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by Gabrielle Bourne

Executive Producer Gabrielle Bourne has dedicated her life to developing and supporting health, fitness and wellness related initiatives to combat childhood obesity and help individuals to "thrive" not just survive. Her programs combine strategic intent, challenging limits and mastering obstacles to achieve and perform at optimal levels. Gabrielle has over 15 years experience as a Field Profiler for the US Armed Services; studied Ninjitsu and Krav Maga and; is a history and military tactical buff.

February 19

"Lose It": Living in a "skinny" world?

Hi Peeps,

Last Monday, I added myself to the debate of Director Kevin Smith's ejection from a Southwest flight because as he put it, he was too "fat to to fly." I personally am a very opinionated person and I certainly won't hold back if there was any remote violation. In order for me to be quite sure this was the case, I did some research and found out:

1. Kevin Smith did purchase (2) tickets on a later flight and decided on an earlier flight "on standby."
2. Southwest on the "standby" flight had one seat available for Mr. Smith.
3. Contrary to "popular" commentary, Mr. Smith DOES NOT always purchase 2 tickets when he flies.
4. Mr. Smith on the standby flight did in fact pass the "arm rest" test.
5. Mr. Smith was ejected from Southwest due to "security" and "safety" reasons, according to Southwest.
6. It appears that one flight attendant was directly involved with this decision and one pilot indirectly involved.
7. Southwest did offer Kevin Smith an apology and gave him $100 voucher.
8. Mr. Smith did go on a tirade and tweeted to his followers.
9. Mr. Smith did blog about the ordeal.
10. Southwest, in fact, apologized more than twice to Mr. Smith via Twitter.

In a followup, I did review the video blog and all materials from our Fact checking and in my opinion, Mr. Smith was correct and Southwest was wrong.

Unless you live in the skin of a heavy or obese person, it is difficult to judge the level of embarrassment, public shame and anger one goes through when this occurs. I have never lived in this skin, BUT as a health and wellness management consultant, I deal directly with this population.

As a quote, unquote, "skinny" person on an airline, I hate the seats, the small baggage compartments and the"accident" prone aisle. Have you ever been hit by a service cart? I have, and let me tell you it HURTS! Additionally, as a "skinny" person, I too have difficulty maneuvering around in my seat, in the plane and most certainly in the loo (bathroom to you yanks). Double or treble that for a heavy or obese person and you will get a FULL picture of what they go through just flying.

I am definitely NOT a proponent of living heavy or obese as it is a "self destructive" way to live due to the pressure fat places on organs, especially the heart and liver. I hope there comes a day when everyone, especially children can master their metabolism (borrowing the verbiage from Jillian Michael's book), and live a heart healthy existence. If you view Mr. Smith's video blog, he even states that 'It is not easy living in a skinny world.

Can we all get along? YES WE CAN!

Live, Love Life! :)

Kevin Smith's "self portrait" of "Too Fat to Fly"

1:50 PM GMT  |  Read comments(2)

February 09

"Stick It" to "Dah Man": Say "NO" to Franken-foods!

Hi Peeps,

When I read a posting from my friend, Barbara, Proprietor of The Orchid Tea Room, on genetically engineered (GE) Alfalfa, I wrote, "Who the heck wanted GE food anyways?!?" Apparently, more countries than we knew! It is amazing how little the average consumer knows about their own food supply, or even the processes to get them to market. The word "organic" has become ubiquitous, but does anyone know what it means?

In comes Monsanto. Unless you are in the agricultural industry, a farmer, or a chemist, this company is NOT even in your consciousness. BUT, you know their products including "Roundup," "Saccharin" and "Agent Orange." They also sell 90% of the world's genetically engineered seeds. That's right! They are already in the food supply of most countries! As you are aware, Roundup kills weeds, saccharin was tested to cause cancer and subsequently banned from the American diet and; Agent Orange...well the Vietnam Vets exposed to this "deadly" substance can tell you their stories. THIS is the company the USDA is going to bat for over GE Alfalfa, "immuned" to you guessed it, Roundup!

Do we really want some chemical company who also profited in the Pharmaceutical industry to dictate what we eat? Absolutely NOT. Additionally, the USDA should be ashamed of themselves for not even doing "basic" research on a company who has a history of profiting off BAD, BAD, BAD products introduced to the consumer marketplace. Who wants "Franken-food" in their food supply, NOT me.

What can YOU do?

I included the link in the comments section below, for additional information of how you can take action. If you are concerned about our food supply and keeping organic foods contaminant-free, voice your opinion.

Live, Love Life :)

5:05 PM GMT  |  Read comments(2)

February 07

"Training for Hardware": Don't follow the "Trendies"

Hi Peeps,

At a recent Mastermind Group meeting, one of my clients asked a question about Social Media. Is it for real; a trend; why are so many people into it; doing it and; how they could locate an expert, even when there are so many people not even qualified themselves? I noticed the same. I have come across not less than a dozen "Social Media wannabees" within the last few months. There is nothing wrong with people wanting to go into Social Media, except, when you start peeling back the layers you don't get a nice sweet fruit, but an unflowered "pitt."

NO ONE should pay for Social Media expertise, UNLESS, the "expert" has a unique perspective, that is not common knowledge, widely used by average folks and/OR, he/she is a Class A "Social butterfly" and you hire them primarily for Social Marketing.

Every Social Media site including the popular ones, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn ALL have resident "experts" to help with every question imaginable. There are Google contents dedicated to Social Media. Believe it that your connections and friends are more than willing to jump in and assist you. I would use these resources FIRST prior to hiring a so called Social Media expert who, as it turns out, know as much as you do, or not all they "claim" to be. Believe me, I tested a whole bunch of them and now rely on those I connect with on International Social Media Association (ISMA).

Please be aware of those that one day woke up and said, "I think I want do Social Media." Last year I attended an event from this person not "warm" by any means and very reluctant to answer any questions I asked. I was invited by this person to attend a "free" lecture on Social Media. It appeared these poor "saps" in the room were hanging on to this person's every word and no doubt would pay the hefty fee for the "advance" class which would have the same ANSWERS as the ones you would find on Google, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Back to the Mastermind. At the conclusion of that meeting, we formed a follow up meeting for everyone to bring ALL their challenges and questions related to Social Media. At the follow up meeting we tackled everyone's challenges and questions, as a group, and provided resolutions with satisfactory conclusion.

Here is what you should look for in a Social Media expert:

1. Their length of time dedicated to this field.
2. How many followers and connections do they have - Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter.
3. What are they expert on? Facebook. LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.
4. Are they part of any associations, ISMA?
5. Traction...look for traction. I like to see there is a real "connection" between themselves and their "followers," especially on the fan pages. If they are just putting out information with no responses. Skip.

Live, Love Life :)

2:43 PM GMT  |  Read comments(0)

February 04

"Lose It": The END of "Entitlement"

Hi Peeps,

The "bottom line" with "Entitlement" is "don't," otherwise you will look like those AIG "brats" that got their bonuses for doing absolutely nothing! By the by, it is ALL legal.

So what is "Entitlement?" A clinical Psychiatrist describes entitlement as "Narcissistic" and "Egocentric" behaviour. In a nutshell, someone who is "self absorbed." How many "self centered" people do you know? I know quite a few. In dealing with an "entitled" personality trait, you will get the feeling they want everything for nothing....AND have a "what's in it for me" attitude. Could Altruism be dead? NOT on my watch.

Respond the way you should to people who (1) tries to negotiate "down" your worth; (2) who puts the responsibility on YOU and; (3) who blames YOU for their shortcomings. As discussed in our coaching sessions, these are responses to those entitlement "gnats."

1. Tries to negotiate "down" your worth. You owe them nothing! Remember that. The best business lesson I ever learned from my Uncle who had an incredible "networth" was never negotiate your "self" worth. This means that if your hourly rate is $80.00, it is $80.00, unless you are running a special for "everyone." If you barter more than receive "cash flow," then you are NOT running a business, but a "charity." An "Entitled" person will NEVER appreciate what you have done for them even if you do negotiate down this rate AND; you will be running circles to please a person who is not even worth your time, energy and resources. An "Entitled" person does not care about your successes, they only care what they can get from YOU.

2. Puts responsibility on YOU. Has anyone said to you, "I have not spoken to you in such a long time" hint, hint, " You must be SO busy..." To which you should respond, "I am only a phone call away and I DO answer my phone." DON'T give these people an inch and yes it is O.K. to remind these "Entitled" people that they too can pick up the phone or drop you an email any time.

3. Blames YOU for their shortcomings. The bottom line is "Entitled" people will do the minimum amount of effort AND will look for a scape goat if things don't go their way. DON'T be this person and don't give an inch to anyone who exhibit these traits.

Live, Love Life :)

10:12 AM GMT  |  Read comments(1)

January 21

"Stick It": Nutrition by Number?

Hi Peeps,

In 2008, I heard about this nutritional numbering system that was invented by scientists called "The Overall Nutritional Quality Index" (ONQI). In a nutshell, it is an "algorithm which converts complex nutritional information into a single, easy-to-use score." It was developed in Partnership with Yale University school of medicine.

Flash forward today, I was sitting having afternoon tea when I heard the report about it on a local news channel. I was ecstatic it made the local news here because for the last year, we implemented QNQI in our "Weight Mastery" Program. Unlike Weight Watchers where the point system is based on calorie count, QNQI "empowers" the average person to make smart food choices based on a nutritional number system from 1-100. Once you understand the "concept," it is an easily adaptable lifestyle change, as my staff can attest as we are ALL using this system. Grocery shopping becomes quite simplified and there is really no need to read the "convoluted" packaging, other than to find out more about the ingredients.

Most "diets" and "weight loss" programs concentrate on "calories," not nutrition. People are "obsessed" with calories to the point that they may be eating 1200 a day, but poorly, at best. I am "obsessed" by nutrients as they "fuel" the body. As a multi-sport athlete I understand the value of eating foods "close to the source." The closer to the source your food, the more nutritious and better for your body. So, it is no surprise that "fresh" fruits and veggies consistently score 100 and more "processed" foods score a 1. Happy eating.

Live, Love Life :)

6:05 PM GMT  |  Read comments(1)

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