About A Gift of Miles

Like many couples, my husband and I struggled with infertility, something neither one of us ever imagined could happen. We were blessed with two sons only after complicated infertility treatments and miscarriages with each. That was my first mile to walk. Then our oldest son was diagnosed with extensive food allergies, another challenging mile to get through. But we did, and now I use those experiences to help others walk through challenging times.

My First Mile - Reproductive Challenges
So many couples struggle with infertility and miscarriage, but it is not openly discussed. These conversations are kept in the shadows, whispered behind closed doors. As if this journey is not difficult enough, you have to bear insensitive comments such as “Maybe God doesn't want you to be a mother,” which only adds to the emotional rollercoaster.

Friends and family can be good for support, but unless they've experienced the enormous financial commitment, gut-wrenching emotions, sleepless nights, drugs that wreak havoc on your body, negative pregnancy tests, miscarriages, setbacks and occasional arguments, it is hard for them to know what to say or how to relate to the situation. I walked that mile largely alone, but you don't have to. By coming to A Gift of Miles, you gain a compassionate listener and coping tools - whether for miscarriage counseling or support with other reproductive challenges.

My Second Mile - Child Food Allergies
Nourishing your child is one of the most basic aspects of parenting, but food allergies make what seems simple, daily meal planning, complicated. Maybe you are breastfeeding and need assistance figuring out your own diet. If your child is a picky eater, meal times can be even more draining.

Our experience with child food allergies was another emotional rollercoaster. Our oldest son was diagnosed with allergies to cow's milk, eggs, peanuts and tree nuts. This might explain why he had eczema and frequently threw up while I was breastfeeding. You can imagine our reaction as first time parents. My role as his mother is to provide him with nourishment. But with all of his vomiting, we struggled to keep him at a healthy weight. He also had a tough time transitioning to baby food and then table food and continues to be a cautious eater, not venturing far from the familiar.

Now, while eating is still a struggle, we have learned a lot along the way - from being creative cooks and proficient ingredient readers to how to keep our son healthy and safe. We continue to walk this mile.

The Everyday Miles - Stress Management
Keeping up with our daily lives can be quite the juggling act - work deadlines, relationships, and household chores. Or maybe a milestone birthday has you thinking, “This is not where I hoped my life would be by now,” but you’re not sure how to fix it.

Perhaps you are dealing with a close family member who is seriously ill, or parental loss.

As a life coach who has experienced many of the same challenges, I can help you with any of these concerns: restoring balance, refocusing on your life’s goals, managing the stress of career uncertainties, caring for aging parents or dealing parental loss in a way that is true to your values.

Kristin’s Passion
I’ve used my master’s degree, with a concentration in change management and human development, to assist organizations in transition. Additionally, I’ve trained in stress and emotional management to teach individuals how to control their stress and focus their thoughts to be more positive, allowing the mind and body to be more in balance, even while dealing with difficult situations.

My passion is to help people work through personal upheavals, as I find it very rewarding; that’s why I have chosen life coaching and A Gift of Miles rather than going back to corporate life. Let me help you walk your miles and give you the gift of mine.

To talk about your challenges and how I can help, contact me at kristin@agiftofmiles.com or 612.845.7585.