ENCOURAGECOACH.COM

Thank God No Matter What Happens

Coach Stacy — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 15:41:00 GMT

Thank God

Thanking God regardless of the circumstances in our lives may be hard to do. However, we must thank Him no matter what happens. Consider the passage that reads, "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus," 1Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV).

Therefore, we should give thanks, even in tough situations. Can you relate to any of the following scenarios that might make it difficult to thank God?

1. A wayward child challenges you daily. It seems the more you reach out to him or her, the more he or she pulls away from you.

2. The financial crisis not only affects our country, but also your wallet. Making ends meet monetarily is more difficult with each passing day.

3. Your spouse or significant other is acting out of character, and his or her behavior is putting a strain on your relationship.

4. Someone you love is ill or dealing with a major health issue. The rising cost of health care could compromise their recovery.

5. Your job is stable right now. However, the industry you work for is changing and undergoing layoffs and mergers.

Most of us can relate to at least one of these scenarios. Thanking God through these circumstances might be very hard to do. However, we must thank Him no matter what happens in our lives.

Remember Galatians 6:9 (NIV), a passage that reads, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

Blessings and smiles,
Stacy Davis Hudson, MPH, CPC
Life Coach

Pruning for Profit

Coach Stacy — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 15:56:00 GMT

Pruning for Profit

Today I am reading a Bible passage that focuses on pruning. Specifically, it reads, "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful." (John 15:1-2 NIV)

Imagine the pain involved in the pruning process. More importantly, think about the profit gained after divine pruning. We become better individuals through Godly pruning and the result glorifies Him.

No doubt, pruning is painful. However, when we focus on the end-result and the transformation that occurs in us during the process, pruning is a necessity. We must be pruned if we want to bear more fruit for God.

Would we perform our roles as wives, mothers, sisters, daughters, friends, and employees more successfully if we embraced divine pruning? Would we be better husbands, fathers, brothers, sons, and co-workers as well?

Would we view trials as opportunities to develop our determination if we knew the painful process would be profitable?

Let us ask God to cut off every branch in us that bears no fruit and to prune every branch that does bear fruit so that we will become even more fruitful.

Abundantly blessed,
Stacy Davis Hudson, MPH, CPC
Life Coach

Thank You!

Coach Stacy — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 15:15:00 GMT

Thank you for your thoughts, prayers, well wishes, cards, phone calls, emails and other things you did during my thyroid surgery. Thank God, surgery went great. I am now recovering and getting stronger daily. As most of you know, I am a survivor of a thyroidectomy, and removal of a substernal tumor the size of a grapefruit. The goiter (tumor) was in my chest pressing against my windpipe, and my thyroid had lumps on it bulging outward against my neck.

Praise God, I am post-surgery and prepared to meet with women’s groups and ministries to talk about the events leading up to my surgery. The goal is to encourage other women who may be dealing with a similar health condition or know someone who is undergoing something comparable. In short, I would discuss how God carried me through it all.

Please understand, I am not a doctor or medical professional and I do not give medical advice. I do not endorse any health product or represent any physician’s office. I am simply a woman who was touched by dozens of people who inspired and encouraged me during a very difficult time in my life, and now I want to do the same for others.

Does this sound beneficial to your women’s group or ministry? If so, I am taking appointments to speak at meetings, conferences, and workshops in 2010. Please contact me at stacy@encouragecoach.com and put “Thyroid Talk” in the subject line. Within 48-hours, I will respond with more details. You may also contact me by phone at 915-587-4700.

In the meantime, I will take a moment to remind you of my duties as a Certified Professional Life Coach. A life coach helps clients achieve professional and personal goals. Coaching is for individuals and groups who want to develop their strengths and accomplish specific goals. Coaching is not therapy, counseling, mentoring or consulting, however, we respect and honor those professions and many coaches have training in these areas.

I look forward to talking to your women’s group or ministry. Thank you for your consideration.

Abundantly Blessed,
Stacy Davis Hudson, MPH, CPC
Certified Professional Life Coach

Use Your Faith to Inspire Others

Coach Stacy — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 12:27:00 GMT

How You Can Use Your Faith to Inspire Other People

God is an on-time God. He may not come when we want him, but he will arrive in his perfect timing. Many of us have faith as a foundation in our lives. God has brought us through countless trials and hardships. We are living testimonies of his goodness and mercy, because he opened doors that seemed shut forever. He made a way for us regarding our finances, relationships, employment, health, and in other areas of our lives. Let us stay faithful and use our faith to inspire others.

The first step is to define faith.

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)

The second step is to focus on Jesus.

"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)

Next, encourage others to persevere through difficulties.

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4 (NIV)

The fourth step is to combine faith with action.

"What good is it my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." James 2:14-17 (NIV)

Finally, remind others that faith pleases God.

"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)

Sending you blessings,
Stacy Davis Hudson, MPH, CPC
Life Coach

Live an Abundant Life - Fill up Your Cup

Coach Stacy — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 16:23:00 GMT

Live an Abundant Life

A dear friend told me that a prerequisite to giving to others is to make sure your cup is full first. In other words, it is hard to give others our time, talent or money if we ourselves live in deficit. Her words were profound and delivered to me at a time when I was carelessly teetering on the edge of contributing to my family while living in deficit. In short, I was focusing solely on their needs without catering to my own. What was even more penetrating was I did not realize that I had entered the danger zone of giving all of me without adequately nurturing myself.

I wonder how many of us unknowingly live in deficit. When was the last time you made time to do something to promote the development or growth of yourself? I am not referring to selfish ambition, but rather a quality gift to self that uplifts you spiritually, physically, emotionally or mentally...on a regular basis. If you are like most people, your answer may not come quickly. In fact, you may ponder the question for a long while to pinpoint a recent time that you carved out time for yourself.

I invite you to set standards (e.g. levels of quality or achievement) for "giving to yourself" before you "give of yourself" to others. Take time to fill up your cup with love, nutritious foods, prayer, rest and relaxation, exercise, hobbies, fun and any thing else that makes you whole. I challenge you to live in abundance in order to have a plentiful supply to give others.

Psalm 23:5b (NIV) "...You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows."
John 10:10b (NIV) "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."

All the best,
Stacy Davis Hudson, MPH, CPC
Certified Professional Coach

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How Does Your Success Affect Others?

Coach Stacy — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 06:21:00 GMT

We often focus on our own ambitions. We forge ahead pursuing personal goals that yield professional gain or public recognition. Few of us seek achievement quietly, meaning we prosper without bringing attention to ourselves or to our cause.

For many of us, moving our lives forward is a natural instinct, an innate desire to attain more than our parents achieved in order to leave more to our children. While there is nothing wrong with accomplishment, surrounded by fanfare or silence, our current global challenges demand collaboration and compassion.

As an extraordinary leader once said, "In times of great need we are all rich enough to be philanthropists." In other words, in dire straits we cannot afford to look out for ourselves only. We also must look out for others. Ponder the following questions.

1. How does your success become your family's success? This question goes beyond the financial benefits of prosperity. It peels back the layers of achievement and asks about values and beliefs beneath the surface.

2. How does your success become your community's success? This query transcends traditional voluntarism and examines the extent that your gain enables others.

3. How does your success affect your country? In other words, is there a ripple effect from your prosperity that radiates out to others regionally or nationally?

As we move our lives forward during these uncertain times, let us move others with us. We all would benefit if we acted upon the Biblical passage that states: "From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked." Luke 12:48b (NIV)

All the best,
Stacy Davis Hudson, MPH, CPC
Life Coach

Feel free to contact me at stacy@encouragecoach.com or leave a comment.

How to Acknowledge Yourself this New Year

Coach Stacy — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 14:10:00 GMT

This year recognize yourself for things you do well. We often begin our year with a list of resolutions and things we plan to do. This is okay as long as we include things on the list that we already do in a good way. Too often, we do not give ourselves credit for our achievements. Today I invite you to begin your year by acknowledging yourself for what you do favorably.

1. Honor yourself for what you do satisfactory. Make a list of no less than ten things that you do in a good way. It does not matter how simple or elaborate the item, the point is to acknowledge it by recognizing how well you do it. For instance, if you provide favorable support to friends or family, one item on your list might read “always available for friends or family.”

2. Fine tune things you perform proficiently. Hone your skills. Take your talents to a higher level by learning how you can enhance your craft. For example, consider taking a class or reading about ways to improve your gift. The take away message is to move what is good to the “great” category.

3. Share your talents with others. This ranks high on the priority list because it means interacting with others. In other words, you directly or indirectly share your talents with other people. When sharing your gifts, consider stepping out of your comfort zone. This helps you expand your horizons while dishing out your craft. It is also a great way to inspire others.

Acknowledge yourself this year. Recognize what you do well. Ponder this Biblical passage: “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made…” Psalm 139:14a (NIV)

All the best,
Stacy Davis Hudson, MPH, CPC
Life Coach

*International Coach Federation

How to Cope with Christmas Stress

Coach Stacy — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 13:25:00 GMT

What is a Life Coach? A life coach supports you to achieve personal and professional goals. Some say a coach is "a personal trainer for your life." A coach encourages you to take action to achieve results. You are the most important person in a coaching relationship. Coaching is a personal growth profession.*

"Cope with Christmas Stress"

Do you feel stressed out? Most of us do around Christmas time. We loose sight of the real reason for the season - the birth of Jesus Christ - and focus instead on the commercial aspects of the holiday. Stop and refocus. Use these tips to cope with Christmas stress.

One way to handle it is to pinpoint the signs and symptoms of stress. Sources say identifying the warning signs may reduce pressure. For example, insomnia, changes in appetite, irritability, anxiety, depression, anger and social withdrawal may mean you are stressed-out. Additionally, lifestyle changes such as marital break-up, childbirth, starting a new job, and money problems may lead to unwanted strain.

Because stress may be emotional, physical or behavioral in nature it is important to recognize it and then reduce it whenever possible. Learn how to turn down the pressure if it increases beyond your coping ability.

Secondly, know what triggers stress. Sources say one route to reduce stress is to know what causes it. If you work in a demanding job for example, consider leaving work at work rather than taking it home with you. View your home as the ideal place to relax and unwind. Be aware of other triggers of holiday-related stress such as:

Visits from in-laws

Buying gifts that lead to financial distress

Cooking and entertaining

Sudden traumatic events

Thirdly, know that a lack of sleep may relate to stress. Medical sources say when we do not get enough sleep we will feel more tired. In fact, most of us need at least eight hours of sleep. The key is for sleep to be continuous and consistent rather than four hours one night and four hours another night. Additionally, it helps to go to bed and wake up at the same time on a regular basis.

A fourth way to reduce stress is to walk it off literally. After consulting with your physician, consider exercise as an essential way to manage stress. Consider walking, jogging and/or other forms of exercise that you enjoy. Remember to combine exercise with good eating habits and to be safe while exercising by staying hydrated and by working out with a friend.

Finally, other ideas to reduce holiday-related stress include making time for prayer and meditation, listening to relaxing music and keeping a journal. In addition, consider getting a massage, laughing often and organizing your time more effectively. Furthermore, avoid alcohol or drugs and decrease caffeine intake to help reduce stress. You can cope with Christmas stress.

The angel said…

“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:10-12 (NIV)

All the best,
Stacy Davis Hudson, CPC, MPH
Life Coach

*International Coach Federation
Special Note: Do not use this information as medical advice. Consult with a doctor before beginning any exercise program.

Top Five Work-at-Home Resources for Moms

Coach Stacy — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 14:42:00 GMT

Top Five Work-at-Home Resources for Moms
My Personal Favorites

Contact these online companies to assist you with work-at-home duties. Network with them to gain support and encouragement. Share best practices from your work-at-home experience to inspire and assist others.

1. HireMyMom.com connects careers with women professionals who work at home. Go to www.hiremymom.com for details on landing a job designed for women with home-based duties.

2. Sparkplugging provides business solutions for work-at-home parents including home office productivity and valuable home-business articles. Go to www.sparkplugging.com to learn more.

3. Team up with Women For Hire for salary negotiation and resume writing tips. Click on www.womenforhire.com to tap a host of other resources including professional networking opportunities.

4. Consultant Moms offers support for women in direct sales. Click on www.consultantmoms.com for up-to-date tools to run your home-based business.

5. Encourage Enterprise LLC, designs balance for women. The founder is a life coach who balances work-at-home duties with an active baby daughter. Her mission is to inspire clients to make positive changes. Read more at www.encouragecoach.com

This list represents my personal favorites for work-at-home moms. Contact me at stacy@encouragecoach.com to better balance your home-based duties. Remember Proverbs to prosper in your work: "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." Proverbs 16:3 (NIV)

All the best,
Stacy Davis Hudson, MPH, CPC
Life Coach

How to Balance Your Business and Your Babies

Coach Stacy — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 20:19:00 GMT

Do you struggle with balancing your business while caring for babies?

Do you possess the knowledge to run a home-based business but lack the time to do it because of baby-related duties?

Are you a first-time mom who wrestles with the joys and challenges of motherhood?

If you answered "yes" to any of these questions then life coaching may be for you. We design balance for women, especially moms who balance a home-based business and baby-related duties. Contact me today at stacy@encouragecoach.com to see how life coaching can help you find balance.

On another note, consider the following steps for balance.

Connect with someone who successfully balances motherhood and business-related duties. Ask her for pointers regarding success and for tips to handle challenges. Juggling responsibilities alone is not necessary if you tap resources available to you.
Do projects in phases. In other words, take small steps toward completion. For instance, if you are writing an article, write the introduction at one sitting. Outline the body at the same sitting but do not begin it. Start writing the body of your article at another time and complete that phase alone. Before you know it, you will finish the article through small steps.
Do your best work during peak hours. For example, decide if you are a morning-lark, a night-owl or somewhere between the two. Work during your peak performance hours. Ask a friend or relative to watch your children so you can maximize your efforts.
Anchor your efforts in faith. Consider these words from Proverbs: "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." Proverbs 16:3 (NIV)

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All the best,
Stacy Davis Hudson, MPH, CPC
Life Coach

How to Define Life Coaching

Coach Stacy — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

What is Life Coaching?

A life coach supports you to achieve personal and professional goals. Some say a coach is "a personal trainer for your life." A Life Coach partners with you to co-create goals that get results. Coaches consider you the most important person in the coaching relationship. A life coach moves you forward to achieve goals.

As a personal growth profession, life coaching distinguishes itself from other careers in ways that include the following:

1. Coaching differs from therapy, counseling, mentoring and consulting.
2. Life coaches focus on the present and the future, not the past.
3. Coaching supports enthusiastic individuals who want to develop their strengths.
4. A life coach empowers you to accomplish specific goals.

A life coach helps you create value-based goals that get results. A coach encourages you to take action. Before hiring a coach, ask yourself what you want to accomplish by the end of your sessions.

Contact me at stacy@encouragecoach.com to move your life forward.

All the best,
Stacy Davis Hudson, MPH, CPC

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How to Start Anew with Confidence

Coach Stacy — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 03:26:00 GMT

Starting something new intimidates most people. The unknown brings fear, anxiety and sometimes concern. However, starting anew carries positive points too. Beginning fresh brings excitement, hope and great anticipation. Consider these steps to start anew with confidence.

1. Take a step forward. Moving toward the new endeavor is a good way to achieve it. Simply moving generates momentum.

2. Anticipate a bumpy path. Expecting obstacles along the way mentally prepares you for them if they arrive. Getting in the mindset for possible bumps also builds courage.

3. Stay the course. Make this your mantra and hang in there. Regardless of the unknown resolve to face it. Decide to learn from whatever comes your way and share the lesson with others if appropriate.

4. Embrace the new opportunity. This implies hugging the endeavor. Hugging brings positive feelings. This gives you confidence.

Tip: Connect with a higher power. Anchor your new beginning in faith.

All the best,
Stacy Davis Hudson, MPH, CPC
Life Coach

Contact me at stacy@encouragecoach.com

Policies and Procedures

Coach Stacy — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 05:52:00 GMT

Encourage Enterprise, LLC
Policies and Procedures

Our Coaching Agreement
Our coaching agreement is "at will" meaning we both have the right to end this partnership at any time. I do request however that clients commit to at least three months of coaching. You alone are responsible for all actions and decisions and the results of your decisions. You are completely at free will. As your coach, I will encourage, support, empower, enthuse and assist you in accomplishing your goals. The real work is yours however and the extent of your achievements is up to you.

Changes, Cancellations and Missed Calls
Our time is valuable. Therefore, I respect your time and expect you to respect mine. If you need to change or cancel a session, I require 24-hour notice. I will give you the same courtesy if I need to change or cancel a session. Should you miss our scheduled session without 24-hour notice the session will not be rescheduled. If you are late to a session we will not be able to make up the time lost. If I am late for a session, I will refund the time lost by adding extra time to one of your coaching sessions. In the event that I cancel a session, I will give you an extra session at no charge and reschedule the canceled session.

Client Confidentiality
Confidentiality is a core value of Encourage Enterprise. Our partnership however is not considered privileged under the law. If there is an instance where I would like to share your information with others, I would seek written permission from you first. I retain the right to act responsibly if I feel that your safety or the safety of those around you is compromised.

Please contact stacy@encouragecoach.com for a complete version of our Policies and Procedures.

All the best,
Stacy Davis Hudson, MPH, CPC
Life Coach

Determine if Life Coaching is Right for You

Coach Stacy — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 20:59:00 GMT

Is A Life Coach Right for You?

If you answer yes to any one of the below listed questions then life coaching may be right for you.

Do you find yourself wanting to be more organized and self-managing?
Are you starting anew in education or vocation?
Are you contemplating a new career yet still unsure about how to begin?
Do you find yourself stuck in a job that no longer matches your personal values?
Have you recently been given more responsibility that requires accelerated results?
Are you very successful? Has your success resulted in unwanted consequences?
Do you find your work or personal life out of balance and becoming problematic?

All the best,
Stacy Davis Hudson, MPH, CPC
Life Coach

Contact me at stacy@encouragecoach.com

How to Know if You Are Ready for Coaching

Coach Stacy — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 20:36:00 GMT

How Open to Coaching Are You?

It is important for you to be at a place in life where you will accept coaching. Please underline or circle the response that is true for you right now. Then email or fax this form back to me prior to our coaching session.

I have specific goals in mind that I am ready to achieve.               Yes        No        Maybe

I am ready to fully commit to changing my life.                             Yes        No       Maybe

I can be relied upon to be on time for all coaching sessions.            Yes        No        Maybe

I am willing to take the action needed to get what I want.              Yes        No        Maybe

I am willing to invest in my future with time and money.                  Yes        No        Maybe

I will say what is really true to the coach.                                    Yes        No        Maybe

I am willing to do the work and let my coach do the coaching.         Yes        No        Maybe

If I am not getting what I need or expected from coaching
sessions I will let my coach know immediately.                              Yes        No        Maybe

I am open to suggestions from my coach.                                    Yes        No        Maybe

This is the right time in my life for me to accept coaching.              Yes        No        Maybe

Form adapted from International Coach Academy "Are You coachable?"
And Coach U, Inc. "Client Coachability Index"

All the best,
Stacy Davis Hudson, MPH, CPC

Contact me at stacy@encouragecoach.com

Coach Stacy's Biography

Coach Stacy — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 13:29:00 GMT

Biography for Stacy Davis Hudson, MPH, CPC
Life Coach, Writer, Public Speaker

I live my dream daily and love it. Inspiring others to make positive changes is my mission. Giving birth to my daughter takes me to a higher level of living and coaching. I now balance a business with a baby and inspire other moms to do the same. Designing balance for women is my coaching niche. My expertise includes personalized coaching, freelance writing, public speaking and volunteer service.

In the past, I worked for a major pharmaceutical company where I achieved top sales awards. Before pharmaceuticals, I spent nine years administering endowment funds for a nonprofit foundation.

I married my soul mate John Hudson. We have a joyous baby daughter Joneeah, and I gained a charming teenage stepdaughter Iris. I obtained a Master of Public Health from University of Texas at Houston School of Public Health and a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication from University of Texas at El Paso. I achieved Certified Professional Coach credentialing from the International Coach Academy. I attend Mount Zion Baptist Church.

Contact me at stacy@encouragecoach.com

Your Investment for Coaching Sessions

Coach Stacy — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 06:20:00 GMT

Encourage Enterprise, LLC
Your Investment for Coaching Sessions

One-Hour Coaching Sessions
Three 1-hour coaching sessions by telephone monthly for one, three, six or nine months. Your investment is $85 per one-hour session and includes a 20-minute complimentary introductory session. This plan features post-session "Encouragement and Action-step" emails from me after each call. Your total investment is $255 per month.

40-Minute Coaching Sessions
Three 40-minute coaching sessions by telephone monthly for one, three, six or nine months. Your investment is $55 per 40-minute session and includes a 15-minute complimentary introductory session. This plan features post-session "Encouragement and Action-step" emails from me after each call. Your total investment is $165 per month.

50-Minute Group Coaching Sessions
Three 50-minute group coaching sessions by telephone during a designated month on a predetermined topic. Your investment is $50 per person per 50-minute session. Group sessions are limited to 10-people maximum. This plan includes post session "Resources and Reflection" emails from me after each call. Your total investment is $150.

Please contact me at stacy@encouragecoach.com for a complete version of "Your Investment for Coaching Sessions."

All the best,
Stacy Davis Hudson, MPH, CPC
Life Coach

Life Coaching Business--Designing Balance for Women

Coach Stacy — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 06:51:21 GMT

This life coaching business designs balance for women. We focus on work-at-home moms. We encourage women to embrace their professional and personal lives by designing balance around core values. Core values represent the standards of behavior that you consider essential in your life. Discover your passion through life coaching sessions with Coach Stacy, also called the encourage coach. Learn how to balance your business and your baby. Explore ways to weigh your priorities before acting on them. Successfully juggle your job around other activities that bring you joy. Sign up for coaching sessions today by sending an email to
stacy@encouragecoach.com

All the best,
Stacy Davis Hudson, MPH, CPC
Life Coach
stacy@encouragecoach.com