About Ginger
WHY LIFE COACHING?I’ve lived with Type 1 diabetes and Celiac disease for over ten years, diagnosed when I was 13 years old in 1999. I’ve gone through many stages of how I think about and take care of my health.Today, I’ve truly found a balance in my life where the disease doesn’t interfere with my happiness and it doesn’t keep me from experiencing anything! I know I can help other people find that balance around the challenges they face in their own life.
The foundation of my training as a coach is through the brain-based program founded by David Rock at ResultsCoaches.com. I will be certified in the International Coach Federation in late 2010.
MY BACKGROUND IN A NUTSHELL
I grew up in Hanover, NH and received my bachelor’s degree in Professional Writing at Champlain College in Burlington, VT. In addition to coaching, I write for The Health Central Network’s Diabeteens.com. I also blog on the team for the Parenting Diabetic Kids organization, and at The Survivor’s Club. I am an I.S.S.A. certified personal trainer, certified Ashtanga Yoga Instructor, and Therapeutic Yoga instructor. I hold 14 national, drug-tested powerlifting records and the Vermont record for the female bench press. (Check out my YouTube Channel for powerlifting videos and video blogs!)
THE HARDEST PART OF LIVING WITH DIABETES IS…
I really, truly dislike having low blood sugars. I’d rather have a high blood sugar for three hours than a low blood sugar for 30 minutes. You have to stop everything you’re doing to treat it, and wait so patiently to feel okay again.
And you know, you can never take a vacation or even the afternoon off from diabetes. Like a lot of diseases, it is a 24/7 job. I wouldn’t mind a little break here and there. To go for a hike or even just a long walk and not have to worry about my blood sugar…that would be pretty awesome.
THE BEST PART OF LIVING WITH DIABETES IS…
Ten years ago, if you told me I could set 15 powerlifting records as a person with diabetes, I would’ve laughed! I’ve had to study myself and my diabetes so intensely in order to succeed in other parts of my life. Every time I face another challenge of living with this disease, I’m reminded that I’m capable of anything if I truly dedicate myself to making it happen. I won’t let diabetes keep me from accomplishing anything.
IN MY FREE TIME, YOU WILL FIND ME…
Walking in the woods with my dog. Reading the philosophy of Aristotle and Epictetus. Writing! Watching movies of all kinds. Having dinner with great friends. And working out….
I’ve competed in three national powerlifting competitions. During the year 2009, I set a total of 14 records in two drug-tested, amateur, national powerlifting federations, and I hold the female record for the VT State Bench Press. I’ve deadlifted 300lbs, squatted 265lbs, and bench-pressed 187lbs. I’m currently taking a break from powerlifting due to several injuries, but I’m still lifting weights for exercise in circuit training workouts.
