Speaking, Workshops, & Retreats
Below is a partial list of topics available for speaking engagements. Feel free to call and discuss your groups needs and speaking fees. If you do not see a topic that fits your group’s specific need, Merrill is happy to work with you to create a session that fits your needs.
LOVING YOUR LIFE AGAIN/LIFE COACHING WORKSHOPS
In this workshop we will look at tools, attitudes and our belief systems to create a more balanced life, reduce stress and limitations, achieve a sense of fulfillment at work and in life, and to set better measurable and attainable goals. Through accountability and truthful dialogue, we can clarify values and goals to prioritize to create big shifts in thinking and positive forward movement. I will encourage you to be as FAT as you can….Flexible, Adaptable and Teachable. How FAT are YOU?
“Did I just say that?” EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION
Don’t you ever wish your mouth had a BACKSPACE key? The old proverbs says….”Out of the Abundance of our Hearts our Mouths speak!” In this session we we look at tools to find effective ways to communicate and live with those we are in community with. We will address our conflict style and the attitude and motivations of our hearts. Before you open your mouth to speak, you must first open your heart! We need to be present and really listen, but also be able to honestly and gracefully communicate what’s on our heart as well. Be Kind, Use Your Words Well to Communicate, then Play, Work and Live Well Together.
Rising UP, Living WELL (SWEETLY BROKEN)
One of my most popular speaking topics.This session is taken from the 6-week study and can be scaled down to a one or three session presentation.
For so many of us we find that we are not living the life we dreamed or planned it would be. We are left needing more, feeling unfulfilled, empty or broken by failed relationships, wrong choices, unforgiveness, loss, struggles we wrestle with. Merrill can provide you with the steps to help you see that through God’s amazing mercy, grace and love there can be restoration, healing and joy where there once was sorrow and disappointment. So many times we get stalled or stunned by life’s messes. Merrill will challenge you to GET UP from that place where you fell and MOVE. Move forward into the abundant life God has in store for you and choose joy daily!
50 SHADES of FORGIVENESS
One of the most challenging things we all face in life is having to forgive others, or maybe even ourselves. But if we are going to live out the life God intended us to live we have to make space for his holy spirit to work in us, so that he can work through us. To begin to understand the power forgiveness has within our lives begins when we are finally brave enough to let something die, let go and step out in faith. We all have disappointments and hurts, but through God’s loving grace, if we stay open, willing and ready to receive, we can then begin to feel burden lifted and freedom forgiveness offers.
LIVING A WHOLEHEARTED LIFE
This is taken from the book by Brene’ Brown; The Gifts Of Imperfection. It’s about letting go of who you think you’re suppose to be and embracing who you are. It’s about understanding that Wholehearted Living is not a one time choice but a process that takes a lifetime to live out. It’s finding the Courage, Compassion and Connection within our lives to live well. We will explore the power of Love, Belonging, and Being Enough. This is a fun, interactive and honest workshop that allows us to look at what trips us up daily and gets in the way of us living authentically and a Wholehearted Life!
10 RULES FOR THE RIDE OF YOUR LIFE
Have you ever asked yourself, “How did I get here?” Well, who’s been driving your bus? What direction do you want to head in? Where are you going? It seems like a simple enough question, doesn’t it? But if you are always looking for someone else for the answer, it’s almost certain their answer will be different than yours. We will look at 10 basic rules to get you headed into a positive direction to create purpose, balance, meaning and passion! The goal in life is to live well, have fun, and arrive at your final destination as late as possible with a smile on your face. Enjoy the ride! (Based on the book The Energy Bus; by Jon Gordon)
CREATING A SOULFUL COMMUNITY, ENVIRONMENT AND YOU!
We have a choice in who we surround ourselves with, what our home environment is like and how we care for ourselves. We have 168 hours in a week, and everything thing we invite into our lives takes a certain amount of time, energy and love. Every Yes is a No to something else, and every No creates a space for Yes to meaning, purpose and JOY. Together let’s take a look at how we are doing at filling those 168 hours a week! Tough Choice doesn’t mean No Choice… the Choice is yours, Choose well and Live well!
HABITS OF A HEALTHY FAMILY; PARENTING WORKSHOP:
In today’s time-pressed, technology-crazy and overly scheduled world it can be challenging to find time to slow down and have meaningful moments with those we care about most. This takes effort, requires focus and a commitment to be present in the moments we are living. It also takes effort and focus to create the home life that we desire. If we are to be engaged, proactive and productive as a family, then it starts with an understanding of how to disengage from the things that distract us. The greatest needs of each family member (especially the children) are to feel Loved, Safe and Heard. In this workshop I will give you tools to create healthy expectations and a loving environment for all that live under your roof!
BE KIND WORKSHOP
This workshop is for ALL ages… It teaches us the power of BEING KIND. To have a Kind Heart, Speak Kind Words, to Think Kind Thoughts. It is especially effective with children and teens that are struggling with the powerful social media they now have to manage. It reminds us that we all are given the power of a voice, but will we use it for good or destruction? Every choice you make creates the life you live and the relationships you have. It supports the oldest golden rule of treating others the way you wish to be treated. It also reminds us to BE KIND to ourselves.
“WHO ARE ALL THESE KIDS AND WHY ARE THEY CALLING ME MOM!”
Fierce MOTHERHOOD, not for the faint at heart! Calling all moms…..It can be tough to be a parent in today’s world, and we are called to be a parent not a friend. When God gave us each child he placed all we would need inside of us to raise them. Courage, wisdom, love and grace to name a few things. We will discuss the joys, pains, ups and downs of raising children in today’s world. How do you find meaning in motherhood, earn respect and create purpose and faith in each child through their own individuality and strengths? Being a mother can be a thankless job, but through laughter and God’s grace we stay thankful and feel blessed!
IS THIS REALLY MY BIG FAT MESSY LIFE? A BEAUTIFUL MESS…
Our lives are made up of messes and miracles everyday.
Our job is to show up, love big, and use our talents, words and energy well. And in the midst of the mess keep yourself open to the miracles happening around you, because there is always a delicate balance between…joy and sorrow, holy and the ordinary moments that make up each day we live.
It is then that we can embrace our lives and say with a smile that we lived, “Messy ever after…”
In this workshop we discuss how to find meaning, balance, faith and joy through the messiness in life and live life well!
Merrill Is a mother of 5 who has found her calling in sharing her experiences from life with others. She can help you break out of your routine to live life to its fullest potential.