ORANGE BEACH - Books are published almost weekly, written specifically to help and motivate people as they journey through life. “Man’s Search for Meaning,” “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” “Awaken the Giant Within” and “Organizing From the Inside Out” are just a few of Amazon.com’s list of the top selling self help books.

According to Marketdata, a national research firm, the “self-improvement” market in the United States is worth more than $11 billion annually.

People are looking for purpose and direction.

On April 9 to 11, Carol Smith and Gayle Kraker, two international trainers with Life Purpose Coaching Centers, Intl will be offering a hands-on workshop for women at the Lighthouse Retreat Center in Orange Beach. The biblically based program gives deeper insights into the participants God-given design for living.

Smith and Kraker developed this specialized group coaching format that includes a four-step progression for helping participants gain awareness of their life perspectives, acknowledge what they really want, align individual mission and vision and develop a personal action plan for life.

Carol is a certified Life Purpose® coach, life plan facilitator, mentor and instructor trained by Dr. Katie Brazelton and Life Purpose Coaching Centers, International®. She is also a certified Wellness Coach® through Jim Strohecher & Bobbie Burdick of World Health.

Gayle has her B.S. in Nutrition from Mississippi State University and her master’s degree in Institutional Management from the University of Southern Mississippi. Gayle is a Certified Life Purpose Coach® and Life Plan Facilitator® through Life Purpose Coaching Centers International.

“It’s an incredible experience of life coaching condensed into a weekend at a remarkable discount to assist people during these tough economic times,” said Smith.

The cost of the course is $125 that includes five meals, interactive seminars, a customized life plan and laser coaching. Lodging is available in dorm-style rooms, onsite for an additional charge.

For additional information or to register for the course, call 209-223-3266 or 662-312-8666.