Writer / Kara Kavensky Photographer / Brian Brosmer
The answer to the classic question: How do you eat an elephant? Susan Van Hoosen translates her transformational journey and awakening since the passing of her late husband, Trent, into an honest and inspirational guidebook, “One Bite at a Time.” Upon the sudden loss of her husband, Susan sought strength both internally and externally. The rock at the corner of 116th and Hoosier Road, a seemingly innocuous object, became a symbol of strength for Susan. "This is my strength rock", she says. In her book, she shares how she and the rock become one, weathering the storms, surviving the seasons, broken and dented; yet still standing strong. “I looked for strength everywhere. The rock was one; my daughter was another,” shares Susan, who dedicated the book to her daughter, Sophia. “Without her prodding me to finish this book it would still be a dream without a deadline.” As her writing process began, the book took on a life of its own. Each chapter is a lesson with a supporting inspirational quote.
“I truly believe that God sends me the people that I am meant to work with, and we are all here to help one another along our life journeys,” shares Susan. Michelle Schueler is one of them. Since she met Susan, Michelle says her life has changed for the better. “Not only have I have lost weight, I have gained a very good friend,” Michelle says. “Susan inspires me to be the best person I can be physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I am motivated to be the best that I can be, whether speaking with her, or doing yoga … I am simply inspired by Susan and love her.” Susan has positively impacted other lives, as well, and with the release of this book she will have the privilege of inspiring people she has never met. “My mission is to help others live their best, healthiest, happiest, and most inspired life,” she says. The seven powerful tools she shares teach readers how to arise from being broken down to being broken open, and to be transformed as a result. “One Bite At A Time” teaches us how to thrive in our life, and not just survive. The future holds immense promise for Susan. In addition to health coaching, fitness training, corporate wellness programs, speaking and writing, she will be hosting inspirational and healthy-living workshops based on the principles shared in her book.
Chapters have titles such as, “Grief Lessons Learned,” “Making Tough Choices for the Right Reasons Always Works Out For The ‘Even Better,’” “Serving Others Serves Your Purpose,” and “Embrace the Process.” To connect with Susan for speaking engagements, workshops, coaching or training, you can find her on Facebook "Inspired At the time Susan became a widow at age 43, she had never met By Fitness," Twitter: @SusanVanHoosen, or at her website another widow close to her age. That changed recently. SusanVanHoosen.com. Her book is available on amazon.com. 42 / FISHERS MAGAZINE / FEBRUARY 2017 / atFishers.com