to hurt anyone if I cause a car accident. I do however want to ensure that I’m covered, as well as others.

In the last month, we switched our internet provider to save money and get faster speeds. In doing do, I needed to update a few things in the home with the new network. All things are now connected, which includes my ability to lock/unlock my front door, check the CO level, and temperature of the home. Take time to ensure safety is first in your life.

July 16th Coaching Tip: Leadership Styles.

A couple of my coaching conversations today were about leaders who knew that they needed help in how to develop others. I was so pleased they reached out to me for coaching and advice. As we learned more about these leaders, this leadership role was new territory for them. We discussed how they might clarify and role model their preferred leadership style, i.e. what type of leader do they want to be. I asked them some questions: do they want to be a “work hard, play hard” leader, a family-first leader, a results-oriented leader, a magnet for talent leader, a laissez faire type leader, a collaborative leader, etc. As we worked thru these coaching calls, it was clear to them that before they develop others, they needed to work on themselves and role model what they wanted and expected in others. Leadership styles can influence the type of people that might be attracted to your team; it can also drive some people away. It was an important first step in many coaching sessions ahead for them.

July 17th Coaching Tip: Adjustments Are Necessary.

My mother has stated this numerous times: “getting old ain’t for wimps.” She has also stated to young couples: “don’t get old.” Her wisdom is spot on. As my partner and I are aging, we are very in tune with our bodies/exercise/wellness/nutrition/sleep/health. For example, over a year ago I realized that I could simplify my life, improve my health, get the calcium that I need for my osteoporosis if I made my own coffee at home in my trusted 12-cup brew machine, and then add ice and some Fairlife chocolate milk to it. Why the adjustment after five years from what I was drinking every morning (Califia almond milk latte cold brew)? First, Califia was difficult to find consistently in the grocery stores where we live and visit frequently. Second, it contained too much sugar for my liking. Third, it is bottled in plastic. And, fourth, it was approx. $5/bottle. This small adjustment had a multiplying positive effect: less costly, less sugar, easy to make, and readily available (with the Fairlife chocolate milk). My partner today announced a change/adjustment to her morning coffee routine, due to a noticeable change in her body when it is very humid. Due to a leaky valve, she is now going to reduce her caffeine and sugar intake, and make her own decaf coffee, add some of my regular coffee and chocolate milk. This too should help her with her heart health, much like my adjustment should help with my osteoporosis. Stay in tune with your body and make necessary and intentional adjustments for your ongoing wellness.

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365 Coaching Tips: 193rd, 194th & 195th

July 12th Coaching Tip: Keep An Eye On Trends.

Someone today asked me how to start an LLC. My very quick response was to leverage AI. Why did I respond that way? Because the last time I started an LLC was years ago, with an professional expertise of an attorney, and he just took care of it. I also watched the CEO of a large corporation today talk freely and confidently about how he expects his company’s employees to learn and leverage AI. He wasted no time in saying that replacing their Microsoft Outlook system with Microsoft’s new 365 system that has AI embedded will cost more. He is expecting to have employees leverage it to help improve productivity and the client experience. (And I’m expecting it to ultimately replace employees who do NOT learn it and do NOT leverage). I may be wrong; I may be right. I’m making the commitment to keep on eye on trends and stay aware of AI’s developments and embrace it to be more productive personally and professionally.

July 13 Coaching Tip: Assists Indicate Alot.

The Indiana Fever women’s basketball team played the Atlanta team today and crushed them. What did they do so differently? They set a team record in assists; assists are when a player passes the ball to another, and that person scores. The unselfish and fast pace of play was exciting, and the Fever dominated the game, winning by 19 points and scoring over 100. The Fever also had only 8 turnovers. So there were lots of assists, few turnovers, all meaning the players were really looking for each other and making great decisions.

In life, assists indicate a lot, too. When someone is willing to help you look good, that’s positive. When a colleague is willing to pass the praise and give another person the credit, that’s an unselfish human. Assists indicate a lot and they feel good when you assist others.

July 14 Coaching Tip: Productivity Gains.

Today I was prepping for a virtual event that was available nationally for our colleagues. About 30 minutes prior to the start of the event, I double checked a few things: did our guest speakers have the invite? No. Did our speakers ever receive the final deck of visuals to support our conversation? No. As we were approaching one minute to go, our producer finally got one of the speakers dialed in to the event.

This all could have been avoided if the production invite was smoother and included the speakers and the visuals, instead of just completing the task of setting up the invite. In your line of work, always be on the lookout for ways to improve and identify productivity gains.

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365 Coaching Tips: 190th, 191st & 192nd

July 9th Coaching Tip: Summer Camp Safety.

Today, the women’s basketball league, WNBA, is broadcasting games in the middle of the day to attract the eyes of young campers on the fast growing and exciting game of women’s basketball. It’s a great way to give the camp counselors a break; it also allows the campers to have a safe break in the afternoon to watch women professional athletes play at the highest level. It’s also a great way to take a break from the potentially hot summer afternoon and improve summer camp safety for the kiddos just a little bit.

Congrats to the WNBA for hosting and broadcasting these games to get new eyes on the game. Thank you to the summer camps for allowing the campers to take a break and witness excellence. Summer camp safety is now at an all-time high, since the horrible flash flooding that has taken the lives of nearly 300 during the early morning of July 4th in the Texas Hill Country.

July 10th Coaching Tip: You Get An A+.

Today was my annual, osteoporosis check up with my female nurse practitioner. My vitals were great, my bloodwork was very good, by vitamin D and calcium were good, too. The NP checked my strength and reflexes; she looked at me and said that I was her strongest osteoporosis patient. She also took time to thoroughly review what vitamins that I’m taking; we made a couple slight adjustments, since both my calcium and vitamin D are at good and normal levels. Those two are important when treating osteoporosis, as well as walking, balance exercises and strength training. She gave me an A+ for my continual focus on my wellness. You only get one shot at life and only one body; as Warren Buffet says, “might as well invest in your body like it’s the most important thing you got…because it is.”

July 11th Coaching Tip: Fridays in the Summer.

Although I had a number of coaching sessions scheduled virtually throughout this Friday via a “Zoom”, I let all of my coaching clients know that I was available to talk via phone earlier than our scheduled time. What made me do that? It’s Friday and the summertime, and many people in numerous industries are heading to their lake home/camp/second home/lake/vacation. Me reaching out to these colleagues increases our trust, because they quickly realized that I understood the important of their Friday timing and yet I kept their request for time to discuss an important item. Be aware of what your clients are doing and how they spend their time; Fridays in the summer are sacred to many as “quality of life” days.

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365 Coaching Tips: 187th, 188th and 189th

July 6th Coaching Tip: Weather Smart.

It was 5:47pm, still hot and steamy, so I decided to walk over to get an indoor workout in before heading out for a sunset cruise around 8:30pm. After my workout at 6:30pm, I walked out of the health club and noticed that the weather had changed dramatically. It stopped me, and I turned around and looked west and saw very dark clouds that were spooky looking. In one minute, I made the decision to cancel the sunset boat cruise. We called both of the couples who were going to drive about 1/2 hour to get to us. Sure enough, by 7:15pm the rain, thunder, and lightening started and it didn’t stop for three hours. Be smart. Be weather aware. Take precautions about where you are and where others are. I did NOT want our friends driving in bad weather; I wanted them to remain near or in their own homes, safe and sound. Be weather smart.

NOTE: I am deeply grieving today for the loss of now 81 people due to the flash flooding in the Texas Hill Country. Little girls and their camp counselors were swept away in a flood that raised 30 feet in less than an hour.

July 7th Coaching Tip: Stay Present.

In my last coaching session of the day, I was virtually meeting with a colleague in San Antonio, TX. Instead of jumping right in to “the work stuff”, something told me to slow down and ask the difficult question: “Mike, were you impacted by the flash floods in TX over the weekend?” Yes, he was. He shared with me that he had a friend’s daughter who had died (a camp counselor), a niece who was rescued and he shared what this lil 10-year-old girl witnessed as she was being rescued by a military helicopter. He shared which kids didn’t go to camp this past weekend but were planning to go in a few weeks. I asked a couple questions, so that I could pray for people by name. Mike admitted he was a mess, did not come on the virtual call at first and then later in our conversation he did turn on his video. He thanked me for staying present, asking how he was and grateful that I asked for their names to pray for them. It was the least I could do. Being and staying present is the best gift that one can give to someone else during times like these. Stay present. (Grateful for all those who responded to help with the recovery of this tragic disaster.)

Note: Since my line of coaching work has me coaching colleagues and leaders from all over the country and some from around the world, I make it a priority to be aware of what’s happening in their area and then slowing down to connect with them, instead of jumping right into the work.

July 8th Coaching Tip: Birthday Calls.

It was 8:45am E/7:45am C, and yes, it was time to call one of my gal pals and wish her a happy birthday today. We talked for about 10-15 minutes and are planning to have dinner together later in July. Make the call for birthdays; it’s so easy to just text or send a Facebook message. Phone calls matter today; they send a different vibe, much like a hand-written card or note. Although it takes a few more minutes, relationships matter so make those minutes count. Make birthday calls.

Note: I’m so thankful that my iPhone allows me to put in annual repeating reminders like key birthdays and anniversaries. When I looked at my schedule for today, there was Molly’s birthday at 7:00am. Use technology to intentionally help you stay connected with your favorite people. Friends are good for your overall wellness.

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365 Coaching Tips: 184th, 185th & 186th

July 3rd Coaching Tip: Be a Favorite Customer.

As our friends and family were prepping for the upcoming long July 4th weekend, we decided that we wanted some healthy Mediterranean food. I raised my hand to cater in some yummy gyro meat, salad, rice, hummus, sauces, and pita bread. At 3pm today, I called my favorite Med restaurant, verbally told them what I wanted, and they said, “we’ve already started your order; it’ll be ready in 15 minutes.” I got there in 22 minutes, walked in, the owner greeted me, I paid them, and he told all of his workers, “she is one of the best and favorite customers.” (He trusted me last August 2024 and catered my birthday party for over 100 people. Plus, we go there every couple weeks for carry out.) After I paid, he asked where I parked, then he and another employee carried out the trays of food, put them in my car, and smiled as they walked back into their restaurant. Be a favorite customer.

July 4th Coaching Tip: Laugh Alot With Friends.

Friends, fireworks, fun, freedom and family! It’s what July 4th is all about here in the USA. Today we celebrated my oldest brother’s (Brett) 64th birthday; we had nearly the entire family there, except for one niece and her man. Mom and her seven great grandkids were there, and all adults in between, to celebrate Brett at my other brother (Grant) and his wife’s lake home. It was the first time that the entire family got to hang out at this new “lake home” family destination.

Throughout the entire day, we also had friends at our lake condo, just a few miles away from my brother’s lake place. Our friends were enjoying the lake views, kayaking, swimming, eating, chatting it up, etc. Before the end of the evening and the fireworks, did we ever have some stories? We poured a beverage and walked up the stairs to our friends’ condo directly above us to watch the fireworks, as they were popping up from multiple locations. It was easy to watch and also spectacular. Then we sat on their back deck laughing our heads off until well after midnight. One of my friends named herself the “camp counselor” for the day; that will be her new nickname as we all head into our Golden Girls years together. Laugh a lot with your friends; we have been thru some stuff together these last couple years, and we know that we’re all in for a lot more challenges. Keep laughing with your friends to maintain your wellness.

July 5th Coaching Tip: Heavenly Sent.

The Punkin Vine Fair in Kentland, IN, is something that my family and I have been going to since the 1970’s. Today, I intentionally joined my mom at the Fair as we helped organize the fun during the 13 harness horse races; it’s our job to get the audience involved. We interview them and the Fair queen, we recognize the oldest and youngest fans, we allow everyone to put their name in a bucket each race to select the horse they think will win, and then we pick one winner, give out small gift bags and tickets to other Fair events.

To our surprise, the Fair Board agreed to have the second annual Lynn Wilfong Memorial Race. How exciting, because we were not expecting it. My brother (Brett) brought a horse to race, and by golly, it was in the LW Memorial Race. And what do you know, Brett’s horse was in second the entire race, then came roaring down the final stretch to win the race. It was a magical moment, my mom was shaking and my brother was smiling. We got the win, and we all realized that this day was heavenly sent. I’m so glad that I was there for this magical moment.