Just Gotta Do It

Women's Media

2006-12-01T18:59:00.000-08:00

Can you believe it is already December 1? I can't. But, I'm being reminded of winter with a major snow and ice storm that has hit here in the Midwest. I have good news to share. I will be soon writing coaching columns for Women's Media. Have you heard of them? I'll keep you posted, but feel free to check out their awesome website attached above!

What are you thankful for?

2006-11-20T19:03:00.000-08:00

I love the idea of Thanksgiving. It's a great reminder to me to always remember to be grateful. I know some people keep a daily journal. I have one..but don't always write in it every day. We all have so much to be grateful for, from our family and freinds, to the small and simple acts of kindness that are in front of us each day.

Just Gotta Do It

2006-11-04T21:35:00.000-08:00

What is Just Gotta Do It? It's my new website. I have been working with a coach for several months to really figure out what I want to do as a coach and I have decided I really want to help people who just know there is that thing they gotta do. Whether it is leave a job, end a relationship, or finally follow their dreams. I am not techno savvy, so I plan on merging this living happy and healthy blog to my new website, but for now the blog name stays the same. What's new with you? Oh, don't forget to check out the new site!

Random Acts of Kindness

2006-07-04T11:24:00.000-07:00

As we grow up sometimes I think its easy to think that good in the world is hard to find. Maybe its because we're bombarded by negative news stories or just seem to have images of a fear stricken society. But, I wanted to share a simple act of kindness that happened to me today. A simple act that restored my faith that good things are really happening all the time and maybe we just need to tell each other about them more. I was at the grocery store today and had acart full of groceries. My kids were getting restless and had already been buckled into their car seats. As I went to put one of the 3 gallons of milk we needed in the car, the plastic bag broke, throwing the jug of milk to the ground, spilling everywhere. The woman next to me said, I think they'll get you a new one. I wanted to laugh, but I couldn't believe this happened. She was about to pull away and she said, I'll go get you a new one, I'm not in a hurry today anyway. Wow! What a simple act and yet showed so much compassion. I was very grateful and it was difficult for me to accept the help, but wow did it make things easier since I had my 2 little ones with me. I hope to pay this act forward and I hope everyone reading this will do the same.

When was the last time you....?

2006-05-30T07:51:00.000-07:00

When was the last time you went away? Took a break? Had a vacation? Personally, it had been a while until this last weekend. Even though I was only away for 2 nights, I was reminded of the tremendous impact a small time away from our normal surroundings can inspire, re-energize, and uplift us. It sounds like a simple piece of advice, but it seems in today's world it is so easy to not get away. Yet, we need these breaks to survive. I'm going to make sure I don't let so much time pass between now and my next getaway. What about you?

Tough Decisions

2006-05-25T07:27:00.000-07:00

Several clients of mine have been making those tough decisions...the ones that feel so right in their own heart but they fear they may impact people around them. Even though these decisions can feel difficult, awkward, and painful, the right decision can only result from listening to your heart. Real friends will ultimately be supportive and respect you for being honest to yourself. I'd love to hear about tough decisions you made and what result you enjoyed!!!

Yes or No?

2006-05-04T07:23:00.000-07:00

How often do you say “no”? How would your life be different if you were able to say no more often? This is a difficult skill to master, and yet, without learning to say yes to ourselves, many of us are left participating in meaningless activities and time wasters. Saying “no” isn’t easy. Perhaps we don’t want to let others down, or we feel we owe it to them, or possibly we’re just trying to be nice. By practicing the art of saying no, we can begin to say yes to ourselves and create more time, feel better, and produce more results in our lives.

If you want to know the four key steps to get you started, email me for my free article this month.

What about the Dishes?

2006-05-03T09:33:00.000-07:00

My husband and I were laughing at ourselves over the dishes we chose for our wedding registry some years ago. They are a very pretty pattern and we like the colors. The problem. We're not fine china people. So why did we register for them? We were doing what everyone told us to do. You know, the advice from friends and relatives....you'll regret not having them, everyone has fine dishes, etc... Well, about 2 years ago I found the dishes we really love and love to use when we have company over. It was a powerful and simple lesson. It's been a great reminder to me when I'm making any decision to stop and see if I am really listening to my own heart.

A Very Important Website

2006-04-11T17:38:00.000-07:00

I just heard about www.standup.org today! It is an incredible movement whose mission is to help improve education in our society. We are in the middle of a crisit and whether you have children or not, whether your children go to a "good" school or not, this is important to all of us. Millions of children are dropping out and are not getting the education they need to be a productive American citizen. We all need to Stand Up! My words can't do this movement enough justice. Check out the site and get involved!

What's New For You?

2006-04-10T07:10:00.001-07:00

Spring time brings with it a sense of renewal and rejeuvanation. It's a great reminder to bring newness into our own lives. What do I mean by that? See how many ways you can bring something new into your experience. Drive a new route, change your furniture around, listen to new music, try a new activity, etc... Why? Newness not only keeps us on our toes, it stimulates our creativity, deepens our experience, and adds vitality. Try it and Share How it Goes!

What's New For You?

2006-04-10T07:10:00.000-07:00

Are You Trying to Shape Up?

2006-03-27T08:19:00.000-08:00

If you want to know my six secrets to sticking to your shape up plan then email me for my complete article and join us for the free teleclass on April 12th at 9 pm. But, I will give you one question to ponder.

1) What is your shape up plan? Are your goals realistic? Some people set unrealistic goals for themselves, like trying to lose 15 pounds a week! That is setting yourself up for failure. Take a good look at your goal. If it's too big, break it down. If it's not reasonable, change it.

Post your goals on our blog!

Lessons From Your Past

2006-03-20T12:21:00.000-08:00

One of the easiest ways to begin to uncover hidden talents, dreams, or careers, is to take a close look at your past. Think about your middle school years, your high school years and ask yourself a few questions. What did I love to do? What have I stopped doing that I'd like to try again? This will get you started to uncovering a deeper purpose.

When was the last time you laughed?

2006-03-16T09:59:00.000-08:00

Laughter and smiling for that matter have tremendous power! When was the last time you laughed hard? Laughed at yourself? What can you do to bring a little more humor into your life? Could you rent a funny movie? Share a story? Talk to your friends? Don't underestimate the power of a good laugh!

What are you believing?

2006-03-15T09:56:00.000-08:00

We believe lots of garbage about ourselves that gets in the way of our success. Try this. IFyou have a goal that you are trying to achieve, ask yourself, what do I really believe about this...ie...no mattter what happens, I never give up. I don't care what other people think, I'm focused on my goals. Get the idea? Read this belief everyday. Put it up where you can see it, and remind yourself of it when you are faced with your biggest challenges.

Question of the Week

2006-03-13T06:37:00.000-08:00

Here is a question to ponder for the week:

Am I living my life in line with my values?

To get the most out of this exercise, begin by writing down your top five values, then ponder away.

Frustration and unhappiness in our lives so often occurs from not living in line with what we truly value.

Those Nasty Beliefs

2006-03-06T07:48:00.000-08:00

Beliefs are our biggest roadblocks between us and whatever it is we want to accomplish. The bottom line, a belief is not fact or truth, it is only a belief. To begin knocking down the I can't do its, the it's impossible, etc..we need to take a closer look at what beliefts are getting in our way. Write down the top 10 that stare you in the face on a regular basis.

Self Quiz

2006-03-03T07:44:00.000-08:00

What's Your Answer to These Questions?

1) Do you hate your job?

2) Do you want to change jobs but feel stuck?

3) Do you ever say, "I want to do something else, I'm just not sure what?"

4) Do you have an unfulfilled dream?

5) Do you want to live a life of purpose and happiness?

If you answered yes to 2 or more of these questions, it's time to take a deeper look at your life. Want to know more? Visit the http://www.livinghappyandhealthy.com website

Expand Your Horizons

2006-02-28T20:00:00.000-08:00

I'm amazed at how easily we put ourselves into boxes and neglect to see the big picture or another way of viewing things. Try to challenge yourself each day to look at your life and situations with a different pair of glasses. A few ways to do this? Drive a different route to and from work, draw, meditate, listen to a new song, do one thing that scares you.

What is Cluttering Your Mind?

2006-02-27T19:58:00.000-08:00

Clutter......How does it creep on us? If clutter is taking over your life, and you'd like a few simple strategies you can do to get things under control, send me an email and I'll email you March's Article about Controlling the Clutter!

Improve Your Time at Work

2006-02-24T07:14:00.000-08:00

How satisfied are you with your day at work? One way to figure out how to improve your work day is to take a global look at your environment. Here are a few areas to assess on a scale of 1-10. How would you rate:
Task Completion
Relationships with Co-Workers
Time Management
Orgnization
Team Participation
Job Performance

Now you're ready to take a look at one are where you'd like to improve. Start slowly and build on your success!

Don't Give Up

2006-02-22T07:18:00.000-08:00

I heard a great piece of advice from a personal trainer. Basically it boils down to this. When we start to workout or are trying to see results. So often we want to see immediate results overnight. It usually doesn't work that way. No matter how frustrating it can get, be patient, be consisten, and don't give up on yourself. If you're putting the time and effort into your workout routine you will begin to see results! If you're feeling really stuck, talk to a professional!

What Inspires You?

2006-02-21T07:46:00.000-08:00

There are 2 parts of this very important theme for today. After you've thought about what inspires you, look around and ask yourself if your surroundings, specifically in your home, mirror that inspiration. Our surroundings have a huge impact on the way we think and feel. If you see an area that seems to be a mismatch,ask yourself what is one thing I could do to make this room align more closely with what inspires me?

Free Stress Workshop

2006-02-20T07:38:00.000-08:00

From the comfort of your own home, come to a stress workshop via teleconference on Monday February 27 at 9pm Central. For more information go to www.livinghappyandhealthy.com to register!

Where is the fun?

2006-02-17T07:32:00.000-08:00

Many people I've talked to lately have expressed the comment that fun and play is missing from their life. Mine included! What is wrong with us? When we are playing and being creative that opens up an important side of us that is able to solve problems better and feel better. So, here's the challenge of the day. How can you add more fun and play into your life? Even if it's in 10 minute increments. If you are already playing alot in your life, then please share your ideas and thoughts!!

Home Deco Help

2006-02-15T11:42:00.000-08:00

Are you looking for some new home decorating ideas? Maybe you want to add a little color or landscape your back or front yard? I had a friend tell me about Better Home and Gardens online www.bhg.com. If you sign up for free, they will give you access to some amazing design plans. I've especilly loved looking at the landscaping ideas. Not only does it give you pictures, but the types of plants and trees you need by region! Have fun with it.

Free Workshop in St. Louis

2006-02-14T09:45:00.000-08:00

Did you know the Working Women's Survival Show is coming to St. Louis? There is a small fee to enter, but then there are 100s of exhibits and many workshops and presentations. I will be there this Friday presenting a workshop about Adding more time to your day. Then, if you are ready to create the life you want and reset your New Years Resolutions, join me on Saturday for another workshop. Find out more at www.wwssonline.com.

You Can Make A Big Difference!!

2006-02-13T08:41:00.000-08:00

Reaching out to others, making a difference in the lives of others, and volunteering, take us out of ourselves and into the community. This outreach has been shown to not only dramatically improve the lives of it's benefactors, but also of the giver. Part of living happy and healthy may include giving to others.

I heard about an incredible opportunity for all of us to dramatically help the lives of others! Have you heard of the blessing basket project? This non-profit organization is dedicated to providing resources to the world's poorest nations. This ia an amazing opportunity for you to touch the lives of others and helpf end povery and desperation.

Purchase a basket, share this website, and encourage store owners you know to carry these beautiful pieces of art.

www.blessingbasket.org

What do Coaches Do?

2006-02-07T10:28:00.000-08:00

This is a great article about what coaches do to help people in business found in Entrepeneur magazine. The link is listed above. I will say that some coaches don't offer business advice. Sometimes that can cross the line of being more of a consultant, but it depends on what you want from your coach and what they can provide. The article mentioned a great resource which is the governing body of coaches website www.coachfederation.org. Here you can read more about coaches and look for one to work with. If you are looking for a coach in my town of St. Louis, MO you can visit www.stlcoaches.org to find out more!

Question of the Week

2006-02-06T06:28:00.000-08:00

I challenge you to keep an open mind about this next question. It's answer could have provide you with new opportunities. What would you do differently if you didn't worry about what other people think? You may think, I don't worry about that, really? Honestly, I think it is a challenge for all of us. I'm not saying we shouldn't be respectful or empathic towards others. I am saying we should try to push ourselves to grow in new directions that may have been limited by self imposed limitations.

Too Much Stress!

2006-01-31T13:51:00.000-08:00

Are you feeeling stressed out? Are you tired of feeling like you can't keep up? Do you want to learn some new ways that you can immediately and effectively begin to reduce stress in your life? I'm offering a FREE coaching teleclass on Monday Feb 6th, 9 pm central time in honor of International Coaching Week. I'd love to have you join us. Just email me to register for the class!

Feel free to share this announcement with anyone you think would be interested!

One unforgettable day

2006-01-30T05:59:00.000-08:00

In Debbie Ford's new book, The Best Year of Your Life, she encourages readers to create one unforgettable day a month. This does not need to be an elaborate trip. It can simply be a special or unique activity that you know will leave a precious mark in your memory. I love the idea of this and the challenge of it! So far I'm two for two, December and January. What are you going to do to create an unforgettable day?

Connections

2006-01-26T10:35:00.000-08:00

How connected do you feel in your relationship with your significant other? Your children? In preparation for a workshop I'm giving on connections this weekend, I discovered the number 1 barrier to us not connecting with others, is ourselves. Some of you may completely disagree with me on this, but think about it. If we aren't feeling connected to ourselves and cared for, how can we expect to do the same with any other person. If you are feeling a loss of connection with others, check in with you and see what is revealed.

If you'd like to take the self-connection quiz, email me.

Help! My Job is Draining Me

2006-01-25T11:42:00.000-08:00

I'm giving you a glimpse at the title of February's monthly article. If you'd like to know more, email me. One of the sources of job drain that I didn't address in the article is from being in the wrong job. How do you know if you're in the wrong job? Do you feel excited and motived to be in your current job? Do you dread going to work every day? Try to figure out the source of your job drain. It can be very scary thinking about changing jobs, but sometimes that can be in our best interest. If you feel stuck and you're not sure where to go, this is the perfect time to talk to a life coach to help you truly figure out what you want to do with your life, at least for the moment.

What's Your New View

2006-01-23T08:59:00.000-08:00

It's easy to feel stuck this time of year. It's cold, at least for most of us. Winter seems to be dragging on and it's easy to feel stuck in a rut! The hype of our Resolutions has probably worn off. So, take a minute and reassess your priorities. What is really important to you? Are you making those things important in your everyday activities? Instead of asking yourself how did I fail this time or something along those lines try changing the question. Ask yourself, What can I learn from this?

Do You Want to Change Your Life?

2006-01-18T09:02:00.000-08:00

I'm excited to announce that I'm offering my special program 7 Secrets to Living Happy and Healthy in a group format! This group is starting soon...Tuesday Jan 31st 12-1 pm or Wednesday Feb. 1st 8-9 pm. If you mention this blog or enroll before the 21st, the group cost is only $80 instead of 100 for 4 sessions!! Please visit www.livinghappyandhealthy.com to find out more. Or, contact me directly at carrie@livinghappyandhealthy.com.

Making Marriages Work!

2006-01-18T06:28:00.000-08:00

Did you know that over 1/2 of marriages end in divorce? With 46% of those divorces occuring in the first 5 years or marriage?

The Today Show featured a professor from the University of Rochester who is completing a study with 800 married couples to study what makes relationships work.

They had some important tips and information.

1) Communication is key. It's important to make the time and effort to talk to each other. This includes willing to be vulnerable. It also is very important for each person to feel understood. Couples will argue...about money, sex, and many other things. What they argue about is not as important as how it is handled and how they communicate!

2) Give more than you take. Dr. Gail talked about making sure you are giving more than you are getting in your relationship.

3) Show more affection to each other.

4)Don't let the new roles in your relationship and as parents override the fun and joy you experienced in the beginning of your relationship.

5) Bottom Line: Be Kind to each other!

The results of this 5 year study are sure to shed more light on making marriages work.

Moving Forward!

2006-01-17T06:05:00.000-08:00

One of the biggest barriers between ourselves and success are our own limiting beliefs. Here a few powerful questions to help you begin to challenge your own thinking.

1) What would you do if you weren't afraid?

2) What would you do if you could not fail?

In these answers there is a wealth of information you can use to battle your own thoughts!

Thanks Jay Leno!

2006-01-12T11:08:00.000-08:00

If you saw Jay Leno last night, you'd know that he had fun poking at us life coaches. He made a joke about why would anyone need to use us...we used to have them, they were called friends!

Funny, but really coaches are more than just friends! Coaches keep their clients accountable. Coaches help their clients move forward and keep their momentum going. They help successful people get where they want to go faster than if they were just trying to do it on their own.

I just had to say my peace. Feel free to check out www.coachfederation.org for more info about coaches!

Super Foods

2006-01-10T17:04:00.000-08:00

Have you heard of the new book called Super Foods by Dr. Steven Pratt? It was featured on a re-run of www.oprah.com today. It's worth checking out what some of the best foods are for you to eat. Dr. Pratt reminded us of the simple things like avoiding trans fats (any where you see hydrogenated in the food label), increasing fruits and veggies, and whole grains. Some of the favorite foods he mentioned...spinach, blueberries, any berries, and nuts. He stressed the importance of eating a whole rainbow of colorful foods.

Changing For Good

2006-01-09T07:32:00.000-08:00

Are you committed to changing your life in 2006? If you are serious, check out James Prochaska's book, Changing For Good. Prochaska and his colleagies outline 6 steps to change. After researching this issue, they believe individuals must understand what stage they are in to be able to move forward and make change permanent. If you're interested in the 6 stages and a quick self quiz, email me for more!

Kick the Soda Habit!

2006-01-05T07:25:00.000-08:00

The Today Show is doing a special series this week about kicking bad habits. Did you know that if you are a regular soda drinker and you eliminate 1 20 ounce soda a day for 1 year, you could lose over 22 pounds of fat in one year? Check out the link above to find out more about how to overcome the soda addiction and why drinking soda is not good for you. This isn't so much an addiction for me, but I am looking forward to their article about kicking the sweet tooth habit!

Credit Card Hikes

2006-01-04T09:06:00.000-08:00

Have you heard the latest on the credit card payment hikes? New laws in 2006 now allow credit card companies to increase the minimum amounts you pay. In some cases, they plan to double people's minimums. For people who are just living paycheck to paycheck or who have larger balances, this could be very difficult to swallow. If you want more information on this topic, read the following article.

http://moneycentral.msn.com/content/Banking/creditcardsmarts/P117014.asp

Support Yourself

2006-01-03T10:22:00.000-08:00

Think about supporting yourself in two ways!

1) Identify people in your life who can be of help or support to you in making your goal. not only by telling about them will your goal become more of a reality, but if you pick your friends carefully they can provide much needed support.

2) Don't forget to reward yourself! As adults we often overlook this key piece. Pick a few small rewards you can give yourself for achieving your goal!

Two More Tips

2006-01-02T10:17:00.000-08:00

The next thing to consider for yourself.....

Have you had this goal or resolution before?

What roadblocks did you encounter?

What are some of the physical challenges associated with your success?

What are some of your beliefs that may limit your progress?

After you answer these questions, come up with some ideas to handle these roadblocks.

More Resolution Tips!

2006-01-01T10:12:00.000-08:00

Tip #1 Now that you have a goal in mind, make sure that it has personal meaning to you. Why do you want to achieve this Resolution? If you don't have a strong why, any goal is not going to stay around for very long!

Tip #2 Is your goal realistic and measurable? So often we set off to achieve grand goals without putting things into a realistic perspective. Can you really lose 20 pounds in month safely? You also need to take a look at how you will measure your success.

Come back more this week for more ideas to make your resolutions a real success!

If you're not into resolutions

2005-12-30T07:33:00.000-08:00

Some people I know are tired of thinking about resolutions because they never seem to stay around very long. If you aren't that into them, perhaps you may still want to reflect on your year and what the future holds. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

What did you love about last year?
How is 2006 going to be better than any other?
What have you wanted to do, but haven't done it yet?

Enjoy the Journey and feel free to post any other questions, comments, or ideas!!

Tune In for the Tips

2005-12-29T14:26:00.000-08:00

If you want to hear a radio interview I did about the 7 steps to Making Your Resolutions Stick this year, you can tune in via the internet. Approximately 8:15 AM central time, go to www.ckom.com, on Friday January 30th. If you miss the interview and are still interested in the tips, email me for a free article!

Resolutions 101

2005-12-28T08:50:00.000-08:00

Each year millions of us set resolutions only to watch them fade into nothing. If you are serious about making your resolutions stick this year, read on. I'm going to post a few ideas over the week to get people started. Feel free to contribute any ideas you have.

Tip #1 Start small! Pick one thing that you really want to change or that you want for yourself! Write it down and read on later this week!

The Great Balancing Act

2005-12-19T21:03:00.000-08:00

With the Holiday Season in full swing it is very easy to get overwhelmed. Pick one thing that you know will restore sanity to your life and help you feel less stressed and more balanced. Now, decide when you can incorporate that one activity into your schedule this week and make sure that it happens!!

A Must Read Safety Tip

2005-12-14T06:39:00.000-08:00

Did you know that you should never recline your passenger seat when driving? I met Vicki, the mother of Jamie who was killed when riding in a reclining passenger seat. It was a tragic accident that could've been prevented.

Please visit the website above and read more about this safety information and share it with everyone you know! They have also started a non-profit organization where you can get a FREE copy of a safety DVD. Make sure you Sit Up and Buckle Tight!!!

Celebrate You

2005-12-13T21:04:00.000-08:00

I was reminded today of the importance of celebrating. This can be in the most simplest of terms. So often as adults we don't want to take time to acknowledge ourselves for the accomplishments we've made. What have you done this week, this month to celebrate? Have you overcome a challenge? Juggled a busy life? Reached one of your personal or professional goals? Decide how you are going to celebrate. Don't just give yourself a pat on the back. Do something and if you feel inspired, let us know how it goes!

Hectic Holidays

2005-12-12T21:38:00.000-08:00

Don't let holiday stress get the best of you. For starters, take a deep breath. Then, look at your holiday to-do list. What do you really need to get done this week? Do you have enough time to do it? Do you have time to keep up with your workout routine and other ways you stay less stressed?

It's easy to get carried away by all of the busy-ness of the season, but try to drink a eggnog, look at the lights, and enjoy the delight in the children's eyes.

How Do You Rate Your Relationships?

2005-12-08T11:27:00.000-08:00

Relationships: They are the core to our very existence. They connect us to the world and enrich our lives. At the same time, it sometimes feels impossible to make them all work because of the pressures in our lives, time committments, and differences.

Think about the relationships in your life. Who are the important people? Friends or Family? Jot down the names or categories of people (ie..co-workers, spouse, children, parents). Now, On a scale of 1-5 how satisfied are you with the quality of each of those relationships? How satisfied are you with the amount of time you spend with that person?

Do you want to make a change? Start simple. Pick one person or area you'd like to make an improvement in and decide to act on one thing that will begin to make this relationship stronger.

Feel free to post results here!

Making a Difference

2005-12-06T20:40:00.000-08:00

The inspiration for today:

How can you make a difference in the life of another person?

Want to share what you did?

Balance Your Life

2005-12-05T14:04:00.000-08:00

Does your life feel like you need more balance? I know I could use it!! Ask yourself this: When I'm feeling out of balance, what is the one thing that brings me back to my center? This answer will be so different for every person that answers it. Then, simply ask yourself, how can I incorporate a little more if this into my week.

On the opposite side, you may also need to take a look at what is the one thing that is either draining you or making you feel out of balance.

Start there, and let us know how it goes!

Job Stress Part 2

2005-12-02T14:01:00.000-08:00

If you're job is stressing you out, read on. The first thing you need to do is take a look at your life and assess how well you are taking care of yourself. If your life is out of balance or you feel out of sorts, most likely your job is going to be stressing you out as well. The solution. Pick one thing you can do this week to alleviate the personal stress in your life. Then, it's time to take a look at your life at work.

If you'd like more tips on this area, please send me an email and I'll send you my latest article about this topic!

Please, feel free to share what other ideas have helped you!

Create Happier Family Moments

2005-12-01T19:40:00.000-08:00

With the holiday season here, it gives most of us wonderful opportunities to spend more time with family. As much as we look forward to this occasion, it also can cause stress. Whether you want to spend more quality time with your children or visit with relatives from out of town, all of us desire to make the most of the time we spend with family. By using these simple ideas, family moments can be happier by reducing stress and other obstacles that interfere with our family time.

1) Make Sure You’re Full
Have you ever paid attention to the speech given by the attendants on an airplane? In case of emergency, put the oxygen mask on who first? You or your child? You. The message here: Take care of yourself first and make sure you are breathing so you will then be able to care for your child. The lesson applies to creating happier family moments. To improve moments you need to make sure your energy tank is full and that you are taking care of yourself.

If you want the rest of the ideas, please email me and I'll send you the rest of this article. What things have helped you create happier family moments?

Inspiration for Today

2005-11-29T12:06:00.000-08:00

Since we cannot change reality, let us change the eyes which see reality.

-Nikos Kazantzakis

Start off the Week Right!

2005-11-28T12:00:00.000-08:00

Add more time to your life by identifying your priorities! What is really important to you? What do you want to accomplish this week at home and at work? Take 5 minutes each day to write down the 3 most important things for you to get done. Then, stay committed to these and don't let other distractions keep you from honoring your priorities.

Is Your Job Stressing You Out?

2005-11-25T11:57:00.000-08:00

If you answered yes, read on. The first step to solve this problem is to stop and find some simple ways to take care of yourself. Usually when we feel stress, self care is the first thing to go. How much time do you have? 5 minutes? 30 minutes? An hour? What can you do for yourself that will bring enjoyment and relaxation into your life?

For more ideas on this subject, email me and I'll send you more steps to help eliminate stress from your job!

Happy Thanksgiving

2005-11-24T11:54:00.000-08:00

Besides just sitting down to give thanks today, make sure that the people you love and care about know how much you are grateful for them in your life!

Keeping Fit During the Holidays

2005-11-23T11:50:00.000-08:00

What are the 2 main problems with eating during the holidays? 1) We tend to over eat. 2) We cut back on our exercise. The solution. 1) Set limits for yourself at holiday parties. Give yourself a pep talk and decide how many appetizers or desserts you will allow yourself. Drink water inbetween each of your other drinks to stay full and hydrated. 2) Keep exercising. Look at your calendar at the beginning of the week and decide when you can fit in your normal workout. If you need to cut back a little bit, try to push yourself a little harder when you are exercising.

If you want more tips, email me and I'll send you a copy of my staying fit article!

Good Luck and please share what other ideas have helped you.

Creating Abundance part 2

2005-11-22T11:42:00.000-08:00

One simple way to bring gratitude into your life is by reaching out to others. Do you volunteer your time? If not, try going to www.volunteer.com if you'd like get started. Or, if you just want to keep it simple, reach out to a friend, neighbor, or family member who could use a little boost. I know I forget sometimes how powerful the act of giving impacts my life.

How do you like to reach out?

Great Healthy Eating Resource

2005-11-21T08:20:00.000-08:00

For those of you without kids, visit www.kashi.com for some healthy eating tips and links to other great websites.

For those of you with kids, there is a wonderful free resource out there. Look in Parent Magazines or on the box of Kashi's Mighty Bites cereal for a free book offer or just try emailing Kashi directly. The book is called Brain Foods for Kids, Over a 100 receipes to boost your child's intelligence, by Nicola Graimes. It is available to purchase, but hopefully you can also send in for it. The book publisher also has a website www.bantamdell.com.

Pure Joy

2005-11-18T08:31:00.000-08:00

My husband was commenting on children and I wanted to share the ideas we were talking about. Picture a young child you know. Imagine what it would be like to experience and feel the pure joy that is expressed by a young child. Children are in essence the finest examples of living in the moment. They have no worry of the future, no concern of the past. What would your life be like if you lived it this way? How would it be different? How can you bring that pure joy into your life more?

Please share!

Six Tips to Curb Holiday Eating

2005-11-16T04:54:00.000-08:00

It can be very easy to get off track of healthy eating habits during the holidays. Extra calories quickly pile up with the tempting desserts, appetizers, and holiday meals. Here are a few tips to help you.

1) If you are going to a party, eat a small snack or meal ahead of time to avoid binging.

2) Drink a decent amount of water before going and at the party. This helps keep you full and digest your food.

3) Decide ahead of time how many desserts you are going to have and stick to that number.

4) Try to put everything on your plate instead of grazing, so you can see exactly what you are eating.

5) Fill up on fruits and veggies. You can eat as many of these as you want without adding extra calories.

6) Try to enjoy yourself, without being obsessed over the food.

So, what tips do you use during the holidays?

Creating Abundance part 1

2005-11-15T09:22:00.000-08:00

With thanksgiving approaching, I've been thinking more about the idea of noticing, appreciating, and creating abundance in my life.

To begin with, I've reminded myself of how easy it is to forget to focus on the good in our lives and everything we have to be grateful for!

Then, I was reminded of the book Simple Abundance by Sarah Ban Breathnach. In her book, you can take a daily with her and the tools she has to offer. Looking at her book today, I found this to share:

"You need enough breathing space to allow your heart to ponder what is precious"

I'd love to hear your ideas and thoughts about abundance!

Save Time & Money this Holiday

2005-11-14T07:17:00.000-08:00

Saving time is key during the holidays. If you are interested in online shopping, or just want to find some good bargains this year, I thought I would share a few websites I recently heard about.

www.nextag.com (Comparison Shopping)
www.froogle.com (Comparison Shopping, in a google format)
www.cairo.com (Enter your zip code to find the best price near you. You can also look at weekly ads from local shops)
www.savester.com (Find coupons for your favorite items)

What are your holiday money and time saving tips?

Help My Job is Draining Me

2005-11-11T05:09:00.000-08:00

If you find yourself in a situation where you feel like your work is draining you, there is help!

For starters, try to identify the aspects of your job that energize you and those that drain you.

Next, figure out what part of the problem you have control over and pick 2 things that you can do to make a change.

Make a commitment to do this, by telling a friend or writing it down.

Check back in with yourself in a week. If things haven't improved much, seek support from others, considering a professional.

Have you overcome this challenge before? What are your tips?

What Have You Done Today?

2005-11-10T14:55:00.000-08:00

I overheard the end of the Oprah today and I really liked her new challenge to people. So, here it is. What have you done today? What she means is how have you helped someone or brightened the life of another person? She asked the viewers to keep a diary of this each day. Can you imagine the powerful impact this can have if we are more focused on our giving than our getting! Thanks Oprah!

So, What have you done today?

3 Reasons You Should Work Out

2005-11-09T06:16:00.000-08:00

Why exercise? Very simply. It keeps us healthy, it gives us energy, and reduces stress. That being said, do you want some new ideas?

Check out the link above to prevention.com and go to the fitness section. They share a wealth of information about different types of exercise, what it does for you, and where you can find out more.

Consider a few things: 1) I'm not a personal trainer, but I do know that it is important to have 3 compoments of your fitness routine. The cardiovascular, the muscle building, and the flexibility. For example, (running, lifting weights, yoga).

2)Women tend to shy away from the muscle building part, but don't be afraid. You can even have small weights at home to get yourself started. Please share your ideas and resources for other women. It's important to exercise, even when we are busy because it gives us energy, keeps us healthy, and reduces stress!

3) One more idea...try to make working out fun. Find a buddy or engage in a new activity that sounds exciting to you.

Please share your ideas!

Step out and Pay it Forward

2005-11-08T20:08:00.000-08:00

Stepping out of the box allows us to get out of feeling stuck and down about ourself. When we're needing a little uplift in our lives, one way to feel better is to reach out to others and do something for them. So, today ask yourself what can you do to better someone else's life? Have you heard of the concept of "pay it forward"? You can find out more at www.payitforward.com. Another idea, find out how you can become an active volunteer in your community. Check out the link above!

Where's the Exercise?

2005-11-07T21:11:00.000-08:00

One of the best ways to stay centered is to make sure you are adding a little exercise to your life. There are lots of excuses why not to...no time, it's boring, I'm not athletic. Well, here's a few ideas to help you get started.

1)If you feel like you have no time, then try to look at your schedule for the week and write in 3 times you can exercise. Also, add extra walking into your day by parking further away, walking up steps, etc...

2)Bored? Try a new activity. Check out your local YMCA or community college, or just partner up with a friend for a different activity.

3)You don't need to be athletic to walk or do most exercises. Just try something I guarantee you'll feel better.

And, of course, I'd love to hear your ideas!

3 Steps to Lessen Stressful Holiday Spending

2005-11-04T06:37:00.000-08:00

Don't let holiday spending stress you out! Here are a few ideas to get you on the right path!

1) Be realistic: Decide who you want to shop for and what they really need or like. What is going to be meaningful to them?

2) Set up a budget: Decide how much you want to spend and then look at your list of who you'd like to buy gifts for this year.

3)Get Creative! How can you add a personal twist on gift giving this year? What are your talents and how can you utlilize them during the holidays? Can you offer free babysitting to your sister? Are you an artist? Maybe you could make something instead of buying gifts.

What has worked for you?

Relationships Matter

2005-11-03T05:15:00.000-08:00

Take a minute to inventory the important relationships in your life. How are you doing as a parent, mother, significant other, sister, brother, etc....What things are going well in your relationships? What would you like to improve? Do you want to spend more time with a certain person? Have more meaningful conversations? Decide which one person you'd like to improve the quality of your relationship with and start today!

The First 3 Steps to Get What You Want

2005-11-02T06:10:00.000-08:00

So often we think we know how to get what we want, but I'll share three secrets to the process that are often overlooked.

1) For starters, we need to get clear about what we really want. Decide what you want your life to be or the outcome you want to achieve.

2) Once we are clear, establish why you want to achieve this particular goal. Without a strong why, it is difficult to keep your momentum going.

3) Write out a descriptive vision about what it is you want to achieve and how the rest of your life looks. Read your vision every day and provide as much detail as possible.

These are only the beginning to achieving your goals. What other steps have helped you?

Choices

2005-11-01T07:29:00.000-08:00

I stumbled across Debbie Ford's book, The Right Questions. In this simple, yet profound book, she reminds us of the power of our choices. She outlines 10 questions to guide people to a "extraordinary life" One question that I'd like to share with you is this.

Am I looking for what's right or Am I looking for what's wrong?

Workout Challenge

2005-10-31T07:26:00.000-08:00

How much do you workout? How much do you want to workout?

Even if you're someone that doesn't like to break a sweat, there are activities out there that can keep you fit.

Here are a few ideas to get started.

1) Pick activities you enjoy!
2)Find a friend who also likes to workout
3) Try to balance activites between aerobic and weights
4)Answer the 2 questions at the top for yourself and design a plan for success

What advice do you have to share?

Question for the Week

2005-10-30T04:36:00.000-08:00

Each week I will be posting a question for people to ponder. This week's question is:

What are some fo the biggest risks you have taken in the last 10 years? How do they compare with the risks you remember as a child?

This question came from the book "Driving with the Top Down" by Janice Kelley

Need Extra Energy?

2005-10-27T07:03:00.000-07:00

Sometimes a feeling of low energy can zap us of any desire to get projects done. There are a few simple things you can do to add a little liveliness to your day.

1) Take a look at what time of day you work best. Are you a morning person or an evening person? Capitalize on your best work times.
2) Don’t forget to eat breakfast. “Eating breakfast of any kind prevent(s) many of the adverse effects of fasting," such as irritability and fatigue, according to Bonnie Spring, Ph.D. , University of Health Sciences/Chicago Medical School.
3) Add a little exercise to your day. If you aren’t one to exercise for 20-30 minutes a day, getting up to stretch or simply adding a 10-15 minute walk during your day may give you that boost you need.
4) Don’t forget to drink more water. Many studies have shown that simply being dehydrated can cause tiredness and dull critical thinking abilities (www.clevelandclinic.org).

What strategies do you use to add more energy to your day?

Movin Music

2005-10-25T10:07:00.000-07:00

What Music Moves You?

I was just thinking about the power of music. I know I take it for granted. But, music is everywhere and it has a dramatic impact on all of our lives. Whether we're listening to a dreamy ballad, a pick me up like U2's "Beatiful Day", a song from the heart by Faith Hill, a rock tune by Sammy Haggar, or Beethoven's 5th. Music moves us. Don't forget to include it in your life!

What has music done for you? What are some of your favorite tunes?

Lessons from Lombardi

2005-10-24T19:48:00.000-07:00

I was reading a book and stumbled across a quote by Vince Lombardi. "Confidence is contagious. So is lack of confidence". The authors of this book were not football fanatics, they were trying to make a point about what we experience in our life. If we feel confident, then we will attract confident people in our lives. If we expect good, we will see and attract goodness. It was a great reminder to me to check where I have my eyes and head set on a daily basis!

I learned that if I feel like I'm missing something in my life, maybe I need to focus more on the abundance and take a look at how I'm viewing my life.

What's your take on it?

Why Use a Coach?

2005-10-23T13:45:00.000-07:00

Why Use a Coach: Three Reasons Why It Can Benefit Your Life

Athletes have used coaches to enhance their physical performances. Business executives have used coaches since the 1980s. Nowadays life coaching is for every day people. So, what can it do for you? Is your every day life filled with new opportunities? Uncertainty? Stress? Decisions to be made? Unlived dreams? Whatever your profession or situation, life coaching will help you make changes in your life, follow through on your plans, and live out your dreams.

1) You Want to Live Out Your Dreams:
Have you ever woke up feeling like what’s my purpose in life? What has happened to my dreams? I always wanted to try this or succeed at that. Meet Robert. He seemed to have it all. He had a high paying job, but he felt like something was missing. Somewhere along the road to “success” he seemed to lose sight of what made him happy.
To begin with, he and his coach addressed many components of his life including the financial, physical, social, and family elements. Robert was amazed at the difference the coach made in his life by simply being completely curious and supportive of his dreams and aspirations. He began to figure out how to bring happiness back into his life. He started doing things he had always wanted to do like travel and get a motorcycle. Just as important, Robert found a way to truly balance and align his life with his values and vision.

2) You Want to Stick to Your Plan:
Don’t we all have difficulty sticking to our plans? The “weight loss plan”, the “my life is going to be healthier plan”, my “business will improve plan”, and on and on. When Amanda first met me she had tried to start 3 companies. Something always seemed to get in her way, whether it was time, family commitments, excuses, and self doubt.
Amanda found by working with a life coach that it was like having a secret business partner and support in the wings. She found that the coaching relationship was a unique experience, different than anything she had done before. The coach helped her stay on course, kept her momentum going, and made her accountable. She was able to focus on her goals and agenda, not anyone else’s. Through working with a coach, Amanda began to see the traps and pitfalls that made her feel limited and begin eliminating them from her life. She added success into her life and started her first company within four months of beginning coaching.

3) You Want a Change In Your Life
Whatever reason people go to a life coach, the bottom line is, they want a change. Change can be wonderful and exciting, but it can also be scary and hard to commit to. Jennifer was a high powered business executive who worked 80 hours a week. She traveled often and was responsible for an extensive training program. Part of her desired something different. But, she felt stuck. She liked what she did, but she also thought needed to make some changes in her life. She was confused and fearful.
When we first met she was skeptical about “life coaching” but thought it would be worth a try. Jennifer found the coaching process to be extremely beneficial during this difficult time. Through the coaching relationship, she was able to identify and articulate a clear plan about what changes needed to be made in her life. She also was able to break free of self limiting internal conversations. Not only did Jennifer make more time for herself, make new priorities, and explore new interests, she found a way to live a happier and more satisfying life.

Wherever you are in your life, if you are looking for a way to help yourself leap into the future, coaching is a great tool. The coaching process is action oriented and helps people move from where they are now to where they want to be. By using a life coach, you will truly end up moving forward and living a life happy and fulfilled.

If you're interested in finding out more about the world of coaching, visit the international coach federation website at www.coachfederation.org

Everyone Needs a Why

2005-10-20T10:21:00.000-07:00

Are you trying to reach a personal goal? Make a Change?

Step One: Identify your why!! Without a big enough why and one that has personal meaning to us, we will not be able to truly move forward and take action. It may sound trivial, but I'll share a personal example.

I could not fit into a dress I needed to wear in wedding. My desire to lose weight now become of greater importance....to fit into this dress. Having a strong why, helped me stay on track and motivated to workout, eat better, and yes, fit into the dress!

Whatever you are trying to do, start a business, invent something, improve yourself, or climb a mountain, a great place to start is by asking yourself...

What is my Why?

Never Give Up

2005-10-18T21:10:00.000-07:00

Whether you are a baseball fan or not, you can't help but stand in awe of the amazing work of the St. Louis Cardinals Monday night. (For the full story visit www.ksdk.com and go to the sports page). In any case, the Houston Astros were convinced that they were advancing to the World Series. It was the 9th inning, 2 outs, and 2 strikes. One more strike, to win. Then, David Eckstein from the Cards made a base hit! They were alive. Jim Edmonds steps up to the plate and is walked. On deck, Albert Pujols. Keep in mind, all the Astros need is one out to advance. Pujols hits the ball out of the park to win the game!!! Think about the magnitude of this moment. How many fans had already made up their mind that the Cardinals lost and the Astros won? My own mother had turned off the game. But, there is a great lesson here, that I am excited to think about in regards to my own life. Never Giving Up!!! Have you had one of these moments before?

A Ripple Effect

2005-10-16T19:56:00.000-07:00

I just returned from the most amazing wedding event that I had the honor of participating in. The reason I'm sharing this is because it was such an example of good in the world. Nowadays with the bombardment of so many negatives in the media, it seemed right to share.
These two friends of mine wanted community, soul, and freedom to be qualities expressed at their wedding weekend. Through their life example and the process of uniting their communities they showed us what love really means! People reached out to one another during the weekend and the reception in a way I hadn't seen at other weddings. People danced and laughed and loved in a way that was almost magical.

I know that everyone that participated in the weekend left a better person and is now taking some lesson back into their present lives. This wedding has created a ripple effect of good! How many people have been touched? Countless.

What examples of love and community have you seen lately? Please share!! You'll create a ripple effect as well!

Believe Big Win Big

2005-10-12T11:59:00.000-07:00

Continuing on the discussion about change....

Our own beliefs are one of the biggest hurdles between us and success.
If we don't believe big, we're never going to win big! How many times have you thought to yourself? I’m not good enough. I can’t make money. I’m too afraid. I don’t think I can do it, etc…. These self beliefs hinder our progress. Now, write down your ultimate goal for yourself. Then, ask, do I believe I can do this? Do I have the resources to do it? Am I capable of doing it? What beliefs are limiting me from what I want to do? What is telling me I can do this? Now that you know where you need to change your beliefs, you may want to elicit some support to help you.

How have you overcome beliefs about yourself before?

What Do You Want to Change?

2005-10-12T11:43:00.000-07:00

Are you ready for a change in your life? What new direction are you headed? To get started, you need to know which destination you really want. Too often we wander aimlessly because we haven’t figured out where we want to go. How could you plan a vacation to Hawaii if you didn’t know you wanted to go there?

Close your eyes for a minute and think about what you want. Where do you want to end up? Shut out the unwanted thoughts, the advice from others, and just listen to your heart. What is it telling you? Take two minutes and write down anything that comes to mind. Hopefully you have an answer now, but if not, that’s ok. Sometimes it can take longer to really figure out what it is we want.

Feel free to comment on your life changes and check back tomorrow for more tips!

If you'd like the entire article on change, click to the link above and send me an email!

Looking for Happiness?

2005-10-11T05:41:00.000-07:00

I came across a website I thought I'd share for all of you looking for happiness in your lives. It's a sight produced by the well known happiness expert Dr. Seligman. It has several free tools/self tests available to use. Check it out by clicking the headline above or here www.reflectivehappiness.com/.

Pass this blog on to your friends and feel free to write about your thoughts on happiness!

Living in the Moment

2005-10-10T10:20:00.000-07:00

Living in the Moment....What does this mean to you? I realize this is a big cliche used in our society. But, it can also have profound effects on our lives.

I recently talked with a friend who is trying to honor "living in the moment'. What a challenge this is in our lives! How often do we catch ourselves thinking about tomorrow, yesterday, and all of the other things on our 'to-do' lists?

It's a big challenge for me. I'm trying to practice this idea of living in the moment. For me, it means not just being present in the moment, but being centered and content in a way that the only focus need be that moment. I know if I can practice this, my life will be more fulfilling not just for me, but for everyone I come in contact with.

So, How do we become more ready to be in the moment? I would love to hear your thoughts on this!!!

For me, it starts with eliminating unneccessary distractions and honoring the priorities I have for myself. Somedays it feels like a tough battle, but I hope to get better and better at living in the moment.

New Business, New Life

2005-10-05T20:10:00.000-07:00

Are you trying to make a change? Are you starting a new business? Are you embarking on a new adventure in your life?

Whatever you may be trying to change in your life, it's important to ask yourself this question: What Do You Want?

You need to know which destination you really want. Too often we wander aimlessly because we haven’t figured out where we want to go. How could you plan a vacation to Hawaii if you didn’t know you wanted to go there? Close your eyes for a minute and think about what you want. Where do you want to end up? Shut out the unwanted thoughts, the advice from others, and just listen to your heart. What is it telling you? Take two minutes and write down anything that comes to mind. Hopefully you have an answer now, but if not, that’s ok. Sometimes it can take longer to really figure out what it is we want.

If you'd like to read more tips on how to make changes in your life, let me know and I'd be happy to share them with you!

Its All in the Questions

2005-10-04T19:43:00.000-07:00

Do you know questions can change your life?

Really.

I was just introduced to a fascinating book, Change Your Questions Change Your Life by Marilee Adams.

Have any of you read this book?

Here's an excerpt that helped me:

"When we get stuck, it's natural to look for answers and solutions. But in so doing we can unwittingly create blocks instead of openings. We first need to change our questions; otherwise we just keep recycling the same old, unhelpful answers."

This book is helping me take a closer look at myself and instead of getting frustrated, or stuck, look at the situation and try to approach it from a new angle with a different question. For example, instead of saying, " I'm stuck", I might say to myself, "How else can I think about this situation?"

What have questions done for you?

No Excuses!!

2005-09-30T08:21:00.000-07:00

Oprah Winfrey's heroes were truly an inspiration! I don't mean to sound repetitive, but these individual's lives are so rich with lessons, that I couldn't help but blog on heroes again! I can't wait to read Kyle's book, No Excuses and See the Movie, Emmanuel's Gift (http://www.emmanuelsgift.com/)! Have any of you had a chance to preview either of these incredible stories?

Their stories show that anything is possible! It makes me want to never give up, to challenge myself everyday to do more than I thought was possible, and move with courage and grace through every day!

To read more about them, check out the link above and please share this with a friend!

Need more Energy?

2005-09-29T08:45:00.000-07:00

In recent preparation for an expo I'll be attending, I was writing a new article. I decided to share an exerpt. If you need to add more time or energy to your day, maybe this will help!

Sometimes a feeling of low energy can zap us of any desire to get projects done.
1) Take a look at what time of day you work best. Are you a morning person or an evening person? Capitalize on your best work times.
2) Don’t forget to eat breakfast. “Eating breakfast of any kind prevent(s) many of the adverse effects of fasting," such as irritability and fatigue, according to Bonnie Spring, Ph.D. , University of Health Sciences/Chicago Medical School.
3) Add a little exercise to your day. If you aren’t one to exercise for 20-30 minutes a day, getting up to stretch or simply adding a 10-15 minute walk during your day may give you that boost you need.
4) Don’t forget to drink more water. Studies have shown that simply being dehydrated can cause tiredness and dull critical thinking (www.clevelandclinic.org).

How do you add more energy to your day?

Please pass this onto a friend and if you'd like the rest of the article I'd be happy to send it to you.

The Naked Chef

2005-09-27T07:18:00.000-07:00

Have you heard of the Naked Chef Jamie Oliver? Kudos to Jamie! He is launching a campaign encouraging kids and families to eat healthier! Our society has become overloaded with processed foods. Like the women he helped on the Today show this morning whose staple dinners were bagel bites, reprocessed chicken nuggets, and pizza. We all do it, we're in a rush, trying to get dinner on the table and often its hard to use all of those fresh fruits and veggies! Jamie has great ideas! He'll be on the Today Show this entire week. You can also read more about him at the link above!

Do you have any simple ideas for creating simple, healther meals?

Roy Hallums: An Inspiring Hero

2005-09-26T10:09:00.000-07:00

Have you heard of Roy Hallums? Roy is an American who had been kidnapped and living in a hole until the United States rescued him September 7th! For the full story, connect to the link!

What an inspirational story of bravery, survival, and strength.

Through his simple words and unbreakable soul, I thought about what he overcame. I thought about how much I have to be grateful for in my life. I thought about how easy it can be to give up, but how important it is to hold on....

What did Roy's story do for you?

What would you do?

2005-09-22T20:29:00.000-07:00

What would you do if you knew you could not fail?

Wow, what a powerful question! I heard an inspirational talk this evening where this question was asked.

What would you do? Would you become President? A movie star? Climb Everest? Make World Peace? The list is endless.

This question woke me up! I just wanted to share it, because I think it can have profound effects on our lives!

So, What would you do if you knew you could not fail?

2005-09-21T08:14:00.000-07:00

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Permission to Care for Yourself

2005-09-21T07:22:00.000-07:00

This was a beautiful morning to be out. The air was cool and clean and the path I walked down was bright, green, and inviting. As I was recovering from my jog this morning, I began thinking about how difficult it is for us to give ourselves permission to take care of ourselves! I'll admit, I was feeling slightly guilty for carving out this block of time for myself instead of working on projects a, b, and c. But then I realized I'm an important project too! It's the old oxygen mask theory. If we don't give ourselves the oxygen first, we won't be able to take care of our children and the other important people and things in our lives. Don't let guilt or any other excuse get in between you and your best self!