Marilyn Verbiscer, MS, LMFT, BC-TMH’s Post

Quotes, cycling, and squirrels It's no secret that in the world of PR, we often craft quotes for various purposes, whether for a press release, interview, thought leadership article, or blog. Quotes add several elements to your marketing content: Credibility: They indicate that the content comes from a trusted expert. Human connection: Quotes make the content more relatable and engaging. Media appeal: Providing journalists with a quote they can repurpose adds credibility to their articles. Storytelling: Quotes play a crucial role in adding narrative elements to your content. When incorporating a quote, consider the overall story told throughout the piece. The quote is there to provide an extra narrative element, allowing more flexibility in conveying your message. It can contextualize complex subjects, making them more relatable, and enhance storytelling with colloquialisms. Adding a quote to marketing content requires considering the individual for whom you are writing. Initiate a discussion, gather their ideas, and draft the quote with their voice in mind—considering cadence, phrasing, and English proficiency if not a native speaker. Final approval from the person quoted is crucial to ensure authenticity. This is not to say I or our Communications team write all the quotes for our experts. We prefer real people speaking to journalists. This approach adds authenticity, reinforcing credibility, human connection, and storytelling, elements journalists seek. It's marketing 101. But where do cycling and squirrels come into this? Well, this article is only to find an excuse to post this local news story featuring my mom, delivering one of her best straight-faced quotes about cycling and squirrels just for the fun of it. 🐿️

🚣 **Row House Marks a Decade of Success with Celebratory Month and Exciting Challenge** 🌟 This April, Row House is not just celebrating ten years since its inception in 2014 but also commemorating a decade of remarkable growth and community building. As highlighted by Yahoo Finance, the Row House brand has become synonymous with not just achieving personal health goals but fostering a strong sense of community among its members. The centerpiece of this celebration is the "Decade of Row House" 10-day challenge, set to kick off on April 18th and wrap up on April 27th. This challenge is more than just a testament to the endurance and spirit of the Row House community; it's an opportunity for members to push their limits, reflect on their growth, and perhaps even embark on a dream vacation. Indeed, 10 lucky participants who complete the 10-Day challenge will be randomly selected to win a cruise for two, courtesy of Princess Cruises, to a destination of their choosing anywhere in the world. It's a fitting reward for a community that's all about journeying together, whether it's on the rowing machine or across the globe. As Row House looks back on a decade of success, it's clear that its impact goes beyond the physical. It's about creating spaces where people come together, support each other, and achieve things they never thought possible. This challenge, and the month-long celebration it anchors, is a reflection of that ethos - a way to say thank you to the members who've made it all possible and to welcome new ones into the fold. Here's to Row House: celebrating ten years and looking forward to many more. Click the link below to learn more.🎉 https://yhoo.it/4aHnmlJ #RowHouse #FitnessChallenge #CommunityBuilding #AnniversaryCelebration #RowHouseChallenge #ADecadeofRowHouse

What I learned in boating school is…..what I learned in boating school is…… Creating a personal brand and talking about it can be tough. Finding a set course to be on might seem like a huge project that’ll scare you into not taking that first step. I’ve gone through a few “rebrands” in my life and here is what I have learned over the past few years in the creative space. 1️⃣ Personal branding is EVERYWHERE. Everything you do is apart of your brand. I know this might seem obvious, but when you sit down to write a post about the market or creative, you really see how it’s all connected. No choice or action is too small to be apart of your brand. 2️⃣ Every aspect of your life can be made relevant to the industry you’re working in. Learning opportunities are everywhere and it’s on you to look for them and find them. I’ve taken experiences from going to metal shows, weight lifting, meditation, and socializing and have been able to apply it to the teams I’m on or campaigns I have created. 3️⃣ Fake it till you make it is still a real and applicable mind set! Imposter syndrome is REAL and everyone feels it at some point. But once you get into the nitty gritty and you do your process over and over again, one day you’ll wake up and go “Wait a minute, I actually do know what’s up!” 4️⃣ A good team and support system is KEY to having a strong personal brand. Burnout is real, and it comes a lot faster when you’re surrounded by people who are not working with a team focused mindset. While we all are doing our own separate projects, being able to lean on your team members in times of high stress can not only make everything easier, but can lead to some pretty out of the box problem solving that will stick with you down the line. I’m still creating my personal brand and learning what exactly that means, but that’s the fun of it all! Not knowing where you’ll end up or who you’ll meet. Every day is a new experience and milestone, and there are many days to come. 

1Q Interview with Chris Race (DUMB WEEKEND ADVENTURE CLUB) Q: Your Instagram is one of the most eclectic that I follow: it’s got rock climbing, hip hop dancing, harmonica playing, travel and other adventures. I know that a few of those are relatively new pursuits for you... What’s your approach when picking up a new hobby? A: It’s good to try a new thing that takes us out of our comfort zone every few months. To prevent having too many simultaneous hobbies, I have a daily habit to check in on how I’m feeling. Each day I journal the following questions: • When was I most happy in the last 24 hours? When was I least happy? • What do I look forward to the most in the next 24 hours? • What am I putting off that I know I need to do? The idea being: Keep doing the things that make you happy, reduce or eliminate the ones that don’t, and find a way to be excited about something. This keeps a temperature check on my mood and the things that are affecting it. If I notice that I’m spending a ton of time on something that isn’t making me happy, or worse, is making me unhappy it will trigger a change. I also have a routine that keeps me pointed at bigger picture things I want to accomplish in life. Every 4 months or so, I ask myself:  • What do I care about most? Right now that is: Outdoor activity, music, personal health, and healthy relationships (friends and romantic) • What am I spending my time on? Do I still like it? • How will I make time for a new activity? For example: In 2023 I had a nagging finger injury that prevented me from climbing, my primary hobby at the time. Climbing is a combination of physical challenge, mental exertion, outdoor adventure, and social support. I was distraught when I couldn’t climb with my friends. That’s when I found a hip hop dance class. Dance covered a lot of bases for me: It’s active, musical, social, and (most importantly) feels incredibly vulnerable as a new life experience. I climbed less, and still kept at something that hit my core values. As 2024 gets rolling, I am making space for a new hobby of skiing by parting ways with my mountain bike. A tough call, but I’ve really enjoyed my time on the slopes this year. And if I end up unhappy with that decision, it’ll end up in my journal and I’ll make a change. Nothing says our choices have to stay the same forever! Get out and try something new :) ---- DUMB WEEKEND ADVENTURE CLUB is a new private LinkedIn group where we talk about adventures of all kinds. If the word "adventure" rings your bell, click the link below and join us: https://lnkd.in/eY7F5KfA

What national/international day is today/ this week/month around the world? 1. Punch the Clock Day Efficiently tracking work hours, these devices signal the day's bookends, ensuring time's rhythm and fair compensation. 2. National Geographic Day It is something we take for granted, which is not surprising considering that it has been around for well over 100 years.   3. National Seed Swap Day The first official Seed Swap Day was held on 26th January 2006. 4. National Chocolate Cake Day National Chocolate Cake Day gives you an excuse to indulge as deeply as you’d like! 5. National Fresh Squeezed Juice Week A tasty and refreshing treat, juice is a healthful food that offers plenty of delicious flavour options along with restorative properties. 6. Veganuary Month It is a month-long celebration of all things vegan and was created to encourage non-vegans to try out the lifestyle. 7. Thyroid Awareness Month It is the perfect time of the year to turn attention to a small but mighty gland in the human body: the thyroid. 8. National Slow Cooking Month  This is a month for cuddling up by the fire and eating giant bowls or plates full of delicious comfort food. 9. Cervical Cancer Awareness Month It is developed in the cervix, which is the entrance from the vagina to the uterus. 10. National Skating Month The history of skating can be traced back many centuries, perhaps even 4000 years ago. National Skating Month is here to draw attention to this captivating activity, encouraging beginners and enthusiasts alike to lace up their skates and embrace the joy of ice skating. 11. National Blood Donor Month Giving a small part of oneself to help others in need, the act of contributing to a vital lifeline that can save lives. Giving a small part of oneself to help others in need, the act of contributing to a vital lifeline that c 12. National Clean Up Your Computer Month To celebrate, all we have to do is turn off our computers and makes sure that the inside is clean and free from dust. 13. Get Organized Month  A bit of organization can make even the most chaotic of spaces relatively manageable. Sometimes being organized is actually a safety issue. 14. International Creativity Month Setting your mind free, letting ideas flow like a river without a dam, and watching your unique expressions come to life. 15. Get A Balanced Life Month. We are obsessed with getting our lives into some sort of a balanced state, be it getting our work in order, keeping track of the kids birthdays and gifts, or even day to day activities like housework. (Source: https://lnkd.in/gwcjtQ5T) #NationalInternationalDays #Let’sTrackTheWorkHours #HealthyFoodForHealhtyLife #Let’sCookSlow #CancerAwareness #Let’sDonateTheBlood #Let’sCleanUpTheComputer #Let’sBeOrganised #Let’sBeCreative #BalancedLife #Let'sBeHappy

What did you do over New Year’s? I relaxed in Canmore with my family. My favorite kind of holiday is one filled with adventure but still RNR. We hiked on two different days and enjoyed many scenic views. People often ask me how I convince my kids to do 3 hour hikes. We’ve taken them to the mountains since they were 2 (even did 1.5-2 hour hikes then.) My favorite memories as a child include camping, swimming and hiking. How do you incorporate healthy nutrition and fitness into your family? You make it sustainable and enjoyable. Mango chicken tacos, ginger beef stirfry, bbq chicken pizza and cinnamon overnight oats, protein banana splits and blueberry pancakes are a great trickery. Cycling, swimming and nature walks are also great. Maybe your time is limited as a mom but remember you can start with small steps and work towards bigger goals. Aim for cleaning up your nutrition (stop 👀 at it as a diet—I eat so much better since bodybuilding!) and start incorporating swimming or walking (no complaints about the weather this year.) Once you have that down packed, aim for strength training 2 days a week. Maybe you hire a trainer to do an at home plan with dumbbells and resistance bands. If you can make it to the gym, great! There is an advantage to being able to use machines like leg curls, leg press, back extensions, chest flys, seated rows, shoulder press, incline press, etc. Machines are a great safe way to perform many movements and get great results. Combined with dumbbells and it keeps your program exciting! I don’t recommend cables to newbies until you’re 6 months in. Cables can be very challenging until you’ve practiced with machines/dumbbells. (Just my opinion) All you have to do is show up! Stop saying you’ll start soon. Soon never comes. Uncomfortable things leads to growth. (Trust me when I say signing up for a bodybuilding show and strutting a tiny bikini is nerve wrecking.) If you’re uncomfortable, you should probably do that thing! Maybe you struggle with self sabotage or feelings of inadequacy. You need to overcome that mindset. I recommend starting with motivation podcasts daily. You got this, I believe in you! #yeg #edmonton #weightloss #mom #personaltrainer #fitnesstrainer

Exploring the Uncharted: A Lesson Learned Through Cycling Adventures in New Orleans This is a face I’ve made a lot over the years (see picture). And for good reason more than likely! Several years ago I pedaled through the vibrant streets of New Orleans, the city unveiled its charm in ways only a bike ride could reveal. Each turn led me to new discoveries – from the historic French Quarter with its lively jazz bars to the serene beauty of City Park. But it was the moments when I ventured into lesser-known areas that taught me the most valuable lesson of all. Fueled by curiosity and a desire for adventure, I decided to explore neighborhoods off the beaten path. As I ventured away from the touristy areas, the landscape began to change. The bustling crowds gave way to streets lined with worn-down buildings, and the vibrant colors faded into shades of neglect. As I navigated through unfamiliar streets, a sense of unease crept in. I realized I had ventured into areas not ideal for exploration, to say the least. My heart raced as I became acutely aware of my surroundings and the potential danger. In that moment, I realized the importance of evaluating my choices and circumstances continuously. While curiosity and a spirit of adventure are admirable traits, they must be tempered with wisdom and caution. It's okay to push boundaries and try new things, but it's equally crucial to recognize when a situation may not be in our best interest. In life we must continually reassess our goals and priorities to ensure optimal outcomes, just as I must do in cycling adventures. Whether it's choosing a safer route or heeding the advice of locals, it's essential to make decisions that prioritize safety and well-being. I returned home safely that day, reminded that in life's journey, it's not just about the destination but the experiences and lessons learned along the way. Question in life: are we prioritizing “safety” and well-being in our careers, lifestyle, and decisions? #CyclingAdventures #NewOrleans #Exploration #LifeLessons #Adventure #SafetyFirst #Curiosity #SelfAwareness #OptimalOutcomes #Mindfulness

Ditch the Stuff, Hit the Trails: Why Experiences Beats Possessions... Alright folks, let’s get real for a sec. You know what's better than the latest, fanciest 'impulse' purchase? Actually getting out there and shredding the trails with your mates. Sure, having the newest carbon fiber frame and all the bells and whistles is great and all. But when you're out there, thigh-deep in mud, laughing your head off because Dave just face-planted into a puddle, you realize something: it's not the bike that makes the ride, it's the ride itself. Think about it. Would you rather have a house full of shiny, barely-used purchases or a memory bank full of epic trail rides, crazy stunts, and hilarious wipeouts? The stories you can tell over a beer after a long day of biking are priceless. Like that time you barely survived the black diamond trail, or when you all got lost and ended up in someone’s backyard. Those are the moments that stick with you. Possessions? They get old. They break. They need replacing. But the feeling of bombing down a forest trail with your friends, the wind in your face and the world a blur of green and brown – that’s pure gold. It’s the experiences that build camaraderie, push your limits, and give you something to laugh about for years to come. So, skip the shopping spree, grab your bike, and hit the trails. The best part of mountain biking isn't the gear – it’s the ride. And trust me, those trails are calling your name. #worklifebalance #mindfullness #timeout #wellbeing

"What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness." — John Steinbeck. As I reflect on this quote from one of my favorite authors, it brings to mind how my fitness routines adapt to the changing seasons. Each season offers unique opportunities and challenges that motivate me to find the time to train. Quite simply… I train my body so that I can still be skiing, hiking, biking, and paddling at 90 years old. In winter, my focus is on mobility and full body strength… so I can telemark ski all day long when the snow is epic. I push my body with cold plunges, consistent PT calisthenics strength training, and or weight training. Come summer, the longer days and warmer weather bring my focus back to cardio and endurance, so I can keep up with my wife on long hikes, and can paddle through the rapids of MT rivers (or get back in my boat if I flip!). My fitness goals are tied to a passion for being active, and my outdoor lifestyle. And as I get older, and I set my sights on doing these activities all my life... it changes HOW I approach my fitness (and what I consider fit). What drives you to keep moving through these seasonal shifts?  How do you adapt your focus, to the seasons?  What fuels your commitment to drag yourself to the gym after a grinding day of work, when all you really want to do is eat and face plant? How has that focus changed as you've grown older? #SeasonalFitness #HealthAndWellness #Motivation #Reflection #Adaptation

Life’s better in boardshorts! In business, we develop a bespoke, unique strategy, and capture in some catchy one phrase line, so we can all remember, and hopefully act, upon it. But in life, we just cling to an old marketing slogan, or a quote that resonates, and just run with that: When in doubt, paddle out. The best surfer’s the one having the most fun. There’s no one right way to surf a wave. Utah, get me 2! Some are helpful, some not so much, but they’re not bespoke, not unique to us and our individual lives and wants and circumstances. In life, we’re often too busy dealing with operations, to even think about our strategy, because we don’t have a strategy! We haven’t differentiated ourselves (if anything, we try to fit in), we’re not clear about the things most important to us, don’t focus our time, energy and resources upon them, and we’re trained not to actively neglect the things we care less about, the things that won’t actually make our lives better. If our lives were businesses, they’d just lurch from one drama to the next and we’d spend all our time fighting fires and burn out! Live fast and die young, and all that! And yet, we only have 1 life, 1 shot at it, Even Utah can’t get you 2! But Surfers Life Club can help you make the most of the 1 you have. Our private, bespoke Surf, Life and Business Strategy Program helps you develop a clear, Surf, Life and Business Strategy, implement it, and find more time and freedom to surf, within 90 days. The exclusive program is designed specifically for Senior Managers who surf and want to never drive away from good surf again! It’s by application only, and is proven: past clients have changed how they work, where they work, where they live, their mindsets, fears and thoughts,  and are surfing more! You can speak to them before you sign up, and even then, if you’re not satisfied, for whatever reason, within 28 days, you’ll still get your money back, guaranteed. There’s ONLY 2 starting spots still available in June (all part of my own Surf, Life and Business Strategy!),  and I’m offering 20 % off to anyone who books before the end of May.  To claim 1 of the 2 spots still available on the Surf, Life and Business Strategy Program next month Apply by typing “Get me 2” in the comments, or popping me a DM. Photo: Jess Lioterton #surfing #timefreedom #strategy #coaching