Most of what I’ve learned about adversity, resiliency, and connection comes from nature, specifically camp. 

Every year since I was born, our family camped every July at YMCA Geneva Park, went on road trip camping adventures, and I became a counsellor at summer camp in my late teens.  

Seriously, navigating a group of 12-year-olds in northern Ontario through a windstorm by canoe as their counsellor is no easy feat (I think we were moving backwards).  

Camp and the great outdoors are in my blood, and why I’m so passionate about helping people rediscover the outdoors and the joy of play as a positive catalyst to improve their health.  

Nothing makes us all equal or levels the playing field like nature.

So, when I discovered Camp Tailwind, a weekend retreat for female entrepreneurs run by my friend and curator of Dovetail Summit, Alexis Dean, I jumped at the chance. Sure, there are retreats for business owners in fancy places, which I also like, but this one at camp struck a chord.

The best parts?

There were so many deep conversations and laughs. Everyone felt the cold weather tested their resiliency (no heat in the cabins will do that to you when it’s below zero at night and mice are scurrying around the floor). Many comfort zones were stretched by embracing new skills (ever tried a cold plunge?), and we made lasting, lifelong connections.

Whether these women made millions of dollars a year or were solopreneurs starting their businesses, everyone showed up in their sweats (or play clothes, as I like to say) as their authentic selves, and the playing field was truly level. No makeup was necessary!

Speaking of authenticity, I wanted to use this play of the week to celebrate my return to work.  

Since his leukemia diagnosis, I have tested my adversity and resiliency as a full-time caregiver for Shawn. I have used the year off of my traditional job (because, let’s face it, there’s a lot of “work” involved in being a caregiver) to complete the first leg. Last week I finished 20 weeks of study to successfully recertify my Precision Nutrition Master Health Coaching Certificate toward becoming a board-certified health and wellness coach.  

What does board-certified mean? In 2016, The National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC) collaborated with the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) to provide a board certification examination. The esteemed NBC-HWC credential represents training, education, and assessment standards, allowing the profession to advance in all health care and wellness areas.* The process takes two years, like getting my masters in behaviour change coaching.  

I can’t wait to get back to coaching because I love helping people rewrite their stories around health and create lasting behaviour changes.  

What kind of health and wellness transformation can you expect? Just ask my client Stephen Brown, CEO of FUSE Create:  “Janet challenges many ingrained habits and patterns with manageable tips and tools to achieve any goal with food, exercise and lifestyle. Her approach to the journey for better health and self-discovery makes changing old habits possible. Truthfully it’s fun!” 

I am opening a limited number of spots for my premium personalized 1:1 coaching beginning October 3rd.  

If you, or someone you know, are ready to take back control of your health and re-energize your relationship with food, fitness, sleep and stress —all in a seamless way that works for you and your lifestyle, let’s talk 🙂  

In the meantime, I hope you are keeping well, and I look forward to showing up once a month in your inbox with ways to help you improve your health and wellness from playground HQ.  

Play on! 

Xoxo Coach Jan

P.S. I always strive to improve and learn more about my fantastic audience. Your feedback is vital, and I would love to hear from you!

*https://nbhwc.org/