I had to share a light-bulb moment that occurred a week ago: As I straightened up my apartment pre-cleaning lady day, I could not help but recognize how far I had come since my SYL weekend two years ago. The "mess" I was straightening consisted of a yellow sweat towel I take to the workout room – left at the front door, the giant purple Gaiam ball rolling around my living room from the night before and, lastly (and proudly), my new bike sitting near the door. In addition, I have more laundry because I now have workout clothes! And just how many pair of sneakers can a girl own? The bike was an attempt to incorporate fun into my workout. So far, it has incorporated fear! It's a harsh world out there for a newbie 55-year-old biker! Those tiny little 6-year-old hockey jocks have no respect for their elders! I haven't been on a bike since I was in my teens and, certainly given my hip pain, I never thought there would come a day when I would hop on a bike. Guess I'm saying I've come a great distance from that SYL weekend where I was afraid to walk! So, I just wanted to say hi, to let you know that I think of you often and thank you for the wisdom, insight, encouragement and support you have offered over the past two years. I can tell by your emails that you are fully engaged in your work. I look forward to seeing you again at some SYL event. I'm thinking Red Mountain! Carpe Diem.
Shape Your Life was an extraordinary experience for me. I came back into reality with a refreshed perspective, and I have allowed positive energy to permeate my life. Most importantly, taking part in the program taught me that the bond between a women and another woman is stronger and more potent than any other connection. How lucky am I to have learned such a valuable lesson at such a young age – and in the company of my mother.
Thanks to Shape Your Life, I shared an extraordinary week with my daughter. During fitness sessions, challenges and talks, I saw her strength, humor, love and generosity of spirit. What a joy to laugh with her, to dance with her, to spend true quality time with her … and, watch her bloom.
I want to take this time to thank you for the wonderful SYL program at Canyon Ranch. It was just amazing and I look forward to participating in another very soon. Your team is so fantastic. Although I returned home with a terrible cold/flu, I had a productive and relatively stress free week with all the new strategies and tools I learned. It has been interesting to realize that my life is truly busy, that I don't want to give any of it up because I love all of it. I can go through the day with more calm that I did before Shape Your Life. Spoke at length with my husband about what I learned and he was very moved. This in itself led to further interesting conversation and him revealing himself to me in a different way. I feel gentler with him. We are spending more time together emotionally and physically. I’m aligning my actions with my values thanks to you. I’m feeling better about how I feed myself, eating good, wholesome foods. I signed up for Pilates classes at my YMCA and checked out Yoga schedule at another facility. As you can see, I could go on and on about the work you do and the programs you provide. Thank you again. I carry each of your voices and spirits with me every day now.
I loved your program. What a creative person you are, with a company that offers so much that is perfect in timing and the answer to a lot of peoples' frustration in the wake of the information technology explosion and the resulting stress caused by our inability to filter and make healthy choices. Thank you for the terrific program at Canyon Ranch. It was time so well spent for me. Not only did I learn a lot, you and your staff were incredibly entertaining and inspiring, and gave me a lot to think about while we shared many joyful times together. I will never forget how you and Lisa saved me with those boiled eggs as we climbed up the mountain. You were both so funny – and helpful! That did it for me!
I attended your program at Red Mountain Spa in 2003. I attended because I needed personal reflective time to assess where I was physically, mentally and spiritually in my life - and to determine what changes I needed to make. Because the program gave me a great combination of structure and free time, I was able to take the things I learned from the instructors, reflect on them, and determine the changes I needed to make in my life. Before the SYL program I did not allow myself any time to slow down and think about what was happening in my life - I was just rushing thorough it and coping the best I could. I made several changes after I returned from SYL: hired a personal trainer, adjusted my diet, lost 4% body fat and 10 pounds. I changed the structure of my company, eliminated an employee that was an emotional drain on everyone, and gave myself permission to allocate daily recharge time for mental and spiritual growth. As a result I am a physically stronger, happier and ready to move on to the next level of what life has in store. The SYL program is the best (and probably only) program that is truly holistic in its approach to wellness. Your team is the best. I plan to participate in other SYL programs. I think it is important to work on constant personal improvement. Thank you for such a great opportunity to do so!
Your October 2004 program at Canyon Ranch was so transformational for me. I can't thank you enough for "Shape Your Life. It changed my life and has given me the tools to "Choose Happiness" everyday. I share my experience with as many people as I can because I’m dedicated to spreading the word about Shape Your Life. When I returned to work, I sat down with the President and CEO of my company to discuss your company. I told him of the profound impact it had made on my life and he expressed that it was evident to him as well. I shared with him that our employees are under so much stress that there is little chance of reducing it if we don’t focus on giving them strategies and tools to manage and process stress as I learned at SYL. I suggested your corporate programs and he liked the idea. We are scheduling a meeting with you very soon to discuss your program for our workforce. My CEO and I agree that our team working with your team will be incredibly successful. Once again thank you for "Shape Your Life." I've never felt more hopeful and prepared for life!
I wanted you to know that your Team Building Seminar has been life changing for me. When I first heard that we were going to have this seminar I was very reluctant. Since attending it my whole way of thinking has changed. It has opened my mind to so many things that I probably would not have considered before. It not only has affected my work life but my home life as well. Life is to short to let negative thoughts and feelings control my life. I just wanted to thank you and Linda for giving me this gift.!
