A Balanced Perspective Weekly
March 13, 2008

Life Coaching, Professional Women's Groups,
Organic Cooking Classes, and Inspiration

MyHeartDances^(TM) was developed to support individuals in living from their heart and going after what they want in life. Our mission is to support you in deciding to be honest with yourself and be honest with others so you can face your fears and go after your dreams to "let your heart dance!" www.myheartdances.com

1. The Wisdom of Age
2. Thought Provoking Quote
3. Video Interview with Actress Anna Berger - (PART 5)
4. 2008 Cooking Classes
5. Life Coaching and Wellness Packages

1. The Wisdom of Age

Do you remember being a kid and thinking that you knew it all? When I was a teenager, adults couldn't tell me anything. I thought most authority figures were old fashioned and behind the times. I felt they just didn't get the way life was in the modern world.

My Teaching Experiences

Some of you know that I teach after-school healthy cooking classes for kids in the private and public school system. Recently I was thinking about my first experience teaching junior high and how different the 6th graders were from the 8th graders.

My 6th graders were so innocent. They were really good. They wanted to participate; they wanted to help out, and they wanted to learn. My 8th graders were the complete opposite. They thought they knew everything...and they definitely thought they knew more than me. I found it humorous to see this behavior - this time - from the adult perspective. I was thinking, "You think you know it all, but you have no idea. You think you're the first one who's tried this stunt, but I was just like you when I was a kid."

Do You Still Think You Know It All?

I never said that to them of course. It probably wouldn't have made a difference in that context. But it made me think about how I didn't pay attention to the wisdom of those older than me then, but I'm old enough now to know that being older really does shed a lot of light on life - so I crave to listen to the wisdom of those older than me now.

Old people are amazing. Our society doesn't hold much regard for older people. To us - Youth is life! For some reason, we'd rather listen to Britney Spears. And yet, it is the older people who can really tell us something about life - real life.

Even if their experiences were not exactly like ours because times were different when they were our age, they have still seen far more about the basics of human life than we have. They've had to make tough decisions. They've experienced relationships - good and bad. They've had to live through illness - their own or that of a loved one. They've learned something about human nature. They traveled the road before us, and they can often tell us what they have seen work well, and what they have seen not work well. They can tell us something about what's really valuable in life and what's really not.

Now... of course there are those who are cranky (or still partying) and carrying too much baggage to give us thoughtful guidance, but hopefully you can tell the difference between someone who is at peace with themselves and someone who is not.

Watch This

I have been really enjoying Anna Berger's interview on the Boutros Boutros Follies. She is one of those people who I think we can all be inspired by. She is much older than much of us and she is so delightful to listen to. In her interview, she is talking about growing up, acting, co-workers, meeting her husband, and dealing with aging. If you get a chance check it out!

And maybe find someone in your own life who you haven't paid enough attention to... and just sit and listen... Just see what they have to say.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Melissa

or 917-689-653

"Now faith...is the art of holding on to things your reason has once accepted, in spite of your changing moods. For moods will change whatever view your reason takes." C.S. Lewis

or 917-689-6530

3. Actress Anna Berger interviewed by Peter Rinaldi (PART 5)

A close friend of mine, Peter Rinaldi, has an active blog called the Boutros Boutros Follies. It is hosted by several members who post an assortment of entertaining stories on varied topics delivered through different forms of media.

Last week, Peter, an independent filmmaker, posted Part Five of seven video interviews with actress Anna Berger. Why am I listing this in A Balanced Perspective? Because it's a great story of a woman who had a dream and went after it. :-)

Part three talks about how her husband won her heart, and also about her beginnings in Hollywood. Part four shares about the beginnings of the famous Actor's Studio.

Anna has had a steady career working in film, TV, and on Broadway for over 60 years. Her resume is too long to list here, but she has worked with notable names such as Mae West and John Garfield. She recently did a film with Adam Sandler and is currently touring her own one woman show. Her story is delightful and inspiring and a great example of doing what you love.

For previous episodes:

Part One
Part Two
Part Three and Four

4. 2008 Cooking Classes

Organic Food, Organic FUN, and Good Company

"Thank you for sharing your home, knowledge, great recipes, and warm friends. There's something very intimate about creating and sharing a meal with others. It was interesting to learn about your holistic health background and cook with new ingredients. I look forward to taking more classes with you." - Heather

April 10 - (Dessert Night) 6:30/Thursday
Mooless Chocolate Mousse
Vegan Peanut Butter Pie
Almond Carob Coconut Balls
Cashew Creme

May 8 - 6:30/Thursday
Salmon Burgers
Spring Out Quinoa
Sunset Salad
Parsley Ginger Dressing

Pre-register Today - Only $50 per class -
Gift Certificates Available
All classes are held on the Upper West Side

Class is from 6:30 until 8:30 unless otherwise noted.
All classes include the following:

*Hands-on instruction
*Meet new people
*Learn cool facts and tips about the food you're preparing
*Get healthy tips
*Receive a copy of the recipe to take home
*Enjoy a DELICIOUS meal at the end of class!
Made by The Fabulous You!

Please contact Melissa at for more details and to register, or call 917-689-6530

**Classes are fun, relaxed, and not intimidating! They are great for beginners!

**Private classes are also available, more details at: http://www.myheartdances.com/services/cook_class.htm

The Lifestyle Makeover

I don't know what I'm doing with my life. I'm not satisfied with my career, my relationships are not going anywhere. I'm not really where I want to be.

Sound like you? This package will cover career, relationships, spirituality, and health. You'll gain a stronger hold on your identity, and find satisfaction moving forward towards discovering and completing personal goals and projects.

6 sessions - $675

The Nutrition and Health Makeover

I don't eat what I should, nor do I stick to an exercise plan. I'm not even sure if I know what I should eat! I find myself snacking on junk food and eating poorly when I'm at work or traveling. I want to have more energy and be fit. I want to grow old healthy!

This package is for the typical New Yorker. You want to be conscious about your health, but you are not making it happen. You want more energy and to eat better. In this plan, we'll get down to the nitty gritty about what is getting in the way for you, and how you can achieve a healthier you without cramping your lifestyle. We'll create a therapeutic lifestyle plan that works just for you!

3 sessions - $375

The Weight Loss Makeover

I'm tired of not sticking to my diets. I'm ready to make a commitment to my health. I want to see my real body underneath this cushion. I want to feel good when I walk down the street and enter a room.

Sticking to a weight loss plan is hard. No doubt about it! This program is designed to get you off the dieting cycle and get you on a plan to achieve results. It's for individuals who are ready to make a change and commit to giving this gift to themselves. No more quick fix attempts. This is the real deal!

10 sessions - $1125

I Am - Strategic Solutions for Women in their 20's

I love working with young women! It's a time in life where you are testing your own identity and power in this world, yet sometimes you feel conflicted by the pressure of your parents' and peers' ideas about what track you should be on. You have your own mind and you want to use it... but sometimes you're not sure about your different opinions. This program deals with self-image, self-respect, confidence, and effective decision making.

5 sessions - $575 (sliding scale available for this program, please call or e-mail me for details).

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All programs can be adjusted to fit your specific needs. Number of sessions can be increased or decreased based on your goals.

Payment plans available.

Contact me with any inquiries

917-689-6530