unleashed sept/2015

TABLE OF CONTENTS

3 The Challenges ofUnleashing Your BoldBelle Kohen

4 Break Through Your Excusesand Reach Your GoalsPatty Farmer

5 Our Favorite Things

6 Financial Planning: Helping You See The BIG Picture!Sharon Case

7 Have You Met The Joneses?Christine Catoggio

8 Be Creative.Dr. Elise Cohen Ho

9 What is Your Mother Story?Michael Anne Conley, LMFT

10 Is Weight Loss Surgerythe Right Choice for You?Lisa D’Alessio

11 This Isn’t Your Regular Date Night!Michelle Dean

12 5 Steps of Get Out of an Eating FunkCindy Nunnery

13 The Incredible Power of MeditationBelinda Phillips

14 Worth Self or Self Worth = Money?Kim Boudreau Smith

15 Gratitude and Love CanOvershadow The PainDenise Joy Thompson

16 You Don’t Have to Be Youngand Wrinkle Free to Rock Your Second Act!Linda Waldon

17 Your Smokin Hot Second Half

18-19 Featured Experts

20-28 Advertisements

UNLEASHED Magazine exists to intentionally reawaken women to sparkle,eliminate obstacles, and create momentum toward abundance in theirlives. Catering to women 50 and above, UNLEASHED provides a communityfor women who are seeking to rediscover the dreams deep within theirhearts, by encouraging women to sparkle, inspiring them to overcome obstacles,and connecting them to resources that can help them realize the abundancethat is their birthright.

Belle Kohen is the CEO of Creative Coaching LLC and aTransformation Coach for Daring Women Seeking SuccessStrategies, Business Breakthroughs and ways to go fromDaunted to Daring. She is also a Speaker, Best Selling Author,Radio Show Host and Magazine Publisher. Having hadmany diversified careers spanning decades, including:Dental Hygienist, Dental Practice Management Consultantfor 1-800 Dentist and Mercer Advisors, Belle also ownedand operated a Petland franchise, became a self-taughtscreen printer, and an advertising specialties guru. Belle

has been married 40 years, has 2 happily married children and 6 grandchildren.Always willing to help way beyond the norm, Belle has found her niche as aCoach because it is a way to help others while immensely enriching herown life. Belle can be found online at www.coachbelle.com, or you canalso email her at [email protected]

Angela Mosley, Editor-in-Chief, Unleashed Magazine is anIntuitive Editor and Ghostwriter. Her ability to feel theunique connotations, emotions, and power of words helpsher bring her clients’ messages forward in a more conciseand powerful way. Angela works with the thought leadersand transformational coaches of today as they bring theirwisdom and passion into print in a way that honors theirdistinctive voice and truth.www.angelamosley.com

Melissa Noto, Graphic Designer, Unleashed Magazine andowner of Melissa Noto Design Studio, Inc. has more than 20years of multi-faceted experience as a graphic designer,including work in print, packaging and website design.She’s a master at integrating a company’s brand identityinto a visual representation, whether it’s a logo, product package,website design or even the interior of their office space.www.melissanotodesignstudio.com

To receive our media kit, please contactBelle at [email protected]

“You’re NEVERNEVER Too Old To UNLEASHUNLEASH Your Bold!”2

“You’re NEVER Too Old To UNLEASH Your Bold!”

UU An Online Magazine

SEPTEMBER 2015

The CHALLENGES ofUnleashing Your BOLDBy: Belle Kohen

Today, being a woman over the age of 50 creates many uniquecircumstances and opportunities. Addressing these in a succinctway will serve to clear the clutter while focusing on the beautyof creating the next chapter of your life for YOU!

Do you currently LOVE your life? So many of us are going through fluctuations in our attitudesand lifestyles at this time of our lives. Whether the changes arein our work situations, empty nest syndrome, divorce, becomingwidowed or separated, it is challenging.

Writing out what it means to be bold has been a personallydaunting task. There are so many different components tobeing bold, acting boldly and behaving in a most bold way.

There is the fearless and adventurous BOLD, the daring anddaunted kind of BOLD. Being inconsiderate or rude is anotherway of showing off being BOLD. In print, being BOLD meansdarker than the standard and being courageous is also BOLD.

Here is the definition of B.O.L.D.B = Believe in yourself unconditionally

O = Own your voice, your space and your uniqueness

L = Live your DREAMS

D = Get out there and DO IT!! Take action steps toward your greatness

As an entrepreneur, it takes a lot of daring and boldness tolaunch a website, learn about social media, and become adeptat new methods of communication. For some women at thisage, that is daunting and overwhelming. Each of us has ourown gifts and serving this niche is my passion and mission.

If you are adventurous and fearless, your choices will certainlybe different from one who is shy and hesitant. Both have theinner confidence to shine their light, however, it is the processthat will be different. Each and every one of us has greatnesswithin that is awaiting development in a healthy and unique way.

The process of change is healthy. Are we willing to be honestwith ourselves and dream about where we want to be in thenear future? When the sky is the limit (just like when we werekids) and, before there were naysayers, we were able to hike,bike, draw and behave without abandon. It is nearly impossibleto allow ones self to do that now…at this age! Right?

In order to take responsibility for where you currently are andacknowledge that you have a dream (or need one) is delightful.Give yourself permission to begin living the next chapter of lifeon your terms. Doing things ON YOUR OWN effectively andwithout interference feels (and is) important.

Believing in yourself is thekey to your own success!

Allowing yourself to re-create and enjoy where you are in yourlife today gives you exclusivity, individuality and makes you ex-ceptional. Granting yourself permission to be who you strive to beis awesome, AND, you deserve it. Acknowledge your worth and workto recognize and accept that you can thrive and be successfulwhen you are determined to do so. Be distinct in what you pres-ent to the world and unmatched in your rare powers. All ofthese are your assets and your legacy.

You may find that working in connection with others allows youto step into your boldness. Or, you may enjoy working singlehandedly and connecting to the enormous sisterhood ofwomen on the Internet and beyond. Once you find your ownvoice and audience, the possibilities are endless. Remember,it is not necessary to look to others for permission. This is yourGIG and with all the experiences in life that you have behindyou, go for it! This could be as simple as taking an art class,jewelry making or becoming a successful entrepreneur.

Daydreams are also vital to expressing oneself. Have you listedall the vacations, escapades, voyages, journeys, fantastic ideasthat are tucked way down deep and almost forgotten? Yourhopes and dreams ARE worthy of reaching for. Write down yourthoughts and dreams on paper. Try to remember what bringsyou extreme energy and delight. Think about your vision, life’spurpose and any aspirations or fantasies that remain unfulfilled.Now, it is finally your turn.

Once you dare to consider taking action and that first step towardsUNLEASHING YOUR BOLD, the journey begins. You may have toventure out of your comfort zone and erase the lines of the boxbehind you. Be as creative as you once were and be brave,adventurous and BOLD. That is where you will find what you arepassionate about. Age is not a factor in this exercise.

Give yourself permission to begin living the nextchapter of life on your terms. You deserve it.

www.coachbelle.com

“You’re NEVERNEVER Too Old To UNLEASHUNLEASH Your Bold!” 3

Break ThroughYour Excusesand ReachYour GoalsBy: Patty Farmer - Patty Farmer International, IncMarketing & Business Growth Strategist,International Speaker, Author & Radio Show Host

There are times when even those of us who are seen as moversand shakers need to step a little farther out of our comfortzone. As an Entrepreneur, boldness generally runs in my veins.However, sometimes I still I feel the need to push myself a bitmore in some area, but I manage to find plenty of excuses towait. Last year, I made the decision to quit finding excuses toignore one of those areas that had been nagging at me forsome time. This nagging feeling was urging me to take the boldstep to create an event - my way. After I took that first step,there were months of planning, and even a few days of wonderingwhat I had gotten myself into, but eventually the first AnnualGlobal Retreat became a reality.

Take that Bold Step ForwardThat event had such a positive impact on me, both personallyand professionally, but taking that first step was a little scary,which is exactly what taking the first step in any new directioncan be – scary. If you are like me, then you too have somethingnagging you inside that wants you to take that step. So today,instead of finding excuses to not do it, let’s look at some waysto get you started on whatever your new adventure may be.

How to Break through Your Excusesand Reach Your Goal

Excuse #1: I will start on that next month• No you won’t. If you put it off now, you will put it off next month

too. Instead, look at small ways you can get started now.

• Make a call – if it is something that involves another per-son, at least make that initial contact today

• Set a date – Any goal has a date. Set it today.

• Do anything that is just one step toward your goal.

Excuse #2: I don’t have time• You always have time for what you put first. This phrase is

an old one, but a good one. It is also very true, so putyour goal first.

• Schedule a meeting with yourself to do something towardyour goal each day or each week.

• If your goal involves others, make an appointment tostart discussing the goal with them.

• Look at your daily schedule and eliminate any “timewasters” that may be lurking in your schedule.

Excuse #3: I’ve never done this before• Now is a great time to start learning how to do it.

• Perfection is not required. Set aside any perfectionistictendencies you may have and allow yourself to makesome mistakes and learn along the way.

• Find someone else who has done it before, then find away to adapt what they did and make it your own.

• Remember - You are not trying to reinvent ice cream, youare just creating your own flavor!!!

Excuse #4: What if I fail?• This is the excuse that usually creates all the other excuses.

• Change your thought to, “What if I succeed?”

• Challenge those negative voices from your past. They areyour past, but you are your future.

• Do it anyway. You can’t improve something if you never try.

• Thomas Edison failed 1,000 times while trying to inventthe lightbulb – what if he had let the fear of failure stophim from trying?

Fight Through Your FearWe all have self-sabotaging legacies from our past, and maybeeven a few from the present, that drive us to create excuses.However, there comes a time when you have to decide whetheror not you are going let the negative conversations from yourpast or present keep you from reaching your future goals or ifyou are going to be bold and take that first step. That meanstaking that step even while you are scared. If you continue tofind more and more excuses to keep you from moving forwardin your life or business, then it is time to break free and rememberthat we are each the author of our own story and we can alwayswrite a new chapter.

Please feel free to reach out via the link below and make sureto grab your FREE gift to help get you started here!

www.SixFigureJointVentures.com

www.PattyFarmer.com

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Patty Farmer is anInternational Speaker,Radio Host & Best-SellingAuthor specializing inMarketing & BusinessGrowth Strategiesthrough Coaching,Mentorship, & Consulting.

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Financial Planning:

Helping You SeeThe Big Picture!By: Sharon Case

Do you picture yourself owning a new home, starting a business,or retiring comfortably? These are a few of the financial goals thatmay be important to you, and each one comes with a price tag.That’s where financial planning comes in. Financial planning isa process that can help you target your goals by evaluating yourwhole financial picture, then outlining strategies that are tailoredto your individual needs and available resources.

Why is Financial Planning Important?A comprehensive financial plans serves as a framework fororganizing the pieces of your financial puzzle. With a financialplan in place, you’ll be better able to focus on your goals andunderstand what it will take to reach them. One of the mainbenefits of having a financial plan is that it can help youbalance competing financial priorities. A financial plan willclearly show you how your financial goals are related. Forexample, a financial plan will show you how saving for yourchild’s college education may impact your ability to save forretirement. Then you can use the information you have gleanedto decide how to prioritize your goals, implement specific strategies,and choose suitable products or services. Best of all, you’llknow that your financial life is headed in the right direction.

The Financial Planning ProcessCreating and implementing a comprehensive financial plangenerally involves working with financial professionals to:

• Develop a clear picture of your current financial situationby reviewing your income, assets and liabilities, evaluatingyour insurance coverage, your investment portfolio, yourtax exposure, and your estate plan.

• Establish and prioritize financial goals and time frames forachieving those goals.

• Implement strategies that address your current financialweaknesses and build on your financial strengths.

• Choose specific products and services that aretailored to meet your financial objectives.

• Monitor your plan to make adjustments as yourgoals, time frames, or circumstances change.

Some Members of the TeamThe financial planning process can involve a number ofprofessionals. I work as a financial planner who workswith a team of professionals to provide a holistic approachto the financial planning process. As a financial planner,I play a central role in the process, focusing on your overall

financial plan and often coordinating the activities of otherprofessionals who have expertise in specific areas. An accountantprovide advice on federal and state tax issues. An estate planningattorney helps you plan your estate and gives advice on transferringand managing your assets before and after your death. Aninsurance professional evaluates insurance needs and recommendsappropriate products and strategies. This includes life insuranceand long term care insurance evaluations. Old insurance policiesneed to be reviewed to ensure they are still appropriate and ingood order. As an investment advisor, I also provide adviceabout investment options and asset allocation and help youplan a strategy to manage your investment portfolio.

The most important member of the team is YOU. Your needs andobjectives drive the team and, once you have carefully consideredany recommendations, all decisions lie in your hands.

Why can’t I do it myself?You can. If you have enough time and knowledge, although,developing a comprehensive financial plan may require expertisein several areas. A financial professional can give you objectiveinformation and help you weigh your alternatives, saving you timeand ensuring that all angles of your financial picture are covered.

Staying on TrackThe financial planning process does not end once your initialplan has been created. Your plan should be reviewed at leastonce a year to make sure that it’s up to date. It’s also possibleyou may need to modify your plan due to changes in your personalcircumstances or the economy. Here are some of the eventsthat might trigger a review of your financial plan:• Your goals or time horizons change• You experience a life-changing event such as marriage, the

birth of a child, health problems or job loss• You have a specific or immediate financial planning need

(i.e. drafting a will, paying for long term care expenses)• Your income or expenses substantially increase or decrease• Your portfolio has not performed as expected• You are affected by changes in the economy or tax laws

continued on page 20 . . .


If you are of a certain age, chances are that you grew up hearingthe expression “Keeping up with the Joneses.” It was a popularway of saying that you were maintaining a certain stature orincome when compared to your neighbors. Whether it’s thenew car in their driveway or the clothes in their closet, thebenchmark of success has always been, “Are we doing as wellas our neighbors?”

Today, neighbor is a general term, referring to those in our immediatecircle of influence. And, of course, Social Media has broadenedthat circle one hundred fold. But, the trappings of success arequite often a façade. In an attempt to give the impression thatthey are more successful, many people have developed a lifestyleof conspicuous consumption. Chances are that beautiful homeis twice mortgaged, or even worse, in foreclosure. Those beautifulclothes are purchased with high interest credit cards, and thatfancy car, well, that payment may be a few months behind as well.According to a Federal Reserve Board study, 47% of Americansspend more money than they earn.

So, what is it about this need to compete?The need to feel validated by “stuff”?There are so many different reasons. Many of them relate toour childhood and what we were taught about money andspending. Being raised with the theory that if you don’t have themoney, you don’t buy it, has actually ricocheted for some ofthe younger generations, who want instant gratification, insteadof saving for things that they want. Easy credit and payment planshave made things so much more accessible, that the “want it now”mentality pervades. If someone was raised having to do without,they may actually feel the need to acquire more as a way of showinga new found status, because they did without growing up.

Some people feel the need to impress. Because of their own self-worthissues, they feel that this is a way to be respected by their peers.But, so much of this comparison is not just in the physical realm,but in the virtual world of Social Media. We see others post abouttheir apparent successes and accomplishments, and question ourown capabilities. “Why can’t I do that?” “Why do they have tonsof customers and I am struggling?” It is so easy to believe thatothers have more then we do. Another old adage that so manyof us buy into is “The grass is always greener on the other side.”But, is it really? The fancy trappings aren’t always what they seem.Sometimes, we confuse “stuff” with happiness. And, we allknow that is not the case. All that “stuff” cannot take the placeof people we have lost, dreams that we have let go, unfulfilled,

lonely lives, and so many other causes of emotional emptiness.We need to spend more time developing those aspects of ourselvesthat are lacking, than trying to camouflage with more “stuff”the parts of ourselves that our hurting.

It’s important to regularly remind ourselves that we all have differentdreams and aspirations. What is important to one person is notnecessarily important to another. Some people would much ratherhave an economy car, but have an awesome TV and sound systemfor spending quality time at home. Others, would much rathergo out to fancy dinners and have their car parked up front atvalet. Our desires and sense of fulfillment are all different.

So, how do we shield ourselves from“Shiny Object Envy”?For starters, we need to be very clear on our own values, andwhat is important to us. This is important for so many reasonsin our life, but especially when we are inundated on a dailybasis with status trappings. Know what is important to you,communicate and discuss that regularly with your significant other,as well as your children, so everyone is on the same page.

Appreciate and value the things that you do have.When we look at what others have, it can be easy to diminishthe value of what we have. I clearly remember when my daughtergot her first car. It was a beautiful shimmery gray/lavendar ToyotaCorolla that she picked out herself and really loved! The firstday in a new private school, instead of being happy that shedrove herself to school in her shiny new car, she came homeupset, because “The other kids have Beemers and Mercedesand I have this piece of crap!”

Boy, was that a tough lesson! But, it’s easy to not appreciatewhat we have when we are looking at others. By the way, shehad that piece of crap for almost 10 years, and it served her well!

Lastly, know your own self worth!Because you don’t or can’t have those things now, doesn’t meanthat you never will. Value yourself enough to acknowledge that when thetiming is right, all those things and more will be available to you.

And, be sure to be thankful to the Joneses forthe valuable character lessons they are giving toyou and your family!

www.christinecatoggio.com

H A V E Y O U M E T T H E

JONESES?H A V E Y O U M E T T H E

JONESES?By: Christine Catoggio


BeCreative.By Dr. Elise Cohen Ho

Well now, that is not a sentence that is going to spark creativity.Creativity does not happen on demand. There is a process, especiallyif your creativity is blocked. If this is the case, then a reallygreat place to start is by taking a look at your priorities. A priorityis a short term goal that you want to accomplish in an allottedtime period. A priority should be a good mix of the things thatyou want to do and the things that you should do. It is unrealisticto think that your entire priority list need only be filled with yourdesires (such as be creative while writing my award winningbook) as that is not the reality of life. The reality of life includesdeadlines, appointments and other things that must be takencare. However, I also caution you against filling your list exclusivelywith what you should do as that will not motivate you and certainlywill not allow you to be creative.

Your daily and weekly priority list must includethe fun stuff, the stuff that fires you up . . . the stuffthat allows you to step fully into your POWER.

So how will you find the time?I often hear the concerns of “I just do not have the time!” and“There is not enough time in the day!” or “Who has the time?”as these are among people’s biggest concerns. These concernsare valid, but the truth of the matter is that you more thanlikely do have the time. The problem is usually how we arespending the time. Our time is allotted for the wrong thing, thepriority is skewed, or we just think that tasks will take less timethan they actually do. This means that we must assess our timeallowance, expenditure, and debt.

Write out your daily schedule and your weeklyschedule as you perceive it.

Live the day and the week. While doing so writeout what you are doing and the amount of timeit is taking.

Compare the two lists. Is anything popping outat you? Is there some area that your time wasoff? Is there an activity that you thought wouldtake ten minutes and it took 30? This is impor-tant to take note of because it will allow you toplan a realistic schedule for the future.

Now think about how satisfied you are with how you spend your

precious time. And, yes, it is precious! What are the most important

things in your life? Who are the most important people?

Your number one priorityshould be YOU.

We have such a hard time seeing that this needs to be the case.

We feel selfish and as if so many other people need to come

first. A prime example of this is the fact that most parents feel

that their children must come first, but I encourage you to rethink

this. If you do not take care of yourself, that is your physical,

nutritional, and mental state of being, then what do you actually

have to give to your kids? Nothing!

If you take care of yourself then you are honoring yourself and

your family. Please do honor yourself…you are important! Set

your priorities so that you are NUMBER ONE and then consider

the following questions.

1. What is the most important thing

(you are the most important person) in my life right now?

2. Where would I want to spend more time?

3. Where would I want to spend less time?

4. What areas need my attention now

(school, health, relationship, business)?

Write down your activities in the order that feels most important

to you. This is your new list of priorities.

So tell me, what willyou work on first?

www.elisecohenho.com

“You’re NEVERNEVER Too Old To UNLEASHUNLEASH Your Bold!”

Step One:

Step Two:

Step Three:

8

Do something today

that will FIRE ME UP!

Whatis YourMotherStory?

By Michael Anne Conley, LMFT

My mother and I were both born in August, 26 years apart. This yearshe marks 90 years on the planet, which is quite an achievement.The 64 years that I’ve known my mother represent the longestrelationship I’ve ever experienced. Knowing how many otherscannot say this, I am especially grateful.

Whether or not we knew our mother in person, we each havestories about her. A friend of mine lost her first mother at birth.Given up for adoption, she grew up under the wing of a secondmother. She always knew that her birth mother wanted her tobe adopted by parents of the same national heritage. This washonored in her adoptive family, which valued connection to theold country. She eventually found her first mother. Anotherfriend was left with only guesses and dreams. Through differentpaths, each woman found her way toward herself.

My own mother speaks with fondness and admiration of hermother, who died suddenly when she was 15. One day my momwas visiting, and as I showed off the garden I’d recently designed,she brightly said, “Your grandmother was a magnificent gardenerlike you. She could grow anything.”

When my mother tells me things about her mother, I feel aconnection with this woman who died 11 years before I cameon the scene. I am part of a lineage of strong women. Mymother used to say that men may pass on their names (moretrue in the past than now), but social guidance and meaning ispassed down through women, from mothers to daughters togranddaughters. That remains.

Yet there’s something bigger going on here than the telling oftales. Not just a story about our mothers, but how this shapesthe Mother in us. It matters not if you are a mother yourself.As Oprah Winfrey said, “Biology is the least of what makessomeone a mother.” Your Mother Story is, of course, informedby your experiences of your mother and mothering figures, yetit’s also created by you, ignited by your own future.

As a woman, your Mother Story is abiding. It is your core identityas a woman shaping your own life and impacting the lives of oth

This can define you in powerful ways that serve, and don’t serve.You can use your Mother Story to cripple you or to carry you.

Here’s an example of one woman who used her experiences ofbeing mothered to transcend events that were confining.

Maya Angelou’s story is well known. She wrote of this in I KnowWhy the Caged Bird Sings and subsequent books. After her parentsseparated when she was three, she and her brother were sentto live with her grandmother, who knew that Maya was going“to be a teacher all over this world.” This she firmly believed,writes Angelou, despite all obvious evidence that her tall, ganglygranddaughter, silenced by guilt, would ever step into herself.In one video, when Angelou speaks of what she learned fromthis mother, a small tear glistens. “I am grateful to have beenloved and to be loved now and to be able to love, because thatliberates. Love liberates.”

About her own mother, whom she came to know as a teenager,she wrote, “To describe my mother would be to write about ahurricane in its perfect power.” On her mother’s deathbed, shewrites that she held her hand and said, among other things,“You were a terrible mother of small children but there hasnever been anyone greater than you as a mother of a youngadult." Later she “looked at my mother's lifeless form andthought about her passion and wit. I knew she deserved a daughterwho loved her and had a good memory, and she got one.”

The care and belief in her from each of these women set a tonefor Angelou’s Mother Story, one of strength, purpose and value.

“How are you like your mother?How are you not like your mother?”

These questions come from my therapist, who has been amothering figure to me for more than 30 years. The answer ismulti-layered. This is probably also true for you.



In search of my mother’s garden,I found my own.

~ Alice Walker, In Search of Our Mothers’ Gardens, 1983

Is WeightLossSurgerythe RightChoice forYou?By: Lisa D’Alessio

Nine years ago, I lay on the operating table, waiting for my surgeonto come in and change my life. I had chosen to have Weight LossSurgery (WLS), and it was one of the biggest and hardest things Ihave ever done in my life.

If you are over the age of 50 and are perimenopausal or menopausal,you may notice how quickly you can gain weight. And if you have hadweight challenges or obesity all of your life, you may find that you aremorbidly obese and experiencing the medical side effects of havingfat on your body: diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea, high bloodpressure—the list goes on and on. Many people believe that WLS isan easy option, an easy way out of the weight loss conundrum: yougo in, you get surgery, you come out, and you get thin. Easy, right?But there are many parts of WLS that the surgeon’s office won’t tellyou. Or they’ll tell you, but it’s glossed over like it’s not a big deal. Butthey are a big deal, especially if you are considering this surgery as away to save your life.

So here are some misconceptions about WLS, followed by the realinformation.

Myth #1: WLS is an easy way outThe truth: WLS can often make the weight loss process easier, be-cause your stomach is surgically altered. Depending on the type ofsurgery you get, this alteration may be temporary, or it may be per-manent. With a smaller stomach, you tend to eat less….at least forthe first year or two. But—and here’s the important part—WLS is nota magic wand. It doesn’t automatically mean you will lose weight.Think of it more as a tool that helps you control how much you eat.And as with any tool, it is only effective if it is used and used correctly.

Myth #2: I can keep eating the way I do now,only smaller portionsThe truth: One of the biggest changes that will happen if you haveWLS is that many of the things you eat now—the sugar and processed

foods—will make you sick. Literally. If you opt for the surgeries thatcut part of your stomach away, your food will no longer be processedin your stomach, which means it hits your small intestines in the sameformat that it left your mouth. And when sugar and processed foodsare absorbed, they create a sugar spike in the bloodstream. The bodyreacts by dumping insulin into the bloodstream to counteract it.“Dumping syndrome” feels absolutely awful, like “I have to lie hereon this floor and don’t touch me and I can’t do anything but lie hereand be miserable and I don’t care that I’m in a restaurant just let melie here and die” awful. The real truth is that the vast majority of whatyou will be eating is protein, first via protein shakes, then via soft foodslike eggs, and then gradually to whole foods like fish, chicken andbeef. You can still have the foods you eat now….just know they comewith a serious consequence.

Myth #3: WLS is a permanent solutionThe truth: yes and no. Yes, it is permanent if you continue to followgood eating habits after surgery. And no, if you get further out fromsurgery and old food habits start to creep in, then the weight comes back.

Myth #4: WLS will make my life perfectbecause I’ll be thinThe truth: If I could wish one thing to really sink in to every womanconsidering surgery, it’s this: being thin does not take your problemsaway. It doesn’t make your life perfect. You can have WLS, but all ofthose things that make you want to overeat—the anger, the boredom,the fear, the anxiety—all of those emotional triggers will still be there.And if you have WLS, you will no longer have food to turn to for comfort.So all of those things will be in your face, and you will HAVE to facethem and heal them. Otherwise, two or three or five years down theroad, you will have regained the weight. You need an emotional supportteam in place to help you deal with the emotional part of eating. Everysingle woman I know who had WLS agrees: healing the emotionaltriggers is the biggest factor in losing the weight and keeping it off.



This Isn’t Your Regular

In an ideal world, we would all agree on the path to our financialfuture, but we don’t live in an “ideal” world. We live in a worldwhere he wants this and she wants that. We have very differentideas on what our retirement looks like and even how we shouldget there. So how do we make sure we reach the final destinationthat makes both of us happy? I once met with a client whosehusband had grand ideas of growing their financial wealth and hada very aggressive attitude about how the money was invested.Long story short… the investment advisor made lots of commissionsand the wife suffered the consequences when the portfoliodwindled down due to all the losses. The husband passed awayleaving the wife to figure out how to survive on what was left.There are several things I could point out here that went wrong.First, the investment advisor should have met with both ofthem to determine what was in the best interest of both, butinstead he only met with the husband and did what the husbandwanted to do without much regard to the consequences. Thisis too bad and gives a bad name to the rest of us who workhard at due diligence to make sure we are doing what is in thebest interest of our clients (both of them!). Second, the wifeshould have been more involved in the financial conversa-tions with her husband to make sure her needs and concernswere being addressed as well. Lastly, the husband should havechanged his investment strategies over time to lock in gainswhen they occurred and become more conservative as he aged.

When was the last time you had a date night and talked aboutmoney? Arranging a date night at your favorite restaurant witha bottle of wine and no kids (if they are still living at home) isa great way to talk about money in a nonthreatening way. Shareyour goals for your retirement with each other. For instance,when would you like to retire? How much income will we needeach month? What if something happens to one of us how willwe make up that income? Will that loss of income be a hardshipfor the surviving spouse? How much have we saved so far? Willit be enough? Is our portfolio balanced and diversified? How willsocial security fit in to our retirement and how can we make the mostof it? How will taxes and IRS Required Minimum Distributionsaffect our income? There is much to think about and each choicehas its own set of consequences. Starting the conversation is justthe beginning, but if you have never done it before now is thetime to start!

Once you are talking, each of you should make a list of thethings that are important to you during retirement. Such thingsas having enough monthly income to pay all your necessities,being debt free, traveling, leaving a legacy for your kids or grandkids. . . whatever the things are that are important to you.

Now that you have your list each of you should prioritize yourown list with 1 being the most important to you. Depending onhow long your list is, narrow it down to the top 5 importantthings to each of you. Now trade lists and prioritize your partnerslist with 1 being the most important to you. This is where youbegin to compromise. Compare the lists with each other andstart with the things that you both agree are most important.Now comes the hard part. How do we accomplish it? Well… nowwould be the time to seek professional help with someone whocan help you create a plan to reach your goals. If you alreadyhave things in place and feel confident you will reach thosegoals, then have another glass of wine and schedule your nextdate night to make sure you are staying on track. If you don’tfeel confident about your current plan, than look for a financialprofessional whom you feel comfortable with… someone whosits down with both of you and takes the time to review yourlist and talk about your dreams and goals. Someone who takesthe time to listen and gives you options that you feel goodabout! Don’t wait! That is the biggest financial mistake you canmake. Every day you procrastinate costs you more money.

Schedule your date nightand start the conversation!

www.newyorklife.com/agent/mdean


Date Night!By: Michelle Dean,Financial Services Professional(photo courtesy of datenight.com)


By Cindy Nunnery, INHC

Ok, so your eating hasn’t always been perfect. If you’re anything likeme, you’ve had your share of emotional eating, stress eating, nervouseating, bored eating, and even just plain lazy-ass eating.

When you are in a bad mood, tired, angry, or just feeling down, eatingclean and healthy seems so much harder - your motivation to eat wellbegins to fade and even the simplest food or meal prep seems daunting.Luckily, there are a few tricks that you can use to get you out of youreating funk. You may even be able to see the silver lining and use youreating funk to your advantage!

Here are 5 steps to get you out of your eating funk.

1. Recognize why you are in an eating funkWhy did you just eat what you did? Did something happen today? Didyou have a tough day at work or have an argument with your spouse?Are the kids pulling you in so many directions you can’t think? Maybe,you just woke up on the wrong side of the bed? Taking a minute torecognize exactly why you’re eating poorly will help you realize what’saffecting what you put in your mouth. Once you recognize why youare in an eating funk, it’ll be much easier to move past it.

2. Have a pity partyThere is nothing wrong with being sad, tired, or upset or asking yourself“Why me?” Indulging your feelings. Letting your body and mind feelhow they want to feel instead of fighting them can give great emotionalrelief. Amazingly, it can help you release your emotions, too. Whenyou do this, it becomes about emotional awareness not eating forcomfort. Sometimes a good personal pity party is all you need!

3. Remind yourself of what you wantWhen you are all pitied or cried out, head back to your vision board.Whatever put you in this funk is likely temporary. Looking at yourpersonal health goals and thinking about how you want to look andfeel will help you realize how much you have going for you, how faryou’ve come, and how much you have to look forward to! This willhelp you see the cause of your eating funk with a positive twist; it’san unexpected and empowering step in a new direction!

4. Do something just for youIf you’re still feeling down or can’t quite get off the emotional rollercoaster, do something you know will make you happy or smile. Makea delicious salad for your neighbor’s party, do a little gardening, or takea long walk – anything that brings you joy and makes you smile (becauseyou’re getting connected back with your true self). This will divert yourattention, and help you to start feeling more like yourself again.

5. Go back to the basicsWhen all else fails, the best cure for a bad case of the eating blues isa trip back to the basics. Maybe you have been in an eating funk forawhile – doing a healthy sugar & carb detox (see my 5-day Jumpstart)might be what you need. On the other hand, if you’re just having anoff day or two (or three), you might consider a one or two day cleaneating party.

Do you have a go-to way to pull yourself out of aneating funk? Please Tweet me @cindynunnery and let meknow - and good for you for recognizing that you need one.

www.cindynunnery.com

By: Belinda Phillips

In the fast-paced world we live in today, many of us are seekingways to reduce stress and create more joy in our lives. One of themost effective tools we all have at our disposal is meditation. Iwas one of those people who thought meditation was a dauntingtask. It was too hard to turn off my brain, and I didn’t have thetime for meditation. That is, until I learned about the profoundbenefits of meditation and the scientific studies that validatethose benefits.

Meditation has been shown to preserve functional parts of thebrain that would typically deteriorate as we age. A neuroscientistat Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School,Dr. Sara Lazar, looked at the benefits of meditation in brainscans. Typically, as individuals’ age, the part of the brain responsiblefor executive decision making and working memory (prefrontalcortex) shrinks. That’s why we lose our ability to figure outproblems and to remember things. Dr. Lazar looked at thebrains of 50 year old people who meditate and was surprisedto find that they had the same amount of gray matter in theprefrontal cortex as 25 year old individuals. She also looked atchanges in brain volume in five different regions of the brainafter study participants meditated an average of 30 minuteseach day for eight weeks. Dr. Lazar found that there was in increasein brain volume in the areas of the brain involved in: (1) mindwandering and self-relevance (posterior cingulate), (2) learning,cognition, memory and emotional regulation (left hippocampus),(3) perspective-taking, empathy and compassion (temporo-parietaljunction), and (4) producing regulatory neurotransmitters(pons). There was also a reduction in brain volume in the fightor flight part of the brain which is important for anxiety, fear,and stress in general (amygdala) and this change correlated toa reduction in stress levels in the individuals involved in thestudy. With just a small amount of effort, the participants inDr. Lazar’s studies were able to positively impact brain function andmood and this correlated with physical changes in the brain as well.

Meditation can also create new neural pathways and chemicalreactions in our bodies that can affect our thoughts, beliefs,feelings, and experiences. The research of Dr. Joe Dispenza, aneuroscientist, chiropractor and published author who is studying

the effects of guided meditation through brain scans, EEGs, andheart monitors, has shown that this is possible. Dr. Dispenza’s researchinvolves neuroplasticity, epigenetics, psychoneuroimmunology,and quantum physics. His focus is on how we can change ourexternal reality by changing our internal state. Dr. Dispenzastates, “When the stress response is turned on to either a realor conjured-up threat, a powerful cascade of chemicals rushesinto our system that wakes up our bodies and certain parts ofour brain. We unconsciously become addicted to this feelingand our problems, and we keep these situations in our lives tofeed our addiction to survival-oriented emotions.” Dr. Dispenzaargues that if we can turn on our stress response by thoughtalone, it is also possible that our thoughts can make us healthyand create positive experiences for us. Dr. Dispenza teachesguided meditation that takes our focus, awareness and energyaway from the physical body, and the conscious mind, and intoour true potential. Through guided meditation, Dr. Dispenza hasshown that we can get out of fear and into the creative processso that unexpected and miraculous experiences can show up.

The key to creating this positive change in our lives is to makethis a daily practice, like taking a shower and brushing ourteeth. If we can master suffering and fear in our lives, isn’t itpossible for us to master an internal chemical state such as joy?

Why is it that so many of us don’t make that choice? There aremany reasons for this. We don’t believe it. We are addicted toour current state of being. Our subconscious is convinced thatchange is dangerous for us. We are too busy. I decided to takea leap of faith and started a daily, guided meditative practice.I was surprised and delighted with the changes that occurredin my life and in my family’s life as well. Getting out of thechemical cocktail of fear and anxiety and into a state of love,joy, and creation has been life changing.

I challenge you to learn more about how this can work for youand to make guided meditation a part of your daily life. I loveto share, so feel free to reach out and we can explore ways foryou to incorporate this into your daily life.

www.healingwithbelinda.com


T H E I N C R E D I B L E

OF MEDITATIONPowerPower

Giving birth is messy, painful, chaotic, and yet so rewarding. And thenthere is the baby, so sweet and miraculous, facing many years ofdifferent stages of growth, development, joy, and tears. Raisinganother human being. Crawling, walking, talking, kindergarten, highschool, university and so on. It is a beautiful journey. Sound familiar?Sound like owning your own business? I believe so! It is painful some-times, joyous as well, and yet so rewarding. It is like raising a child, infantstages, toddler, and teens. Stages and phases, a beautiful journey.

So why is it I hear time and time again that women, the gender that doesthe birthing of babies, do not want to go through the same journeywith their business? An expectation is set that we launch and instantsuccess should happen. This is not a “get rich quick” system here. Itis a journey, it takes time! If you are comparing yourself to others onsocial media, remember you don’t know the whole story behind theprofile picture and the posts. That person could be insinuating thatthey have a business when they are broke and now we have just ahobby, or someone feeling they are worthy because they are busydoing something that leads to nothing. We need dollars to invest inourselves and our business to grow.

Why all of the attachment to money? It is paper, is it not? It is also aform of energy so why do we place our worth on the dollar bill? Is it thatwe are in an emotional debt? This is where we need to do self-reflectionand self-realization. Own the behavior, and ask how to clean this up.What is the remedy here? Step into an attitude of gratitude.When we own the business, we are the CEO, and we need to delegate,build a team, and wear many hats! Clean up our debt, emotionally,spiritually, and financially. We also need to look at how we feel whenapproaching money; is it with a dreadful, fearful, lack of mentality? Asmall re-wire around money needs to be handled and quite franklyaround all aspects of our business. You can re-wire those negativefeelings around money, so in turn your self-worth is not attached tothe money. Now do not get me wrong here. We need money at the

end of the day, but when we make emotional decisions aroundmoney, we remain emotionally in debt. Hence, the worth tanks whenwe hit bottom, when we don’t have clients, when we don’t makemoney and when the phone isn’t ringing and such. We need to allowand not force time.

So a few things to consider here:

1. Hiring a financial coach to help you work through the blocks withmoney. Also placing positive affirmation post it notes in yourcheckbook, wallet, where you pay your bills and even place positivepasswords for your accounts as well. Re-train the brain! Changethe attitude.

2. Another possibility while you are changing up the attitude towardsmoney, we need to strengthen our confidence, and realign ourself-worth. Two very simple steps are positive affirmations and agratitude log; this brings more awareness to one’s self.

3. Reading books will assist as well. The Abundance Book by JohnRandolph Price is a great, simple place to begin.

4. Surround yourself with other business owners, like-minded peoplewho experience similar business challenges and persevere. Supportis vital in owning your business! Be surrounded with others whohave been where you are, going through similar things that youare experiencing as well.

The bottom line here is Abundance.Abundance is about more than money!

And our self-worth is priceless!

www.boldradiostation.com

“You’re NEVERNEVER Too Old To UNLEASHUNLEASH Your Bold!” “You’re NEVER Too Old To UNLEASH Your Bold!”14

Worth of Selfor Self Worth= Money?By Kim Boudreau Smith

By Denise Joy Thompson

The day began as an “ordinary” travel day, 3 am wake-up, packing,last minute computer work, double-checking of details, copiousamounts of coffee, quick drive and drop-off at the airport towait in line for luggage check-in and then security. I do thisabout 20 times a year, so everything was moving along as normal.I had no thought of arriving at my destination and receiving aphone call from my brother, with the words “it’s bad, it’s Dad.”As a social worker and a crisis/trauma responder, my wordswere short and to the point, “Is he dead?” The answer,“Yes, a heart attack.” It is 12:15 pm Eastern,my crisis response and military trainingkicks in, I get my bag from the baggagecarousel of Southwest, I tell my friendCarolyn, who had traveled with mefrom San Antonio to Orlando (shewas a blessing), “I have to get aflight to Iowa, Dad has died.”

I was in shock; I knew I had to gethome. I wasn’t overly coherent orpatient with the airline representatives,at times it was difficult to talk andmy tears would well-up. Again mytraining took over, and I focused onthe task at hand. Luckily a supervisorassisted and through booking, re-bookingI received a mid-afternoon flight and a pricewhich wasn’t outrageous, which at that moment,price didn’t matter. This was on May 26, huge storms wererolling across the US, leaving that morning we had severe floodingin San Antonio, Houston, and most of Texas, flying to Detroit theninto Iowa, I knew there may be some challenges. Even with flightdelays, ground closures, re-booking to a morning flight, just incase of a total cancellation, I arrived home that same eveningafter a 17 hour day of flying and being in airports.

My dad, as most of our dads, is a very important person in mylife. My dad was a hard-working man, raised by hard-workingparents. I know he loved me and all of the family very much.We had become closer after he and Mom retired, and we spentmany weeks of vacation together, with my parents visiting mein which ever state I lived (though they would not visit me inTurkey). We laughed that my parents had the best of bothworlds, between vacationing with me and my husband and thenwith my brother and his family. I like cruises, the beach, andwineries, while my brother and his family liked camping, nature,and hiking. My parents were able to enjoy all of the things they likedby spending time with both of us. Holidays are also importantand as much as possible we all would try to be home for Christmas,if not we would Skype and share the opening of presents. InOctober 2014 while in St. Maarten, my parents even lived throughtheir first hurricane. The waves were really exciting until they

continued to grow, and we realized it was not just big wavesascending on our resort. Being from Iowa, my parents had notimagined ever being in a hurricane. Of course my parentsagreed one was enough!!

It is the memories of our time together which allowed my familyto celebrate the life we had with my dad. Yes, we cried. Yes itwas frustrating and tense at times deciding on the funeral details,but we CELEBRATED we had him in our life. We joked as we would

do something the way Dad used to that he was “channeling”through us. I joked one night as I got up 5 times

to go to the bathroom that it was Dad. Imeasured something the other day 3

times with the measuring tape and Itold mom it was Dad channeling (his

attention to detail is notoriousamongst our family and probablyto his friends and co-workers also).

Do not get me wrong. We miss himterribly. What gave us comfort wasthe fact we could celebrate him,and we talked about the fun

times, laughed about our timestogether, cried together, but we did

not focus on what we would not have,we focused on the blessing he was to all

of us. My mother, after almost 61 yearsof marriage, will have a significant adjust-

ment, but we also can talk about anything, thegood, the bad, and the “I don’t know(s)”.

There is no one way to grieve; there is no one model to follow.What I do know is being grateful for what a person has been inyour life, being grateful for the time shared, being grateful for havinglove, being grateful and celebrating the life lived can help easesome of the pain. As I am beginning to write, we just celebratedthe first Father’s Day, 25 days after my dad’s death. On 1 July,we celebrated his first birthday after his death. The firsts areoftentimes the hardest, but also the realization of how life haschanged. Change may be painful, but it is not impossible. Weare not yet “moving on,” but we know as a family we have eachother to talk to, to share with, and to seek comfort from. Ourfamily growing up with my dad as an EMT, a firefighter and mywork as a therapist, crisis responder and a military member isa bit unique, in the fact we may view death differently, knowingmore about death and accidents than most families, perhapswe were better prepared, but we also supported each other andknew we had each other. We will all face the death of a lovedone. I wish for you to find comfort in what the loved one broughtto your life and celebrate their life and love, let the tears flowboth in sadness and appreciation for your loved one.



Gratitude and Love Can

OvershadowThe Pain

You Don’tHave to BeYoung andWrinkle Free to ROCK YourSecond Act!By Linda Waldon

Do you feel like you’ve lost your confident edge? I see it every day.Women of a certain age, super-saturated with talent, sexiness, wisdom,and experience being overlooked, laid off, and overtaken by youngercounterparts. Ladies, it’s time to stop apologizing for your age or bodyimage. Claim your place as the CEO of your own life and show theworld your confident style as you ROCK your second act with passionand purpose.

I see the effects of aging on my female clients when they’re no longergetting the attention their youthful glow once elicited. The result canbe a feeling of invisibility, which can have a devastating effect onrelationships, career, and business.

If you’re hiding out instead of getting out because you don’t feel goodabout the way you look, it could be all you need is a STYLE UPDATE toget your style mojo and confidence back. You don't have to be wrinkle-freeand thirty to project a confident, gorgeous presence that attracts morebusiness and more opportunities. Your second act is the perfect timeto get it right and allow the REAL YOU to show up and shine.

Ladies, it’s time to stop apologizingfor your age or body image!

Here are a 3 powerful Style Success Over Fifty Strategies to own,honor, and express your confidence so you can move out of the shadowsand schedule a photography shoot, create a video, go out on a date,or book a speaking engagement:

Style Success Strategy #1: Know your best colorsand how to dress your shape not your size.When you turn fifty, it’s time to reevaluate your colors and garmentsilhouettes. If you go gray, the colors you look best in change.For example, if you previously wore warm colors such as orange-reds and browns, now that you’ve gone gray, your coloring ismore harmonious with soft cool colors like gray-blue, raspberry,and taupe. Wearing the wrong color is the fastest way to age you!Wearing the right color especially around your face gives you aradiant glow.

When I became a stylist I still had the same body shape of my youngeryears. Then menopause happened. All of a sudden I had a tummy,breasts that were less than perky, and varicose veins popping out on mylegs. Armed with stylist tricks” I have been able to camouflage whatI consider my body flaws and accentuate my best features. I call this“The Art of Distraction.” These are simple techniques that I teach inmy style workshop to accentuate your positives and strategicallydeemphasize areas to bring your body into balance – it’s an art worthmastering!

• It’s okay to buy pants in multiple sizes so there's always one that fits

• Look for fashionable silhouettes that don't hug your middle (i.e.,Eileen Fisher)

• Indulge in delicious, flattering colors around your face -- whetherit's a scarf, beautiful top, or a great necklace

• Buy fewer, higher quality fabrics -- they fit and flatter better thancheaper fabrics

Style Success Strategy #2:Dress in Your AuthenticSignature Style.Your signature style is the expression of YOU on the inside reflectedon the outside. When you are dressing authentically, you are expressingyour essence as a nonverbal way of saying, “I know who I am, I likewho I am, and I value myself.” More importantly, you’ll feel more likeyourself!

You probably have a few pieces in your closet that reflect who you areand those are the pieces you wear most often. My signature style is“Structured Bohemian,” which is a combination of tailored linesmixed with a flowy bohemian flair. The juxtaposition suits my “get-it-done-with-fun” personality. When I work with clients I have themchoose a couple words that describe how they want to feel in theirclothes. If you haven’t done this yet, your second act is the perfect time!




http://coachingbymarianne.com/your-smokin-hot-second-half/

F E A T U R E D E X P E R T S

SHARON CASEis a licensed, independentFinancial Consultant and aCertified Divorce FinancialAnalyst. As a FinancialConsultant, she works withwomen to help them setfinancial goals that establishpeace of mind and clarity. Asa CDFA, Sharon works withwomen in all stages of the

divorce process, helping them deal with financial issues theymay never have dealt with before. Sharon is also a publicspeaker on a variety of financial topics. Sharon lives in theChicago area and has two children, Kelly who is 30 years oldand Bryan who is 27 years old. Her other passions includetraveling, reading, and wine!

For access to financial worksheets and resources, emailSharon at [email protected]

CHRISTINE CATOGGIOis a Life Transition Strategist,Women’s EmpowermentCoach, Inspirational Speaker,and Best Selling Author. Sheis passionate about helpingwomen understand and

navigate the many challenges

of life’s transitions. Christine

inspires and empowers

women in all stages of their

lives to thrive, not just survive, through their own personal

transitions. Christine is the founder of Successful Life

Transitions and the Women of R.I.S.E Community. She

holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Barry University

and is a member of Women Speakers Association, Soroptimist

International, the Holistic Chamber of Fort Lauderdale, and

the Board of Scleroderma South Florida.

For more information or to book Christine to speak at your

organization visit www.christinecatoggio.com, or phone

561-929-1195.

DR. ELISE COHEN HOis an expert in holistic health.With over 25 years of experience,as a Naturopathic Therapist,Relationship & Business Mentor,Amazon Best Selling Authorand Motivational Speaker, Elisewill support you as you embracethe POWER that lies within sothat you can reach the top ofour own personal POWERPyramid of SUCCESS.

Visit Elise at www.elisecohenho.com where she shares healthyliving info, recipes, tips on healthy relationships and ideas ofhow to bring more success into your life.

MICHAEL ANNE CONLEY,M.A., LMFT,is a private consultantsupporting women whoare ready to start choosingthem- selves first and lovingthemselves for doing that.Michael Anne has a 30-yeartrack record of bringingclients to a place ofempowerment in the world ofaddiction recovery. Today, her system makes this transformationpossible for anyone in everyday life. She is a motivationalspeaker, leader of personal development classes and workshops,and author of the ebook, Do YOU HAVE a habit ~ or does yourhabit HAVE YOU? In addition to consulting, Michael Anne isthe Founder and Director of Stillpoint integrative health centerin Lafayette, California. Michael Anne says, “I am passionateabout helping women step into their value, awaken to their beautyand to themselves because I believe that when women becomechange agents in their own lives, they transform the world.”

Contact Michael Anne at www.habitsintohealth.com

LISA D’ALESSIOis a Transformational IntuitiveMaster Healer with 2 Master’sDegrees and 25 years ofcommitted leadership to hercountry and community. Sheworks with women from allaround the world who are onthe path of self developmentand are seeking wholeness.Lisa D has two spirit guidesand combines 10+ healing

modalities to help you remember, embrace, and love the womanyou were born to be.

Contact Lisa at www.lisadalessio.com for more information



MICHELLE DEANhas always had anentrepreneurial spirit. Shehas been an entrepreneursince 1990. Michelle hasalways been a planner andbegan making financial plansand goals for herself whenshe opened her own savingsac- count when she was 13years old! Going into the

insurance business in 2006 was a natural progression forher. She stepped out again to run her own business with NewYork Life in 2012 and once again enjoys being a Fempreneur.With New York Life, Michelle specializes in helping fellowFempreneurs (Female Entrepreneurs) with simple financialsolutions by sharing tools and guidance to help them feelconfident and secure about their financial health. She isalso the founder of WHOW (Women Helping Other Women)www.whowlivelovelearn.com.

You can find Michelle at www.newyorklife.com/agent/mdeanor www.facebook.com/mdeanNYLagent

CINDY NUNNERYis a Certified Holistic HealthCoach, AADP. She is also anauthor and speaker. Cindystudied at the Institute forIntegrative Nutrition and wastaught by Dr. Andrew Weil,Dr. Deepak Chopra, Dr. DavidKatz, Dr Walter Willett, andDr. Geneen Roth, among others.Cindy strives to make hercoaching and programs simple and effective so that you canseamlessly incorporate them into your busy life. She workswith clients to help them make lifestyle changes (not just dietaryor exercise changes) that produce real and lasting results.

Cindy can be reached at www.cindynunnery.com

BELINDA PHILLIPSis a certified ThetaHealing®practioner and instructor andhas received certifications inSpiritual Response Therapy,Spiritual Restructuring, PsychK, Reconnective Healing, andPranic Healing. She is theproud mother of two amazingdaughters, Alyssa age 23 andMarlee age 21. Belinda left

her career as a lawyer when she was 55 to do what she feelsis more aligned with her true purpose in life. She found thistrue calling while on a journey to help her daughter Marlee whohad significant medical problems and special needs. Taking a

practical approach to spiritual energy healing, Belinda empowerspeople to create rich and fulfilling lives, free of unnecessaryobstacles and challenges.

Visit www.healingwithbelinda.com and register for your FREEgift and set up your Get to the Root Breakthrough Session now.

KIM BOUDREAU-SMITHis a Proprietor of Bold RadioStation, a Turn-Key Servicefor Radio Show Hosts; #1International Best-SellingAuthor; International Speaker& Business Consultant. Shecreated Kim Boudreau SmithInc. to support women toenhance their Bold selvesthrough Bold Radio Station

where they can host a radio show and put their voices outglobally. Kim received her life coaching certification from TheInternational Coaching Academy and now focuses her passionsin her business. Her goal is to pave the way for our future withinspired and empowered female leaders and teens. Kim teachespeople how to have it all without losing anything.

Kim can be reached at [email protected]

DENISE JOY THOMPSON,LISW, ELI-MPis a #1 International Best Sellingauthor, a life coach, militarymember, Passion Test Facilitator,therapist and transformationalspeaker. Denise has over 25years experience as a therapist,speaker, and instructor. She alsohas 24 years of military experiencespecializing in trauma and sexualassault support and treatment, including deployments to Iraqand Kuwait, and was recently chosen for promotion to Colonelin the AF Reserves. Denise, through her company The CoachAlliance, offers individual, group, organizational and corporatecoaching in life and wellness. She also created a Life CoachCertification program through The Coach Alliance Academy.As the founder/owner of Crisis Re- sponse Consulting, Deniseprovides crisis and disaster response intervention, managementand training to first respond- ers, local, state, and federal agenciesand is a faculty member of the International Critical IncidentStress Foundation and ofResiliencySciencesInternational,LLC.

Denise can be reached at www.facebook.com/thecoachalliance


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continued from page 6 . . .

Financial Planning:Helping You See The Big Picture!

By: Sharon Case

Common Questions??

What i f I’m too busy? Don’t wait until you’re in the middleof a financial crisis before beginning the planning process.The sooner you start, the more options you may have.

Is the f inancial planning process complicated? Eachfinancial plan is tailored to the needs of the individual, sohow complicated the process will be depends on yourindividual circumstances. But no matter what type of helpyou need, a financial professional will work hard to makethe process as easy as possible.

What if my spouse and I disagree? A financial professionalis trained to listen to your concerns, identify any underlyingissues and help you find common ground.

Can I sti l l control my own finances? Financial planningprofessionals make recommendations, not decisions. Youcan retain control of your finances. Generally people findit challenging to manage their own money and want help.However, if you feel confident in managing your ownmoney, there is no reason why you cannot.

[email protected]

Investment advisory services offered through Advisory Alpha LLC, aSEC Registered Investment Advisor. Case Wealth Management andFinancial Services Ltd. is independent of Advisory Alpha.





What is Your Mother Story?

By Michael Anne Conley, LMFT

I find strength from my mother’s take-charge attitude aboutlife. In her 90 years she moved from her own family into a 59-year marriage, and since my father’s death in 2009, she haslived on her own. Last year, she came close to death twice inas many days, but her interest in life prevailed. She has outlivedher own mother by many years. Hers is a Mother Story of dedicationto her own sovereignty.

Some of my clients, born into families beset by addiction,trauma, and tragedy, lacked nurturing role models and enteredadulthood without a steady anchor for the human task of self-loving. For them, therapy has been a way to create a MotherStory worthy of their future selves. One such mother wassoaked in guilt and grief. Her years of drinking, she was cer-tain, had caused irreparable damage. This led me to say some-thing that was such a relief to her that I’ve continued to shareit. “As a parent,” I say to my clients, “there is really only onetask. This is true no matter how old your children are, even ifthey are adults. This most important thing you can do is todemonstrate, through your own behavior, that one is never tooold to change.”

I have found my Mother Story.

What about you? How do you carry, inside yourself, the qualityof your mother or mothering figures? How have you formedyourself? What is your Mother Story?

www.habitsintohealth.com

A woman is her motherThat’s the main thing

~ Anne Sexton, “Housewife,” in All My Pretty Ones (1961)


Is Weight LossSurgery theRight Choicefor You?

By: Lisa D’Alessio

So, is WLS a terrible thing? No, it’s actually a great choice for the right

people. It really can help you lose weight, and it prevents you from

doing things like eating a whole pie or box of cookies—it’s simply not

physically possible to eat that much, unless it’s done over a very slow

period. But having WLS does require serious lifestyle changes, so

there are some questions to consider:

1. What are your REAL expectations for WLS? To help lose weight? To

clear medical problems? To fix your life? Knowing your real

expectations can help you know if they can realistically be met by

this surgery.

2. Why? Why do you want to be thin? Is it to regain health? To regain

a lost sense of beauty? Your “why” will often help determine your

success.

3. What changes are you willing to make to achieve what you want?

Are you willing to change how you eat? To exercise? To say no to

sodas and high-sugar treats? Are you willing to make these changes

to have what you want? WLS is definitely a lifestyle change and to

remain successful, those changes will have to be permanent.

WLS can be a wonderful tool to help you lose weight and feel good in

your body again, and for some, it’s a great choice. Knowing what your

expectations are and facing your true willingness to change will help

you decide if this is the right choice for you.

And if you have any questions, please reach out to me. I’d love to hear

from you, and I’ll happily answer any questions you might have about

WLS or about healing in general.

www.lisadalessio.com


www.healingwithbelinda.com


Gratitude and Love CanOvershadow The Pain

By Denise Joy Thompson

The picture was taken on May 1, 2015, twenty-five days beforeDad’s unexpected death. I cherish he was part of my promotionceremony. My dad, along with my mom, was and remains, one

of my biggest supporters and encouragers. I started writing thison June 23, not even a month from my dad’s death, but did notfinish until July 31. I had lost some of my motivation to write,to share my feelings, to be happy. I know I cannot stay in thispart of the journey. I, as do the rest of the family, need to moveforward a little each day and continue to create our lives, toaccomplish goals and live up to everything our dad knows wecan do. I can be of more support to Mom and the rest of the familyby taking care of myself. As I finish writing this, I know Dad issmiling down on me and my family; I know he loves all of us.

Embrace the memories, laugh and cry at the same time, knoweven though they are gone, you are still here and you can getthrough this, with no expectations or time frames in which todo so. During this time though, remember to take care of you,it is what our loved one wants us to do.

www.facebook.com/thecoachalliance



You Don’t Have to Be Young andWrinkle Free to ROCK Your Second Act!

By Linda Waldon

Style Success Strategy #3:Have Fun With Fashion andEnjoy Trends that Flatter Most Body Shapes.Lighten upwhen it comes to fashion – get out of your style rut and try some newtrends. Break some fashion rules! This is your time to play with fashionand feel good in your clothes. Here are some trends worth trying:

• Cutout sleeves are really popular and the cutouts are so attrac-tively placed.

• Leggings. Yes, leggings. I just dressed my 75-yr-old client in leg-gings with long tunics and she loves them! She didn’t think theywere age appropriate, but I set her straight.

• Fluid fits. These aren’t oversized, they’re gently flowing tops,relaxed skinnies, sack dresses, boyfriend jeans and boyfriendshirts over skinny pants. Add a belt to create an hourglass silhouette!

• Believe it or not, the ‘70s are back. That means bell sleeve, kimono,fringe (jackets, purses, and booties), kaftans, tunic tops, empirecut dresses. Lots of flattering fun!

• For a more sensual ‘70s look, try a silky jumpsuit, flared trousers,long boyfriend jacket, tuxedo jacket, wrap dress, denim skirt,cropped pants and shorter hemlines if you have great legs andwant to show them off.

• Shoes in gladiator, espadrilles, pointy toe flats, and ankle strappumps. Even Birkenstocks are super chic this summer!

Being over fifty is a blessing. You get to open the door to the next chapterof your life and reinvent yourself. There’s an unmistakable allure to amature, confident woman. She feels comfortable with herself and she takescare of herself. She can walk into any room and OWN IT! Stop apologizingfor your age, your size, your shape…and START celebrating YOU!

LINDA WALDON is a personalstylist and the creator of StyleYour Way to Success, a Step Upand Stand Out Program on amission to help women overfifty who are ready to overcometheir fear of visibility and rocktheir second act. An inspirationalteacher, stylist, and formerbusiness executive, Linda writesa style blog, teaches workshops,and offers women over fifty

“Love The Skin You’re In VIP Style Sessions” (virtual and in-person),teaches a 4-week, guided online workshop “30 Days to StyleSuccess in Your Second Act” and offers “Second Act BrandingWeekends,” at a vacation-setting location on the California CentralCoast.

www.lindawaldon.com

Designing a VISION to behold

Every great design has a starting point and for Melissa Noto Design Studio, Inc. it starts with a vision. We are a full-service, graphic design firm and print design specialist

that provides agencies and businesses with fresh, on-brand marketing materials. With access to

creative, results-driven copywriters, photographers, website developers and other professionals,

our team can handle your project flawlessly from conception to completion!

Call for a quote today! (630) 204-1974

Melissa NotoDesign Studio, Inc.

Ad Development (Print & Digital)Corporate• Logos• Branding• IdentificationCustom InvitationsDirect Mail (Print & Digital)• Postcards• NewslettersLarge Format• Trade Show Display• Posters• BannersAnnual ReportsBrochuresFacility GuidesFlyersMarketing MaterialsMagazinesPackaging DesignWeb [email protected] | [email protected]

“Interested in more ways toUNLEASH Your Bold!”


Connect via your favorite platform andplug into a BOLD Community of Women

whose purpose is to live, share andUNLEASH their areas of expertise.

Radio Show Host, Publisher, TV Co-host, Author,Speaker and Transformational Coach

coachbelle.com

www.Facebook.com/bkohen

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www.Twitter.com/UnleashYourBold

“You’re NEVER Too OldTo UNLEASH Your Bold”

www.Linkedin.com/in/bellekohen

www.Pinterest.com/bellekohen

Patty Farmer is an International Speaker, Radio Host & Best-SellingAuthor specializing in Marketing & Business Growth Strategiesthrough Coaching, Mentorship, & Consulting. Patty has created anetwork of 100,000 + connections while teaching thousands ofentrepreneurs, coaches, speakers & authors to connect, collaborateand convert in less time and make more money while designingthe lifestyle they want to live. Patty was awarded the 2014“International Collaborator of the Year” as well as the “SocialMedia Influencer of the Year” and is known internationally as“The Networking CEO.”

Please feel free to reach out via the link below and makesure to grab your FREE gift to help get you started here!

www.SixFigureJointVentures.com

www.PattyFarmer.com

www.Facebook.com/PattyFarmerCEOwww.Twitter.com/PattyFarmerwww.LinkedIn.com/in/pattyfarmerwww.Pinterest.com/PattyFarmerCEOwww.Google.com/+PattyFarmerwww.Instagram.com/PattyFarmerCEO


Remember the 4 M’s… Master it. Monetize it. Mobilize it. Market it.

Make the decision to spend your life

instead of just reading the menu.

enjoying the banquet~ Patty Farmer


SEE WHAT YOU MISSED . . .

MARIANNE CHERRICOBaby Boomer Women and

“You’re Smokin’ Second Half!”

SEPTEMBER 8, 2015http://tobtr.com/s/7908237

SHARON LECHTERAuthor of “Think & Grow Rich

For Women

SEPTEMBER 15, 2015http://bit.ly/SharonLechterUYB

SEPTEMBER 22, 2015Patty Farmerhttp://www.bit.ly/UYBPattyFarmer

SEPTEMBER 29, 2015Jo Dibblee – Author of Frock-Offhttp://tobtr.com/7913997

LINKS IN APPEAR UPCOMING ISSUES

OCTOBER 6, 2015 Regina Rowley-

OCTOBER 13, 2015Dr. Joel Kahn

OCTOBER 20, 2015Erica Firenczi

OCTOBER 27, 2015Starla Fortunata

WWW.OSWTV.COM

REAL WOMEN, REAL CONVERSATIONS, REAL SUCCESSin Life, Business, Wealth and so much more!

Tune in!UU “Your BOLDBOLD Radio!”

UNLEASHED Magazine exists to intentionally reawaken women to sparkle, eliminate obstacles, and createmomentum toward abundance in their lives. Catering to women 50 and above, UNLEASHED provides a communityfor women who are seeking to rediscover the dreams deep within their hearts, by encouraging women to sparkle,inspiring them to overcome obstacles, and connecting them to resources that can help them realize the abundancethat is their birthright.


unleashed sept/2015

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