Monica Moffat, HCT Student, Detroit, Michigan

I was feeling quite overwhelmed doing my homework by myself. I had lots of questions I wanted to ask and comments I wanted to share. One day I was chatting with classmate Denise and she said she was feeling the same way. She encouraged me to get something started. On June 7, I sent an email to my whole class, sharing that I felt the need to do more practicing (with live humans!) of the pre-website items such as "Intake Session," "The Wheel," "Pre-Sell," etc. I was hoping that a few of my classmates would be feeling the need for more practice on "the basics" as well. Read More

Loris Sofia Gregory, HCT Graduate & Editor, Apple Valley, Minnesota

My coaching dreams have included co-creating healthy kitchens to inspire and encourage healthy eating. One morning in April, I woke up with a new vision to create and submit a proposal to Valley Natural Foods, my local food co-op conveniently located five minutes from my home. I have submitted class proposals in the past but none have taken flight. Either my idea was not approved by their education committee or not enough students registered for a class. This puzzled me as my potential ideal clients—"life-long curious learners who are environmentally and health conscious and looking for information, tips,

processes and support to live healthier creative lives"—seemed to overlap with many, if not all, food co-op members and shoppers. This time I was moved to inspired action by reflecting on my co-op's FRESH values, as outlined on their membership marketing. Read More

Beverly Wallin, HCT Graduate, White Rock/Surrey, British Columbia, Canada

Stress can be good or bad, depending on the situation. It affects the body, thoughts, feelings and behavior, through emotional, physical and nervous system symptoms. The effects of stress on the body include; restlessness, shortness of breath, headache, heart palpitations, stomach upsets, difficulty with decisions, mood swings, muscle tension, sweating, loose stools, disturbed sleep and irregular sleep patterns.

Some of the behavior patterns associated with stress include anger outbursts, an increase in smoking, crying, irritability, relationship problems, overeating or eating when you're not hungry. Stress affects the nervous system, causing reactions such as fight or flight, aggression or social withdrawal. Now that you can clearly see how the body responds to stress it will be much easier to identify when you or one of your clients are experiencing the effects of stress. Anyone can take the steps needed to reduce or eliminate that stress. Keep in mind that sometimes stress can be just the catalyst needed for change. Read More