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I am Myrtle D. Russell, Creator of the small change Toolkit, a holistic strategy that pairs the Power of the Pen with the tools of Gratitude Journaling, Forgiveness, Stress-Management, Goal-Setting, & Time-Management to maximize efficiency as it relates to living a fulfilled life.

 

My Mission: To improve health outcomes by reshaping perceptions of health and what it means to be well, one small change at a time!

 

Why did I create The small change Toolkit?  Twenty-eight years ago, I came across a small daily guidebook that deeply impacted my life during a challenging period of heartbreak and loss. Each page contained a brief story of overcoming hardship and a prompt for the reader to reflect on three things they were grateful for related to the story. At first, I couldn't see the connection between loss, pain, and gratitude, but I decided to grab a pen and a notebook and create my first gratitude list. This simple act marked the beginning of the most rewarding journey I would ever take—the journey of practicing gratitude through journaling.

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One small change at a time, like a caterpillar that morphs into a butterfly, it transformed me from the inside out. Not only did it restore my confidence and build resilience, it anchored me and reshaped my perception of what it means to live a fulfilled life. I now affectionately dub myself the “small change Butterfly” and passionately seek to give rise to more butterflies!

 

I am a Wellness Coach with 30 years of experience in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention. I've educated thousands on healthy lifestyle changes, managed national programs, and authored six books. I've also provided in-home nursing care and written a popular health education column. I'm skilled in linking people to resources, problem-solving, and personal growth. I live in Tennessee with my daughter, Mia, and my son, Cameron, lives four hours away. In my free time, I enjoy crocheting with Mia, who has adapted small change principles to regain mobility post-stroke.