August 1, 2024

Hi Amy,

Happy August! Ahhhh, the last month of summer vacations, bare feet, and school-less children.

This is a big month for my family, as every kid starts school again.

Truth be told, their schedules have less impact on me as they grow up into fully functioning humans. Molly still wants me to make up her dorm room bed when she moves in (then get out so she can decorate!). Max is considering allowing me to spoil him with a pair of new “school shoes” (but is also fiercely independent and wants to buy them himself!). Maggie lives with me, so I’m sure we’ll have some conversations about Me-Maw’s Day Camp for her dog (Finley) on long days while she’s in class. (She’s old enough to be super grateful and take the help!)

What a joy and privilege it is to be in their lives - to hear their stories, to acknowledge their fears, and to be beside them as they navigate new experiences. What are you up to?

Cheers to the last hurrah of summer!
Amy

Healthy Life Health & Wellness Coaching
myhealthylife.coach

Transforming Unfinished Projects into Sources of Empowerment

In the heart of our home lies a buffet, currently home to gallon-sized Ziploc bags, each representing a promise yet to be fulfilled. These aren't just any bags; they're what I've lovingly termed 'homeless packs,' a project born from a desire to extend a helping hand to those in need, especially during our travels. Filled with essentials like toiletries, sunscreen, a bit of cash, water, snacks, feminine products, a razor, and even socks, these packs are designed to offer a little love and assistance. Yet, as I write this, they remain incomplete, some missing toothbrushes, others sunscreen, all awaiting completion… since March.

This ongoing project has become more than just an item on my to-do list; it's transformed into a silent reminder of unfinished business, casting a shadow over my daily life. Each day, as I move these bags from the kitchen table to the buffet and back, they whisper of unmet potential and unfulfilled promises, subtly eroding my self-perception. They challenge my belief in my ability to follow through, to complete what I've started.

But it's not just about the bags. This scenario is a microcosm of a larger pattern we all face: the unfinished projects that clutter our physical and mental spaces. Whether it's a junk drawer we've vowed to organize, a craft project gathering dust, or a pantry crying out for order, these incomplete tasks drain our energy and diminish our sense of self-efficacy.

Yet, there's a silver lining. By confronting these projects, by merely envisioning their completion, we can shift our perspective and reclaim our power. For me, imagining the buffet cleared and the homeless packs distributed brings a profound sense of relief and accomplishment, a stark contrast to the feelings of inadequacy they currently evoke.

So, I invite you to take a moment and reflect on your own environment using these steps:

Identify your 'Ziploc bag' projects.
Ask, “What is my experience of myself in relation to that dangling item?”
Now, imagine the job completed.
Ask, “What now is my experience of myself?

Notice the difference? This simple exercise isn't just about tidying up; it's about taking responsibility for our environment and, by extension, our sense of self. It's about transforming our unfinished projects from sources of frustration into opportunities for empowerment. For me, I’m letting my future empowered self drag my present self to purchase those last few items, complete the bags, tidy the buffet, and spread a little hope on people who may need it.

UPDATE! It's DONE!!!

Cool Tool, Tip or Resource

Do you know someone who has or has cared for a person with Alzheimer's or dementia? Yea, me too!! I had an opportunity recently to connect to a few local representatives and volunteers with the Alzheimer’s Association and hear about all the wonderful things they have going on. Here’s one that I wish my family had known about THE ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION HELPLINE! This helpline is staffed by a real human being, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year and can help patients and care providers with a variety of questions such as:

Information about memory loss, Alzheimer's disease, and dementia.
What to do after you or someone you know receives a diagnosis.
Medical care needs, including medication and treatment options.
Care planning, including finding quality care providers.
Housing options and moving loved ones into residential care.
Respite care and funding options.
Managing caregiver stress.
How to understand and respond to dementia-related behaviors.
Communication techniques.
Addressing safety concerns.
Legal and financial planning.
Finding local programs and services.

Please share this resource! I’m so grateful for the Alzheimer’s Association.

Testimonial

“This experience has changed my life for good. I was excited every week to meet.” - Shinita T

Healthy AF Podcast

Election season got you feeling a bit stressed? Me too. Let’s do something different together! Join me on the latest episode, "Cultivating Compassion Amidst Election Season Chaos," as we chat about spreading grace and compassion during this hectic time. Watch here! OR Listen here!

Let's practice loving kindness from now until at least November 8th ❤️.

Upcoming Events

Mountains to Sea Event in Wilmington

Join us in Wilmington this October for the Mountains to Sea Event, benefiting the Alzheimer's Association. (Date to be announced)

Walk to End Alzheimer’s Kick Off Party

Mark your calendars for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s Kick Off Party on August 28th, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at Hi-Wire Brewing Company.

Coach Amy Chang

Amy Chang, MS, RN, NBC-HWC is a health coach who works with people struggling to lose weight, have enough energy, and choose better health to create healthy bodies, feeling more confident and empowered with peacefulness and ease.

Amy knows that people can accomplish more than they think they can, and with a little coaching people can have the health they really want to do all the stuff they want to do with all the people they love.

Amy is a board-certified health and wellness coach through the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching

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