Last we week I wrote about words of affirmation and words of encouragement, let’s review what was written last week.

The love language that we will be looking at today is words of affirmation. How do you affirm someone that you love or care about? When we tell people how much we appreciate them, and give them compliments for the things they have done for us or others, that is showing love towards that person.

How much would it help a marriage, if both were committed to saying encouraging words to each other on a daily basis? This is key for a happy marriage.

When you encourage someone you should see the world from their eyes and why they may needs words of affirmation and encouragement. How many times do we assume we know the other person and what they’re going through, and find out we were not even close. Many times people can hide things very well, and are embarrassed by their circumstances. When you know, how hard things are, just remember, that a kind word can go a long way in helping them with their pain.

Love is kind and gentle, so use words that express kindness and gentleness. How you say these words of encouragement and affirmation can be key. You may be speaking kind words, but in a voice that is saying something contrary to its intent. Harsh tones, things said under our breath, can be taken the wrong way.

Kind words can heal hurts from disagreements and arguments. When you express how your feelings have been hurt, and know how to talk about those hurts, then you’re a step ahead of the game. Sit that person down and share with them, why their actions hurt you. When this starts to happen, you are reaching out to build love in your relationship, through kind words.

These are the highlights from last week’s article; did you get a chance to use words of affirmation or encouraging words this past week? If you did, did it make a difference in your relationship? How did your spouse receive your encouraging words?

Here is part two of words of affirmation and encouraging words. In today’s article we will be covering various dialects of words of affirmation and words of encouragement. How many of us feel the need to be appreciated and wanted in our marriage? I know I sure do, its very important to me. When you affirm your spouse, you are giving life and appreciation. That’s very important in a struggling marriage — that really is giving hope in a meaningful way. I can remember listening to a couple that I was marriage coaching, she just wanted to hear her husband say, thanks for the many things you do for me. He could never respond to her requests, he said she should know that I appreciate what she does for me. It was very hurtful to her. She looked at him and asked, can you please tell me what I have done for you that means anything? This is why it’s so important that you tell your spouse “thank you for…” it means so much for those who love tank is empty and needing words of affirmation or words of encouragement.

I can remember sitting at a table (Christmas party) where the wife of a friend was bragging about her husband, and all his athletic accomplishments that he had earned while playing for the Philadelphia Phillies, he was a great pitcher. My wife sat there and said nothing, and I was wondering why she said nothing about me and my good traits. So, I asked her on the way home, her response was, “they all know about you, I’ve been telling them for a long time how good and kind you are.” That made me feel very important and I was encouraged by her. So, if your spouse is not around, brag about them, what you said will get back to them, be proud of your spouse. If they have done some great things for you tell the kids, your folks, tell your friends. I have seen some incredible changes when this act happens.

Here are some suggestions for you to help you use words of affirmation and words of encouragement:

Keep a notebook with the things you have said to your spouse that would be kind words — words of affirmation, words of encouragement — write them down. Also write down the words used by your spouse.

Give your spouse a compliment each day for 30 days and keep a record of how he/she responds.

Watch couples when you go out to dinner, which ones are old married couples, and which ones are dating, observe how they interact with each other. I was watching a couple at a diner, he looked around, she looked around, and no conversation took place for several minutes, its amazing on what you see when you observe. Don’t be like this couple, engage in good uplifting communication.

Next week, I will be writing about Quality Time, this article will be on, how to spend quality time with your spouse. Do you have a problem of letting go with your spouses past? Is it difficult for you to encourage your spouse? Do you want to learn some ways that you can build a strong and lasting marriage? If you answered yes to any of these questions, please call Dr. Mike, he can help you strengthen your marriage.

Life Coaching is affordable, accessible, anonymous, and available by phone appointments, from the privacy of your own home. Avoid the travel and time it takes to get my office. Since you never have to leave the comfort of your own home to meet with me, your anonymity and privacy is completely secured.

So, what is love anyway? By Dr. Michael Brooks

For many of us, love is what we saw and learned in our own families. Mom and dad loved each other, we loved our parents, brothers and sisters, grandparents, aunts, uncles and even some our cousins. We loved our pets, dogs, cats, goldfish. We loved swimming, hiking, bike riding. We loved mac and cheese, hot dogs, burgers, pizza, cake, pies, donuts. We love so many things that are in our lives!

The next question we must ask ourselves is, what is love between a man and a woman? How do we define that? Here are some questions that I came up with:  What is love? Why do people fall for each other? How and why do they get attracted to each other? Why do they break up? What is the difference between the two sexes? Do woman expect the same things men do in a relationship? Does true love really exist? Is there a commonality between men and women? Or is it always physical attraction that brings us together in love? Can you force love? Can friendship turn into love? Why is it so difficult for some men and women to fall in love? I had all these thoughts racing in my head, while writing this article.

So, what are the 5 love Languages, Steve Chapman writes about? Why are they so important to having a great relationship? When I first read this book, I had to think through the process of implementing these 5 languages into my life. I wasn’t married at the time when I read this book, but I wondered, how would it work on building lasting friendships? I tried several suggestions from the book on my family, and the results were amazing. My sister was happy that I noticed she needed words of affirmation, or encouraging words as I call them. These tips that Chapman suggests, are very good, and easy to do. When I got married and even before I got married, I used them to build a strong foundation for our marriage. If you’re in a marriage that could use some fireworks and excitement, this is a great book to have in your library.

So, here are the 5 Love Languages; 1. words of affirmation 2. Quality Time 3. Receiving Gifts 4. Acts Of service 5. Physical Touch

The love language that we will be looking at today is, words of affirmation. How do you affirm someone that you love or care about? When we tell people how much we appreciate them, and give them compliments for the things they have done for us or others, that is showing love towards that person. When is the last time you told your spouse, “Hey, thanks for mailing those packages for me”, or “I appreciate you picking up some of the grocery’s I needed.” Compliments go a long way in feeling appreciated, and wanted. How much would it help a marriage, if both were committed to saying encouraging words to each other on a daily basis? I can tell you that many of my clients said it helped their marriage a great deal. So, the next time your husband or wife does something nice for you, let them know you appreciate what they have done for you or your children. A verbal compliment can go a long way in making a good and strong marriage. try it, you will be amazed at the results!

One of the things I noticed while giving complements to others, they seemed more willing to help me when I needed help with things. Visa versa, when I got words of affirmation, I was willing to help them. I didn’t expect any thing in return or favors when I was saying verbal complements, I complemented them because I appreciated what people do for me and I let them know. You never know how important encouraging words may be to someone that has been or is hurting. I remember when I was feeling down at work, a buddy of mine noticed, and we talked. He reminded me about the many people that I have helped with health issues and with my counseling practice. That picked up my spirits and helped me make it through the day, and made my week. Be sincere with your words of affirmation when speaking them into other people’s lives. Hurting people will live on words of encouragement and words of affirmation.

When you encourage someone you should see the world from their eyes and why they may needs words of affirmation and encouragement. You have to know what is important to your spouse, or friends to understand where they are coming from. For example, someone may be going through a divorce and have been put down by their ex, how can you help and encourage someone who needs it? Focus on their good points and build them up, tell them how appreciated they are by friends and family. That goes a long way in helping those who are hurting and needing an encouraging word. If the person that you’re encouraging is a great mom or dad, tell them why. You can find many ways to give words of affirmation.

Love is kind and gentle, so use words that express kindness and gentleness. How you say these words of encouragement and affirmation, can be key. You may be speaking kind words, but in a voice that is saying something contrary to its intent. Harsh tones, things said under our breath, can be taken the wrong way. For example, when complementing your husband on going to the store for you, you say, “its about time you got back from the store, what did you do look at the hunting magazines, is that why your late?” This takes away from having any kind words mean anything. Or the husband who is trying to say thanks to his wife after berating her about the ticket she just received, and bringing home a cold pizza. Folks this stuff really happens.

Kind words can heal hurts from disagreements and arguments. When you express how your feelings have been hurt, and know how to talk about those hurts, then your a step ahead of the game. Sit that person down and share with them, why their actions hurt you. When this starts to happen, you are reaching out to build love in your relationship, through kind words. You start the healing process through communication and getting things out in the open. I tell my clients, you shouldn’t keep bringing up the past while arguing, that’s history, move on, you’re in the present (today) and looking forward to your future. If you keep bringing up the past with harsh words, those are not words of encouragement, or words of affirmation, but words of bitterness, and unforgiveness. Both parties should say, yes, our hurts happened, they were painful experiences, but they are history, let’s move on. Harmony in a marriage is done through great communication, kind words, encouraging words, words of affirmation, not by bringing up the past.

You can reassure your spouse, by telling them, that they are not a failure, that you both can learn from what happened, and it will not come between the both of you. That you both are a team, committed to each other, and you will move forward with your marriage. Do you know how much that will help the hurting spouse hear those words? Do you know how that would help your relationship in the long run? You build a relationship on good times and bad times, you work through issues by communication.

Next week, we will finish up this article on, words of encouragement and words of affirmation. Do you have a problem of letting go with your spouses past? Is it difficult for you to encourage your spouse? Do you want to learn some ways that you can build a strong and lasting marriage? If you answered yes to any of these questions, please call Dr. Mike, he can help you strengthen your marriage.

Life Coaching is affordable, accessible, anonymous, and available by phone appointments, from the privacy of your own home. Avoid the travel and time it takes to get my office. Since you never have to leave the comfort of your own home to meet with me, your anonymity and privacy is completely secured.

As a freshman football coach at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, I was invited to attend the Green Bay Packers training camp, while Bart Starr was the head coach. The afternoon sun was hot and the humidity was high, in Green Bay, Wisconsin. You could hardly breath, it was so humid. I can remember several college practices that were like that. You couldn’t drink enough water to keep hydrated. You counted the seconds till practice was over. You wanted to be in the showers while cool water refreshed and cooled you off.

The practice started with the air horn, the players ran to their respective stations, coaches whistles blew and the drills began. The helmets and shoulder pads could be heard hitting each other during each drill. The grunts, groans, heavy breathing could be heard as the players beat up on the blocking dummies. The guys were cheering each other on as they went through the drills. The discipline professional athletes have is amazing. While waiting their turn for the next drill, many were working on their flexibility and observing each players techniques. Professional sports is all business, not only for the athlete, but the coaching staff and owners.

My first professional football tryout was for the World Football league, the Chicago Fire Football Club. After receiving the invitation in the mail, I was pretty excited at the time I got my invite I was a 21 year old kid. I remember showing up and there was well over a 100 guys starry eyed that were pretty excited. I looked around at those who were attending and saw all kinds of age groups. Some of the guys who attended were much older then I was and several out of shape. I suppose many of the guys who were given a shot at making the team was because they knew someone on the coaching staff or read it in the newspaper.

I was a 5’11” 245 pound running back, having no clue what would be asked of me. Our names were called off by the position we were asked to try out for. There were 25 of us hopeful running backs, split into groups of 5, and then we filled out more paper work. There were the typical questions of how long have you played for, which teams, your accomplishments, coaches references, etc. I handed in my forms, took a number and pinned it to my chest #3.

I was in the first group, we had to be timed in the 40 yard dash. I had a good time of 4.42. We were tested in our jumping ability in the standing long jump, I jumped over 7 feet. I was feeling pretty good by this time. Then we walked over to the bench press area about 35 yards away from the standing long jump area. There on the bench was 225 pounds, I knew that this would be one of my strongest events. A few guys went ahead of me, the best from those guys was 21 reps. It was my turn and I benched 42 reps. The coach that lead our group was pretty impressed, and started asking lots of questions as we jogged to the next station. I set the record for the entire tryout. He asked how I trained, how many hours I was in the gym.

Then came the flexibility tests, touch your toes, sit and reach, I did fine with those. This was an area that not to many athletes worked on, it was just starting to be a science for trainers. I did very little flexibility in high school and college, but did well enough to pass this part of the tryout. The next test was foot and hand speed. I have never in my life even seen such tests, I can tell you that, I am no dancer for sure. I failed horribly on my footwork. So, did most of the other guys who tested. I wasn’t alone. You could hear some of the guys complaining about this test.

We then ran through the cone zones. I did great in that drill, so did most of those in my group. The entire tryout camp was given a break as the coaches met in the middle of the indoor practice field. I could see them looking at their clip boards and talking. I was wondering which athletes they were going to cut while some other coaches were fighting to keep some of the athletes in the tryouts. Most ball players wonder how they were going to get cut! I’m sure we were all thinking about that, I know I was!

I was wondering about what other skill tests they had in store for us. I didn’t have to wait long. The next testing came in running through cones with the ball, catching balls in the flats. They also tested the running backs on running pass patterns. Then we were done! We were all called together, and the head coach told us that they would call us if we made the cut. He thanked us all. We were dismissed and walked out to the parking lot.

That’s when I started hearing the complaining begin from a group of guys walking to their cars, “I could have done better”, “that coach didn’t like me”, “that was dumb testing”, “I didn’t give it my best”, “I’m trying out for a better team”. I heard all kinds of excuses. Me, I was grateful for even getting a chance to get invited to a pro tryout. There are many gifted athletes who never get a chance to make the pro’s, but never do because of, BA’s..bad attitudes. They feel that the world owes them something. What gets you into the pro’s is hard work, determination, good work ethics, and making your own breaks. Talk to the right people, coaches, agents, present and former players. Knowledge is key to being successful in any pro sport.

The men and women we call, “Know it all’s”, forget about them, keep away from them, don’t hang around these kind of people, they will tear you down and hurt any chances of making any pro team. The advice they may give you, is not in your best interest. The problem with these people, is that they will live through your athletic abilities and your life. Get advice through experienced people who know what it takes to get in the pros. Seek wise counsel.

Do you want to get into the pros and need help? Are you thinking of trying out for a professional sport and you want some advice? Do you need someone who can help you decide if you have the right stuff to make a pro team? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you should call and set up an appointment with Dr. Mike. He can help you on the pathway to your professional sports career.

In addition, online/phone Master Life Coaching is affordable, accessible, anonymous, and available by appointment, from the privacy of your own home. Avoid the travel and time it takes to get my office. Since you never have to leave the comfort of your own home to meet with me, your anonymity and privacy is completely secured and protected. I have many out of state clients who prefer this means of coaching, this is the most effective means for Life Coaching for those of you who live out of the Denver-metro area or are out of the state of Colorado.

Last week I was sitting in a restaurant in Conifer, Colorado. As I watched my football team, the Minnesota Vikings lose to Miami, I over heard two couples sitting at a table just across from where I was sitting. They were arguing who are better listeners, men or women. It was very comical, yet both couples were reinforcing that neither men or women are better listeners, they kept interrupting each other. I have to say its a skill set that we all need to learn to be better at. Did you know that after 17 seconds of conversation with someone, most likely they will interrupt you!

I seldom saw my parents ever argue, but when I went to friends homes, well that was a different story. I would hear some of these parents scream at the top of their lungs at each other. I was extremely uncomfortable listening to adults verbal battles as a child. I don’t like to argue, I’d rather listen and then talk the issue through, then repeatedly going over the same problems day after day, and getting nothing resolved!

Looking back when you met your spouse/partner, what made you fall for them? Was it their eyes? Was it their face and hair, maybe the way they laughed. There are many reasons for falling for someone. When counseling couples, I have heard some great reasons why people have fallen in love with someone.

One woman told me she had fallen in love with her husband, because he was so kind and gentle with her elderly mother and father. He helped them with grocery shopping, shoveling snow, and would even bring them a meal from time to time. This woman loved this man, simply because he was a caring and giving man. His looks had nothing to do with it in the beginning of the relationship, it was his actions.

So why did you get married? Most people who get married have a psychological need to be with someone. Its a part of who we are, it’s our desire to be wanted and needed. Think about this, with so many self help books on how to have a happy and satisfying marriage, why do so many marriages fail these days? There are so many divorces across the US and worldwide, and that number grows every year. You have seminars that promote communication in all relationships, there are seminars on how to be happily married. Yet, we see many couples failing in their marriages, and filing for a divorce.

I see it in my practice all the time, couples speak on different levels, or different love languages. In my counseling and my marriage coaching, I use Gary Chapman’s book, “The Five Love Languages” exclusively in my coaching and counseling sessions. I have seen many marriages saved because of this material in his book. Seldom do married couples speak the same emotional love languages. He may need to hear complements to make him feel appreciated, she may need to spend quality time with her husband so she feels important to him. Over the next several weeks we will go going over the different love languages and how they affect us, personally and as a couple. This should be an exciting series of articles that can help your marriage relationship grow.

Do you want to improve your marriage and need help? Are you unsure what your love languages are and want to know more about them? Are you currently separated and want to reconcile with your spouse? Do you need a voice of reason that can guide you through the pit falls of marriage problems? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then maybe Marriage and relationship coaching is for you.

In addition, online/phone Master Life Coaching is affordable, accessible, anonymous, and available by appointment, from the privacy of your own home. Avoid the travel and time it takes to get my office. Since you never have to leave the comfort of your own home to meet with me, your anonymity and privacy is completely secured and protected. I have many out of state clients who prefer this means of coaching, this is the most effective means for Life Coaching for those of you who live out of the Denver-metro area or are out of the state of Colorado.

I like most of you saw the instant replay of the last out of the perfect game pitched by Armando Galarrage. That’s when we all saw baseball umpire Jim Joyce call the runner safe. Then Jim Joyce did something highly unusual in this day and age of professional sports, he accepted responsibility and apologized. Did that shock you? I think what he did, took America by surprise!

Joyce said “I missed it, I missed it,” Joyce barked, his voice at the extreme end of anguished. “I took a perfect game from that kid who pitched a perfect game. “It was the biggest call of my career and I kicked the (s**t) out of it. “I’m sorry. I had a great angle and I missed the call.”

I have seen many blown calls by umpires, and refs in big games. I look at it as its part of life’s displeasures. Mistakes are common events that happen to all of us. When we can admit we have caused a few of them ourselves so much the better. Joyce, came right out and said he had missed the cal, that cost someone a perfect game. When Detroit Tigers pitcher Galarrage forgave Joyce, both men shared in a class act the world shared in. Still Joyce had a very hard time forgiving himself.

Leyland heard about Joyce’s psychological state in the Detroit Tigers clubhouse. “I gotta get over there,” the Tigers manager said, heading for the doorway, and for the tunnel leading to the umpire’s dressing room. Leyland returned 15 minutes later. “He’s better now,” the Tigers manager said, “forgiving an umpire who could not forgive himself.”

So, what can we learn from these two about real life situations we face everyday? For many of us who have played in sports, and have used the team work concept to make us better people in life. Do you have a coach that needs some forgiveness, or another player you need to forgive? Being part of a team is like being in a close knit family. There are differences in families, and that’s OK. Its important that you be able to talk out those differences! Coaches will try to keep harmony in the clubhouse, that’s their job. Players have that same responsibility to keep the peace. As a professional athlete what fans say about you, should be taken to heart. I am not talking about your skill set on the field, but your attitude off the field. If your avoiding fans, are known for having a bad attitude and not friendly, that gets around.

Approachable players and coaches are great ambassadors for the game. If a umpire and player can show the world that both can get over a bad situation and move on, how much more should we strive for the same thing. Attitude is everything!

Who do you need to thank?
I was pondering early this morning the people who have impacted me the most during my lifetime. I tried to remember aunts and uncles, grandparents; I went through a long list of people in my life. My dad was a great example of being a strong leader in the family.  He was a colonel in the army lived by rules and by following them. My grandparents were all good people. But I never got to know them, because of all of our moving around the world. Aunts and uncles were an extension of our family, but again because of all the moving we did, I didn’t get to know them that well.

So, my list widened by the people that I knew from my own created experiences. My first on the list would have to be my high school football coach Rod Hanson from Rich East high school in Park Forest, Illinois. He was a good man, was a quiet kind of man, and a guidance counselor at my high school. I remember that the other kids would make fun of him behind his back as we walked out to the practice field during summer camp. Rod was an all American football player from the University Of Illinois. He knew football and was a great coach. The reason the others made fun of him: he didn’t swear, or tell bad jokes, or look foolish in front of the players. One day I decided to go to his office and ask him why he was so different from everyone else. I asked and he told my why. His answer changed my life forever. I liked the way he treated his family, how he was involved in the community, and was the constant encourager. So, he made a big difference in my life.

My second influence was my best friend George; we grew up together in Park Forest, went to the same high school and church. George is a great friend and always there when I needed him. We have been in many battles together, some tough ones and others looking out for each other. He always knows when it’s best to say something or let it slide. His quest for being fair and non-judgmental has always inspired me. I know many who will look for a fight of any kind just to keep up their sparring skills, way too many folks like fighting.

The third influence in my life is my pastor and great friend (Greg Blake), I have seen mercy shown to everyone by this man. He gives it without blinking an eye. I have seen Greg laugh when no one else dare to say a word. He uses his humor to help the broken hearted, the weak, a rare breed of a man. His sermons are home runs; they speak to everyone sitting in the pews. They are healing sermons, comforting sermons, encouraging sermons. People will walk away with knowing they are loved no matter what they have done. Greg is a pastor who walks the walk and talks the talk. A man after Gods own heart!

The last one in this list is my older brother Bob, he is always upbeat and never gives up, and he will stay the course. You can call him, and he is telling you, never give up, stay in the game. Over the years Bob and I have had many things happen in our lives that would break most people. The loss of our parents, last year our younger sister passed away from cancer. It’s nice to know that he is always there and just a phone call away.

So, who do you have to be thankful for in your life? Notice that I have picked those living and someone I can write or call. That will be your assignment for this week. Make a list of those who you need to thank for making your life special. I would write them or call them, let them know how they made a difference in your life. Be detailed and hold nothing back. How many people have passed away without us telling them how much we loved them or how they changed our lives. I have regrets and many of them without sharing a word of how they impacted my life. Do you have someone that would benefit from your kind words?

I would start by making your list of those who you want to write, or call. This list can be as long as you like it to be. List the persons name and then list why they were special to you. When you contact them, let them know. The response from your call or letter will be amazing; you will bring joy and delight to someone who may just need to hear what you have to say to them. Have you received a good call or encouraging letter unexpectedly, how did you feel when you read it? I bet it made your day, week or month. Did you ever throw that letter away? I bet you didn’t and you still have it in your desk or in a file. I save all of mine and will look at them from time to time when I am having a bad day.

So, let’s start by making that list, send the letter or make that call, and let me know what happens. You can change lives with very little effort on your part. Keep me posted on the blog, and let’s see what how we can change lives together.

If you have asked yourself any of these questions “Who do I need to thank?”, you can contact Dr. Mike for help in setting up a list to tell people you appreciate them and want to thank them.

If you would like some help in setting up boundaries in your life, or if the relationship that you’re in is not going well, you can contact Dr. Mike at 303.456.0555, Life Coaching is done over the phone, so there is no reason to leave your home or office.

How does Life Coaching work? You’ll meet once a week, by phone, for a one-on-one conference, usually 45 minutes a session. In each phone conference you’ll plan and review, together, each of your “Focus Goals” and action areas. In each session, you’ll also receive support and guidance in creating the right attitudes and motivation in the area’s that you want to work on most. In addition to the weekly phone conferences, you’ll also communicate by e-mail, so you’ll have help and support throughout the week.

If you need more information about the Professional Accountability Partner Program, call 303.456.0555 or go to contact Mike link to set up a free consultation appointment. Dr. Mike’s website is www.applicablecoaching.com all calls are confidential and your privacy is protected. Check out Mike’s blog at: https://applicablecoaching.com/blog/ I always welcome your thoughts and comments on today’s coaching article. Mike is also available for speaking engagements.

Well, this is my first article in a few weeks. I had major back surgery 
last week. That operation was something else, and believe me, I am glad that I had it done. I am one for taking care of health problems before they become a serious problem. Back pain can take you out of action real quick and for expended periods of time. How many friends do you personally know had bad hips and backs and you would hear them complain about all their pain?

My hip pain started last year, would ache for several hours, then when I
sat down and rested it would get better over a few hours. This went on for several months. Finally, I had enough of this and went and saw my primary care physician. He referred me to a hip surgeon. After receiving an MRI of the hip, I met with the hip surgeon and he said that, the hip looks fine, I was then referred to another hip surgeon to have a better look at the MRI.

He concluded that the MRI was indeed good, except for a little 
arthritis. I could live with that. So, he ordered an MRI of the low back. The insurance company said, we need 6 weeks of PT before they would approve another MRI on my low back.

Believe it or not the PT made things so bad that I could hardly walk after each PT session. I screamed inside from the pain of each  and every step walking back from PT to my truck. The Physical therapist said, “Mike, no more PT for you!” The insurance company finally agreed for the back MRI.

I went in and had it done on a Tuesday morning. As I was being taken off the MRI table, the tech walked over to me and asked if I was going to see the surgeon right  away that day. I said No, I had no plans to, then she said, are you seeing him  in the afternoon. I said no, I was thinking that I had a hip problem.

She said  “son, you don’t have a hip problem, but a major back
problem, and that I would  get a phone call by the time I get home by a surgeon. She was right on, the call came as I was eating lunch at home. The gal on the phone, said we need you to come in right away. I said OK, when, she said right away.

I was in the next day, the orthopedic surgeon said that my
back  was really damaged, I had a L-3, L-4, crushed nerve and a stress fracture of L-4 and a 8 Cm crushed  nerve. So, we scheduled surgery a few days later and the rest is history.

I am  glad that I had the surgery, its been slow healing, and rehab will
take its  time. I see some great pain relief, and I am looking forward to
that. In a few  months, I will be doing the things I used to do. But, what I have I learned during this time, that would be listen to my body! If its hurting, then we need to get a visit into the doctor.

My point for another Life Coaching article about your health  and getting
things fixed was to look out for each of you. I was at a great  hospital, and the staff was great. If you don’t take of health  issues now, they will get worse, that I can promise you! My tips for this week, if you have something wrong with you, something does not feel right, GO SEE YOUR DOCTOR!!

The problem will not go away, and probably can be fixed and taken care of pretty easily. Call me and lets talk, lets look at your options, I want to help you through the process, its not scary if all the cards on the table. The unknown is what fears most people with health issues. It scared me, but I knew that I had to have the facts, and what all my options were.

That’s where I can help you. If you need someone who will go the distance with you, talk you through the process, help you understand your options, we should talk. There are great Doc’s out there that can help you and really do care about you. Please call me and we can talk this over. I would be more then happy to sit down with a family setting, or as a group from church. We are all in this together, we are family, call me if you have any questions. United we stand for our health, don’t back away, what you do know may save your life in the future!

Ask yourself these questions:

·  Do I need help in setting my health goals?

·  Do I need to get out bad healthy habits that may hurt me?

·  Am I in trouble with my doctor, because I am not listening to his/her advice?

·  Is my life upside down because I have no means of support from friends and family, all they hear me do is complain about my health?

If you have asked yourself any of these questions, you can contact Dr. Mike for help in setting up boundaries for yourself. Get back on the road to recovery!

If you would like some help in setting up boundaries in your life, or if the relationship that you’re in is not going well, you can contact Dr. Mike at 303.456.0555, Life Coaching is done over the phone, so there is no reason to leave your home or office.

How does Life Coaching work? You’ll meet once a week, by phone, for a one-on-one conference, usually 45 minutes a session. In each phone conference you’ll plan and review, together, each of your “Focus Goals” and action areas. In each session, you’ll also receive support and guidance in creating the right attitudes and motivation in the area’s that you want to work on most. In addition to the weekly phone conferences, you’ll also communicate by e-mail, so you’ll have help and support throughout the week.

If you need more information about the Professional Accountability Partner Program, call 303.456.0555 or go to contact Mike link to set up a free consultation appointment. Dr. Mike’s website is www.applicablecoaching.com all calls are confidential and your privacy is protected. Check out Mike’s blog at: https://applicablecoaching.com/blog/ I always welcome your thoughts and comments on today’s coaching article. Mike is also available for speaking engagements.