1-219-765-8600

carol@inkwellcoaching.com

Crown Point, IN

mobile-logo
Top
September 28, 2023

Why You Can’t Stop Eating Junk Food

“Who ate all these chips?!” You look around and, alas, not even a dog to blame. Oops. It’s not your fault.  If you’ve had this experience—r

admink
Food, Health, Hope
September 21, 2023

Harvesting the Balance of Autumn

September 23rd ushers in the autumn equinox, a time when day and night are in perfect balance. It also opens the official season of cozy sweaters, pum

admink
Health
September 14, 2023

More Brain-Boosting Foods

Last week I shared a list of brain-boosting foods with the promise of more to come. Here are some additional foods that you may choose to include in y

admink
Food, Health
September 7, 2023

Ten Brain-Boosting Foods

Thank you for the many recommendations of farm stands with tasty corn on the cob. Mr. Non-Compliant happened to be in the vicinity of VanDerGriends Fa

admink
Blog, Food, Fun, Health
August 31, 2023

Mr. Non-Compliant’s Unwavering Passion for…Corn

Mr. Non-Compliant LOVES corn on the cob. Since the corn season is rather brief, I do my best to oblige him with this indulgence. And as my dear cousin

admink
Food, Health
August 24, 2023

Tips for a Sluggish Thyroid

Lately, I’ve been getting lots of questions about the little gland known as the thyroid. It seems to be underperforming for many of you. Hypothyroid

admink
Food, Health
August 17, 2023

Healthy Anytime Toast

Since my encounter with bar food last week, I’ve been focused on eating more plants. I came across this idea to enjoy “toast” and get more veggi

admink
Food, Health
August 10, 2023

Confessions from The Antler

What does one eat when in a bar? Bar food, of course. The bar options: The Brown Bear vs. The Antler: Horniest Bar Around (There were deer heads with

admink
Food, Fun, Health
August 3, 2023

6 Ways to Enjoy a Staycation at Home

August. Already. Is summer slipping by too quickly? Feel as though you’ve not experienced enough lazy days? Can’t manage to get away for one reaso

admink
Food, Fun, Health
July 26, 2023

The Wonder of Apricots

When I think about the abundant fruits of summer, apricots make the list. Although some of you may not be fans, I ask that you consider giving this da

admink
Food, Health

Girls…Running…And Me

January 20, 2012
0
0
Friendship, Fun, Girls on the Run, Health, Love

 

I have just returned from the 2012 Girls on the Run Summit, which took place this past week in Tampa, Florida.  The Summit is similar to what other organizations refer to as a convention.  We attended general and specific break-out sessions, had opportunities to go on group runs/walks and practice yoga together.  We shared meals, snacks and a sunset cruise.  We heard very good speakers, made new friends and snatched some sunshine.  As a board member on our Northwest Indiana Council, I was grateful for the opportunity to attend.  

What is Girls on the Run?  GOTR is an after school program for girls in grades 3 thru 5, that incorporates running to help prepare girls for a lifetime of self-respect and healthy living.  This interactive program focuses on building self-esteem and improving emotional and physical health.  Each 12-week session (one in fall and one in spring) is led by trained female coaches that guide and mentor girls through a fun, uplifting and specific curriculum.

Life lessons include dealing with body image and the media, resisting peer-pressure, making healthy choices and contributing to the community.  Along the way, the girls train to walk or run a 5K event together.

I am not a runner and I have only raised boys, but I know what a challenge it can be to be a girl.  What a positive effect this program could have on a little girl who wonders if she is worthy of love…self-love and love from others.  GOTR has served over 400,000 girls since the first season in 1996.  If you are looking for a cause to help fill your life with purpose, GOTR is a great place to begin your search.

“The greatest act of bravery is simply being ourselves.”  Molly Barker, founder of Girls on the Run

For more information, go to www.girlsontherun.org and www.gotrofnwi.org    

Some Things Never Change

January 13, 2012
0
0
Hope, Spiritual

 

There are days when I am sad about the governing in our world today, at every level.  How many times do I think, “How could this be?” and this is usually followed by another thought like, “God, what are you thinking?”

It is at this point that I am often reminded that so many things in life are beyond my control.  We are called to be faithful disciples and serve others the best we can.  We are called to love.  None of this is really about me.  I am not in charge.

So today, God set me straight.  He spoke to me quite clearly through the scriptures of 1 Samuel 8, found in the Old Testament.  Keeping in mind that I am not a theology major, here is the story in a very brief nutshell.  The people of Israel asked Samuel for a king, as he was up in years and his sons were not considered as an option to move up the food chain.  (They had their own issues:  they had accepted bribes and perverted justice, which was not acceptable behavior.)   Samuel was aware that the request for a king was a direct slap in the face of God, who protected them, loved them and was indeed, their Sovereign King. When Samuel checked with God about this, God reminded him that this was not a rejection of Samuel, but of God.  Samuel was instructed to warn them about the consequences of having a king, as the surrounding nations had kings, but to give them what they requested.

Samuel did exactly as he was told.  He spoke truth about how life with a king would be.  Bottom line:  not so rosy.  Life would be more difficult for them.  Even after Samuel spoke these words, “…you will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen, and the Lord will not answer you in that day.”  (From 1 Samuel 8:18 NIV)

Guess how the people responded?  They still wanted a king.  Samuel repeated this to the Lord, who answered to give them what they wanted. 

We must be attentive.  We must understand that our ways our not His ways.  We must trust.  And sometimes, we must feel sad.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.  It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”  Colossians 3:23-24 NIV

And Now for 2012…

January 7, 2012
0
0
Family, Personal Development

I have just returned home from a ten-day vacation.  Four days of it were spent in a van with my husband, two sons and the family dog.  We visited family in Tennessee and Florida.  No, I did not return home with a tan, as it was a bit chilly in the land of alligators!

Since I had so much time to think, I did.  I have been challenged to come up with three themes for 2012.  These are different than resolutions, which most of the time are forgotten by March.  These, to me, are more of a mindset for change.  As we look to each new year for a fresh start and continual growth, what are a few ways we are able to improve?

When I mulled this over, I came up with these themes to work on.  1.  Be prepared.  What a concept!  I heard it in Girl Scouts and it is a great idea.  If I don’t plan each day, someone else will.  “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.”  (From Seneca, the Roman philosopher)  2.  Think service.  Whether I am at home, in a business situation, or anywhere in between, what is it I can do to better serve those around me?  3.  Seek wisdom.  I recently met a man who is very wise.  He became this way by seeking wisdom on a daily basis.  I was so impressed, that I have joined his mentorship program.

So, here I am, back in real life.  Christmas decorations must be stored away, laundry needs to be done, and of course, there is nothing in the fridge.  Welcome Home!  We enjoyed special family time and plenty of fun and laughs.  And yes, it is good to be home.  Many blessings to you in the year ahead.

“Life’s not about perfection, life is about progression.”  Keith Kochner

Check out www.mentorshipmastery.com for more info on Keith Kochner and his mentorship program.

A Day with Hunter

December 30, 2011
0
0
Family, Forgiveness

 

My family and I spent a wonderful day with my nephew, Hunter, and his parents.  He is two and one-half.  He is very busy.  We gifted him with a couple of very educational toys that were sure to please….him, not his parents.  The gifts?  Band in a Box, and tools with a battery operated (and noisy) screwdriver.  I am certain we are his new best friends and my sister-in-law’s worst nightmare.  Hee hee!

We shared meals together, relaxed until Hunter took a nap to recharge, hiked through the woods, and enjoyed the day.  It was a simple day of just being together.  As I spent time with this little guy, I was reminded of the days long gone of looking after my boys.  Yes, Hunter is a busy kid, but it was refreshing for me to spend some time experiencing his simple joy.  He loves to be with his parents and learn more stuff.  He has great manners and is warm and loving to others.  He starts each day fresh and is not hung up on the past.  Perhaps he is a great example to all of us as we approach a new year. 

Of course, it makes sense to think about the past year and look at those things that we could improve upon.  It makes even more sense to then let those things go by forgiving ourselves and moving on.  Life is about progression, not perfection.  If we look at the growth we experience year to year, hopefully we will see changes in a positive direction.  Whether it is physically, spiritually, in our relationships, or any aspect of life, it is about getting better at finding the balance, the harmony. 

So, at the end of the day and the year, I am grateful for my blessed life and my family.  I am grateful for lessons that find me each day.  I am grateful for another opportunity to try to figure out this journey of life.

“To understand is to forgive, even oneself.”  Alexander Chase    

« Previous Page