Don't you love new things? New puppies. Fresh bed sheets. Hot cookies. Things are enticing at the beginning! Right now, as 2014 is just beginning, most of us are optimistic and excited to see what this next phase of life is going to hold. Don't leave your future to chance. Here are six habits that will make a positive difference in your attitude, actions, and results. FOCUS FIRST Start each day with intenti ...

It happens to all of us – you’re in a funk, you’re unsure where to go next, and you feel that you’re missing the zest you usually have for life. You're missing your mojo. Maybe you’re in between commitments or you’re just having trouble staying motivated. Whether it’s in reference to work, relationships, or personal well-being, Chicago Life Coach Diane Overgard has a few ideas to help you refresh your outlo ...

"Never once in my life did I ask God for success or wisdom or power or fame. I asked for wonder, and He gave it to me." – Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel Summer is not just another three months of life. For me, it is a season of wonder with watermelon, freshly cut grass, warm starry nights, crackling bonfires, thunder, and corn-on-the-cob. I expect and allow summer to calm my troubled spirit, restore my perspe ...

I've met so many people lately who feel pushed against a wall that just won't budge. Some are stuck in jobs they don't like but, in this economy, don’t feel they have the freedom to make a change. Men are lonely and unhappy but don't know how to fix that. Women want to live out their dreams but are unclear about how that would look. Nearly everyone is craving peacefulness but too busy to schedule it. Someth ...

The country winter roads were kind of "iffy" - as in ice covered and slippery. About 3 miles from home his car slid into the ditch, so Jason called a friend to say, "I'm in the ditch but not very deep. I think with a little jerk from your truck we could get it out." The friend on the phone replied, "I'll be right there! Who is this?" Wow. Makes you think, doesn't it? I'm asking myself, "Do I live like that? ...

There was a time during my divorce when I felt like I was nobody's #1 person. My son was married and each of my daughters had boyfriends. Lots of incredible girlfriends loved me but they all had families of their own. Valentine's Day highlights a special sweetheart relationship and when we don't have one, February 14th stinks! During that dark time of my life I spent many hours at coffee shops, just to get ...

If you're curious about 2013, I'd like to let you in on three things that lie ahead. These are my predictions – actually promises – for the New Year. Sunny Days. I guarantee there will be some. Music. You'll find it on your radio, IPod, or in a song that you sing in the shower. Disappointment. That's an absolute certainty. Here is a gift for you – COACHING TIPS to Live Well in 2013. 1- Savor Sunny Moments. ...

Are holidays the most wonderful time of the year? Holidays can be the most agonizing time of the year if we’re living in a space of sadness, resentment, regret, or loneliness. If this is a hard year for you – due to illness, divorce, or other loss – here are tips that helped me survive holidays when celebrating was the last thing I felt like doing. 1-      Do something totally different! Cook something you’ ...

“We often put our needs on the back-burner.” I began my career as a Parent Educator. Throughout parenting sessions, I realized that I needed to nurture "the adult” in order for parents to adequately raise their children. It is so common for loving parents to strive to become better parents by focusing fully on their child's needs. However, the most powerful family change occurs when parents realize that, “I ...

Three facts have changed the way I play golf and the way I feel during each round. These are more than lessons for enjoying a round of golf – they spill over into lessons for enjoying life more. Even if you're not a golf enthusiast, I think you'll understand what I mean. FACT #1 – No matter how well I hit the ball, I could have done better. Unless I hit a hole in one, every ball could have gone a little far ...