Life as we know it is full: full of people, goals, work, projects, hobbies, deadlines, leaky faucets … you name it. Knowing what’s most important to you helps you tug it into balance. It may be better said that “life balance” isn’t having it all; instead, having what you need and want most. The Life Balance Garden presenters offer practical advice and plenty of possibilities to ponder.

• Debbie Phelps: A Mother For All Seasons
  The unsinkable Debbie Phelps – who captured the hearts of the world when her son, Michael, triumphed at the Beijing Olympic Games – shares her inspirational story at BLOOM. Hers is the story is of every woman who has thrived in spite of challenges: as a single mom, she raised three exceptional children and became an award-winning educator in her community. Debbie rallies us to cheer for all of our children at every stage of their growth and in every endeavor, and provides a much-needed reminder that life doesn’t always turn out how you plan it, but sometimes turns out even better!
  
• Women and Lifelong Learning: Empowerment Through Education
  Denise Evans, M.B.A.
  Assistant Vice President, Adult & Continuing Education, Maryville University St. Louis
  Adult women of all ages are enthusiastic and successful college students: Women now earn 58 percent of all bachelor’s degrees and 60 percent of all master’s degrees. Whether you’re completing a degree or taking one class, lifelong learning is increasingly a necessity to help you cope with the rapid changes in our world today, be competitive through and beyond economic downturns, put your stamp on improving society, stay healthy, and find self-fulfillment. Explore the amazing benefits of learning beyond the traditional 18-to-21-year-old range – and the power of women!
  
• Blooming in the Second Half of Life: Reconnecting to Ourselves and our Dreams
  Tish Fontana, M.ED, LPC
  Midlife is another developmental fork in the road for women, a time when now even more women than men question who they are and where happiness lies for them. Fewer than 1% of women report that menopause is the source of their midlife turmoil – for most it’s the quest for an authentic self after years of filling many roles. Tish explores six roles in women's lives - adventurer, lover, leader, artist, gardener and seeker – and how they reveal themselves in midlife and beyond.
  
• Secrets to an Organized Family
  Claire Keeling, Sort it Out, Inc.
  Before you run to the store to purchase little white bins and storage totes, consider first Claire Keeling’s approach to organizing anything and everything: begin by understanding how you think and what’s most important to you, and knowing your end goals. From clutter and school papers to email and time management, Claire shows you how to “sort it out” from start to finish.