Tactics to sustain change-makers in overwhelming times — The social justice issues in our world right now can seem overwhelming, with administrations firmly embracing white supremacy, xenophobia, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, and more. History has shown that activism is a way to create change—but it can also be another factor in creating overwhelm. From struggling and stressing about what…

I guess that Jillian Michaels was desperate to get in the news again because she’s on Yahoo.com talking nonsense in a piece titled “Jillian Michaels warns of ‘glamorizing’ obesity: ‘We’re politically correct to the point of endangering people.” She starts out well, giving (what turns out to be) lip service…

Trading attendance at your event for volunteer work can be a huge win-win for all—if you do it right — “Come quick—your volunteer is drunk and screaming.” The text came in around 8 p.m. It was the end of a long day with only a few volunteers left on-site … what could go wrong at this point? Apparently, this. As a veteran volunteer manager, I know that no matter what…

Bill Maher recently decided to waste breath and airspace in a rant suggesting that what the world doesn’t have enough of, is fat-shaming. (insert eyeroll here) The premise of his argument reveals his complete ignorance to the subject, but lord knows that still passes as expertise in the world of…

Setting a world record takes skill and effort. Getting your record officially certified by Guinness takes planning. Here’s how to make sure your achievement makes it in the record books. — My earliest memory of Guinness World Records is from a book I checked out of the elementary school library. I remember reading through the entire thing, entranced by the idea that you could be the best in the world at something. …

When medicine is big business, we have to become the CEO of our own bodies — Ellen Maud Bennett is dead. By the time her cancer was diagnosed, she had only days to live. Part of her obituary reads: “A final message Ellen wanted to share was about the fat shaming she endured from the medical profession. Over the past few years of feeling unwell, she…

How to enjoy the gym with confidence—and make it a better place for everyone — The first time I walked into a gym was around fifth grade, to lift weights with my middle school cheerleading squad. Thirty years later, the gym is like home to me. The sights, the sounds and — lord help me — even the smells are part of a familiar, comfortable…

The real data behind weight loss research points to a radically different approach to healthy living — I recently received an e-mail from a blog reader: “My mom passed away last week. She has been on a perpetual diet since before I was born, and has yo-yo’d her whole life, but never became thin. She has been very critical of my decision to focus on my health…

How to complete a marathon regardless of your size or speed — I had always been an athlete, but I only participated in sports that I was good at right away, and running definitely was not in that category. I’m also a fan of setting big, nearly impossible goals. …