My Blog Circle:

• Our Lady of Weight Loss

I am a Life & Wellness Coach specializing in transformation, reinvention and weight loss.  I have worked with thousands of individuals worldwide to help them to uncover their authentic selves and to learn to create balance and success in their personal and professional lives.

After a successful corporate career for two decades, I took a mammoth risk and jumped into the proverbial pool without checking if there was any water in it.  I left my 'job' to reinvent, rewire, and revitalize my life!  Against the odds, I managed to write two best-selling self-help books - Our Lady of Weight Loss (Oprah Book Club, Summer Reading 2009) and All Is Forgiven, Move On - and create the very popular e-letter, "Kick in the Tush Club" - which has generated over 14,000 members (thus far!). 

You can read more on my Beliefnet.com weight loss blog or visit my “Our Lady of Weight Loss” website.

For a complimentary life & wellness coaching session, write me and be sure to mention Vibrant Nation/Coaching inquiry in the subject line!  Looking forward to 'meeting' you!

How did you get to where you are now?

In honor of my 50th birthday, I permanently removed over 50 pounds (800 ounces) of excess weight. Our Lady of Weight Loss was (and remains) my guide.

More important than pounds removed, I utilized the weight loss process as a vehicle for reinvention and transformation.

With each and every ounce let go of, I changed.  And while it was (and remains) thrilling to morph from a size 18 to a size 4 (or 6 depending on brand, cut, etc.), thrilling to discover my waist, and oh - the joyous moment I happened upon hip bones - the real change and transformative gifs of my journey were NOT about the pant size or the number on the scales of injustice.

My body shrunk, but my heart, my soul and awareness kept expanding ... growing stronger and bolder and brighter each and every day.  I tapped into my 'inner thinner core,' a place where I found peace, calm and happiness. 

I invite you to join me as we journey towards finding, embracing and loving ourselves. 

Spread the word... NOT the icing,
Janice

How do you see yourself differently now than you did 10 years ago?

Oh my!  Ten years ago, I was leading a life of compromise.  Working in an office, 'suffering,' heavy in affect as well as weight. With the exception of my husband and children, everything has changed.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

I'm not exactly sure where I will be in ten years, but one thing I know is that I believe in my ability to move forward, create and seize opportunity.  So whatever the circumstances, I hope that in 10 years, I will be 100 years wiser, 100 years richer.  At least!!!   I am excited to see what form takes hold.    Life! An exciting journey overflowing with possibility!

When I was in 2nd grade, I weighed 112 pounds.  It was a painful time for a multitude of reasons.  I often scribbled notes to Hollywood producers.  "Dear Hollywood Producer," I wrote  ... "I am a dark, chubby girl and I wear pointy glasses.  I could be a character actress. Come and discover me."  And then I walked to the corner mailbox and tossed the letter down ... without stamps or addresses! Sadly, no one discovered me or saved me! 

Here follows my postcard to my younger self:
"Dear Janny-Wanny, When you send your letters to Hollywood, it might be a good idea to get addresses and use stamps. ~ Janice, Your older more savvy self.

I like to take a little bit of this and that from a variety of people.  I don't know that there is one person who fits the entire bill!  And, true, there are amazing role models in the world, like Madeline Albright, Eleanor Roosevelt, Jon Stewart (a love a good laugh), etc. etc., in this moment, I choose to look to those who are the closest to me.

My daughter, Abby, who has overcome a plethora of difficulties and illnesses like a warrior! My son, Josh, for his intelligence, good looks, creativity and pie-making aptitude.  My daughter-in-law, Megan, who creates beautiful homes, loving families and organizes my closets and fridge.  My mother, Harriet, because she is 93 and has survived (thus far) with all her marbles!  My husband, Peter, who teaches me so much by example. An amazing human being.

Oh ... and my cat, Rayne, who has the amazing ability and flexibility to curl up into a ball on the sofa and sleep.  She is a Zen master!