Are You Neglecting Your Body? If you crave chocolate as much as Aunt Marge does, you know that nothing else could possibly come first. Her tastes aside, food can actually be more of a foundation than a passion. To have an enriching & healthy life, fitness is a must. Good eating can be part of that fitness springboard that makes bigger things possible. The next months and years are filled with hard work that takes energy and action. If you're starving your body, depriving it of what it needs, you're handicapping yourself in the race for your dreams. And if you're filling it with garbage, don't expect much in return. This all may seem obvious, but too many people sabotage themselves by ignoring that simple fact. For so long, we've been hearing so many bad things about different foods, it's almost as if food is our enemy, one that can kill us or ruin our lives. Truth is, food--good food--is the thing that makes everything else possible.  ¶ Monday, April 30, 2007

  Believing In Yourself Limitations can either define us or give us a challenge to outwit. When you look at your abilities, do you see boundaries and limits, or do you see possibilities and potential? Obsessing about weaknesses can blind us to the untapped abilities we already have. You have talent. Everyone does. The secret to success is to find that talent, develop it and push it as far as you can. Grandma Moses might have been a lousy bowler, Einstein probably couldn't sing a lick, Michelangelo could've been unable to speak well in public. So what? They knew what they were good at and rode that pony. Your talent might be right in front of you: where do you get the most compliments? What seems to come easily to you? What do people ask your advice for? Live there. Don't let the rest get in the way.  ¶ Sunday, April 29, 2007

  How Can You Share Your Spark With Others? Light is meant to be shared. If you try to horde it or keep it covered, out of everyone's sight, you'll just end up smothering it. Try to close it in your fist so it doesn't get away, and it burns you. You can't possess light. All you can do is appreciate it, use it and help others use it too. In the same way, your life is also meant to be shared. Many people look upon their lives as something scarce that must be jealously protected and stowed away. They block out others and are afraid to share their time. What happens? Their spark suffocates. But there are others who have an abundance mentality. They believe, correctly so, that there's plenty of life to go around, that all flames get brighter when we share them. They know that when we invest energy in others, we get even more in return. Don't sacrifice your chance at a bonfire because you're too busy trying to keep a tiny match from going out.  ¶ Saturday, April 28, 2007

  Learn From Someone Who's Been There You can learn a lot from someone who's been sniffing his/her way around the neighborhood for a while. "Experienced" individuals have unique skills and knowledge that come from years of experience. These talents are usually unappreciated and, in many cases, undiscovered. But others can make great teachers, ideal sounding boards, or valuable mentors. They can tell you where potential trouble spots are, how to score extra treats, and who's most likely to scratch you behind your ears. If you're a young pup still learning your way through the world (as we all are), you can use all the wisdom and street smarts you can get. Instead of baying at the moon, try keeping your ears open for older dogs.  ¶ Saturday, April 28, 2007

  The Value of a Supportive "Family" Ha. But seriously folks: Your family can be an undiscovered source of pleasure and deep satisfaction. True, families can sometimes be aggravating and even dreadful. But if you're fortunate enough to have caring, supportive relatives, don't waste it. Sometimes in the search for people to help us with our goals, to be excited for us, to pick us up when we fall--we overlook what's right in front of us. Family help isn't for everyone, of course. But maybe your "family" can be a close group of friends instead, or members of a social club or your church. The point is, happiness involves people that are most important to you. At the very least, your family wouldn't let you get away with goofing off on your goals--shoot, they haven't let you get away with anything since you were 12!  ¶ Saturday, April 28, 2007

  Are You Taking Life Too Seriously ? When was the last time your doctor told you to stay home and watch "Seinfeld"? Or suggested a night out at the circus? Or told you to play fetch with a dog? It probably hasn't happened, but the day may not be far off. Laughter and fun are great ways to break down the walls of stress, preventing both mental and physical damage. Play time loosens up joints constricted by tension and poor posture. It brightens your attitude and is a healthy outlet for the most troubled thoughts. Even during our time off, it seems like we still spend a lot of time working--as a handyman, chauffer, mechanic, negotiator, therapist, cook, activist, or whatever is called for. Next time you're starting to feel the strain, think about how long it's been since you just played for the fun of it. It might be longer than you think. Then go buy yourself a toy.  ¶ Wednesday, April 25, 2007

  Appreciation of the Good Things in Life How many times are we blind to the good in front of us because we're looking past it for something better? It's like watching the railroad track your entire life, waiting for a train to come in and never realizing that you're sitting smack in the middle of the splendid Grand Central Station. Take a second look at your goals. Are they building on the good already in your life? Are you taking full advantage of the strengths you already have? Is it worth giving up what you have for what you might have? In many cases, the answer is yes. To that we say "Go for it!" with all the enthusiasm we can muster. Those are the meaningful goals. If the answer is no, try reworking your goals to include ones that complement your present life rather than substitute for it. Whatever the answer is for you, we could all use a little more appreciation for the pieces of silver in our lives.  ¶ Tuesday, April 24, 2007

  The Wisdom of Listening One common trait to nearly every good leader is the art of listening. Many times, the best leaders can be among the quietest in the room. They know their time is well spent in hearing new perspectives, ideas, and thoughts. It's how they grow personally and build visions. The wisest leaders know that hearing themselves talk is no way to build trust and goodwill. You can do the same thing. When a friend needs to talk, resist the urge to give advice right away and just listen. Ask questions, and really try to understand the answer. When a customer calls, don't say a word about your product until you fully know their needs. When your spouse is hurting, it's not the time to prove that you were right. Over time, you can develop that leader-like sense of when to open your mouth and when to keep it clamped firmly shut.  ¶ Monday, April 23, 2007

  How Well do You Roll with the Punches? Change is the natural order of the world. When something tries to stand against the force of change, it's eventually destroyed. Cliffs are eroded, trees are uprooted, granite cracks. People can crack too. For us to grow and live--to flourish--it takes adaptation and learning. Stubborn attachment to a single set of "knowledge" or way of doing things leads to stagnation of the mind and spirit. Remember to keep an open mind to new people and new ideas. Challenge yourself to always be learning something new. Focus on the possibilities of a fresh start, instead of hanging on to old frustrations. Sails are made with cloth for a reason. When they're stiff, winds beat against them until they tear. But if the sails are relaxed and workable, the wind can take you to places you've never been before.  ¶ Sunday, April 22, 2007

  Living a Meaningful Life Looking for meaning? Having trouble figuring out how to make a difference? The answer may be closer and simpler than you think. Ask yourself: If I were gone tomorrow, what will I be most proud of having left behind? The answer will be different for each of us, but it may tell you something about why you're here. Your answer can be as involved as a foundation you helped start, or as simple as a favorite picture that you took. Something will be here when you're gone. What would you like it to be? What one thing would tell the world what you were all about? Maybe it's your child. Maybe you're already working on something that could turn into one of your greatest accomplishments. If so, give it your all. The more of yourself that goes into it now, the more people will be able to see you later on.  ¶ Saturday, April 21, 2007

  Taking Responsibility for Your Success We all need support from other people. Love, encouragement, words of advice and friendship will help you get through the important stages in your life. When people are in your corner, you feel like taking on any challenge. As important as help from others may be, though, it all has to start with you. If you're waiting for someone to solve your problems, or wondering when someone is "going to do something about that", you may be waiting a long time--unless you look to yourself first. Take responsibility for your own situation and think of what concrete steps you'll take today to help it. If you're going to need help, it's only fair that the person with the most at stake (you) is willing to make the most effort. When someone is pulling you out of a hole and has grasped your hand, you still must take the first step to climb out, or you're just going to be hanging there.  ¶ Friday, April 20, 2007

  Giving It Your All If you can do your best and forget your worst, you've already got a head start on tomorrow. As long as you lay it out there every day, you can relax when yesterday is behind you. Of course, the only way this will happen is if you give yourself permission to forget. You can use this approach in anything: Pick up a problem, do what you can with it, and then put it down. Work your tail off at the office, then leave it there (the work, not your tail). Deal with a personal crisis by finishing off one day at a time. There's a great deal of satisfaction in leaving things be for a moment. There's a great deal of freedom in knowing that you could do no more. And there's a great deal of success awaiting the person who gives it her all, no matter what.  ¶ Thursday, April 19, 2007

  Surrounding Yourself with the Right People It's easy to recognize a perfect candidate for your support team. Just look for someone who has a way of making everyone else around them better: someone who succeeds by developing other people and letting them in on the fun; someone who is genuinely happy when other people succeed. That's the person you want on your side. The pages of history are heavy with tales of the misguided who were proven wrong while insisting something couldn't be done. Why put up with that? Believe in your goals enough to know that you shouldn't stomach people who don't. It's okay if you're the only one who believes in your dream. But someone who truly believes in YOU should help you believe that if anyone can do it, you can.  ¶ Wednesday, April 18, 2007

  How Do You React to Setbacks? When problems come up, how do you react? Do you look for blame, or do shoulder what you can and try to repair it? Do you throw up your hands and look for an easier way, or do you learn, adapt and keep pushing? There's a lot of talk nowadays about 'personal responsibility'. That's great. But it's usually brought up only in finding fault. It's true that to show 'responsibility' is to own up to your role in the problem's cause. We don't often hear about the other side of responsibility--an obligation to be part of the solution. Even when a hardship is not your fault at all, you can--and should--do what you can to fix it. Your skills and abilities create an obligation that only your character can fulfill.  ¶ Tuesday, April 17, 2007

  Where Luck Comes From It's interesting. Successful people generally believe they made their own breaks. Meanwhile, the unsuccessful types tend to think that success is more found than earned--that fortune smiles on some and sneers at others. The truth is somewhere in between. With hard work, more doors open, more opportunities come by. Which opportunities show up can be a matter of chance. If your mom's not Naomi Judd, you may never get the chance to sing in Nashville. But whatever "happens by", you still have to be ready and willing to take advantage of it. It's really a matter of confidence and preparation. Belief in yourself will help you rely less on luck and more in your abilities. And a strong foundation will give you the power to bust that door down when opportunity comes knocking. You, too, can be lucky. You just have to work at it.  ¶ Monday, April 16, 2007

  Are You Giving Your Goals Your Best Effort? Your dreams deserve better than a half-hearted effort. Meet your goals with a weak handshake and they'll soon be waving you goodbye. Since you probably don't want to look back on a life full of "almost made it" memories, it's time for total commitment. Leave it all on the field, don't hold anything back. Is there anything more satisfying than pouring out your entire being, straddling the cliff, reaching your total limit, then looking up and realizing that oh-my-gosh-I-can't-believe-I-really-did-it? And is there anything more tragic than failing and realizing you could have done more? If you feel "tuned out" of your current life, that's okay. Make your first goal to build a life that you can get "in"-to. Then don't look back. Make every day count and live purposefully, live energetically, live completely.  ¶ Sunday, April 15, 2007

  Living Within Today Sometimes it seems like we're always putting off our goals until some vague time in the future called "Once". "Once the New Year rolls around...", "Once I have my new job...", "Once I retire...", "Once the kids are in school...", "Once the kids are OUT of school..." Sound familiar? By waiting for Once to get here, we waste time and frustrate our desire to do what we really want. It's a fact of life that every time one potential distraction disappears, it's quickly replaced with a new one. There will always be something that can stand in your way - if you let it. Ask yourself: are these distractions real reasons, or just good excuses for putting something off? Goals cannot be started in the future. The laws of time and nature dictate that you can only act in the present. You are here, today. So are your goals. The only good time to start is right now.  ¶ Saturday, April 14, 2007

  Who Can Help You Reach Your Goals? It's true. You're surrounded by people who want nothing more than to see you succeed and fulfill your dreams. They're out there watching as you go after your goals, hoping you make the right decisions, silently cheering each victory, wincing at each setback. Some of them may even want to join you on the journey to a particular goal. The kicker is that you don't know for sure where the source of this help may come from. It could be your spouse, a cousin, your dentist--even your mom. The only way to bring help out of the shadows is by talking. Tell people about your goals, and why they're important to you. Let them see your enthusiasm, and ask them to help keep you motivated and accountable (while you do the same for them). Get a goal buddy or a personal coach. You're in the midst of well-wishers. Find out who they are and become part of the conspiracy.  ¶ Saturday, April 14, 2007

  Give Your Body Quality Fuel Whenever you get in the car, what's the first thing you do before leaving the driveway? You check your fuel level. Whether you're just going to the corner store or to the four corners of the Earth, you always check it. Every journey needs the right type and right amount of fuel. Your health journey is no exception. To avoid sputtering, stalling and poor performance, make sure your body has what it needs to make the trip. Energy comes from whole grains and other natural foods. Try to have plenty of both on reserve and within easy reach. And avoid putting sugar in your "gas tank." Drive on!  ¶ Thursday, April 12, 2007

  How do you keep everything in perspective? Is there anything that Ziggy doesn't know? In the cartooning universe, he's often placed in hopeless situations, pitted against a world that doesn't make sense. He's an agreeable punch line for the quirks of human nature. Yet he's able to brush off his mishaps and focus on the opportunities that today brings. He can also look to the future with hope, knowing full well that more struggles may lie ahead. Most of all, he can look at himself and have a good chuckle. Do you make yourself anxious about things that might happen or stew over mistakes you've made? Don't let a preoccupation with tomorrow or yesterday rob your ability to face that crazy world with a smile. For Ziggy, today is today. It's not a good day; it's not a bad day. It's a day. And he knows that it's important to give that day the value it deserves.  ¶ Wednesday, April 11, 2007

  Do you seek revenge when someone has wronged you? When someone wrongs you, it's easy to go to that place in your mind and conjure up ways to get back at them. Our lives are in a constant state of change, and yet our hearts hold on to hurtful memories with a tight grip. Remember the girl that was mean to you in high school? She could have evolved into a very pleasant, kind woman, but your mind is fixated on what she did. Truly, the idea of revenge is bittersweet and foolish. Don't waste your time and energy stewing. Inevitably you will come across someone who is flat out mean and inconsiderate, but the best approach it to simply let it go and move on. Focus on the positive things about yourself or rethink the person's motivations. Maybe he is the one who is hurt or insecure, trying to deflect his own bad experiences onto someone else. Try your best to forget about it.  ¶ Tuesday, April 10, 2007

  Are you leading for the right reasons? Everyone wants praise and attention for a job well done. But for every Kobe Bryant making news for a game-winning shot, there are a million Average Joes doing great things but receiving no credit. If you're upset by the lack of attention you're getting for your leadership, perhaps its time to reevaluate why you are a leader in the first place. True leaders lead to help their team, community, or office--not for fame and attention. Sure, receiving recognition feels good, but remember that you are there to lead the group in front of you, not the ones watching behind you. Spectators will soon forget about you, but those you led will remember what you've done even after you are gone.  ¶ Monday, April 09, 2007

  Are you your own obstacle? Are you trying to stick to a fitness plan, improve a relationship, eliminate fast food from your diet, or be a better parent? Whatever your goal, was there a time when you thought you couldn't do it? This is a natural reaction when things get tough. It's easier to find ways to justify your actions than to get over the hurdle. This week, eliminate the hurdles and barriers you've created. If you find yourself saying, "I can't" or "I don't have time," then re-analyze your goal. If you really want to achieve it, then make the time or take a different approach (get up earlier, stay organized, learn the skills). Find time for you and your goals.  ¶ Sunday, April 08, 2007

  Just Breathe Breathing is one of the most overlooked aspects of good health. Oxygen is fuel for the brain and the body. Good, clean air boosts your physical and mental performance and helps lower stress. Whatever goal you're working for, proper breathing will help you reach it.  ¶ Saturday, April 07, 2007

  Don't waste your energy on worrying Too many of us worry about things that we cannot change. Although worrying gives you something to focus on, there are more productive ways to spend your time. Instead of worrying about the things you cannot control, remind yourself that worrying doesn't bring change. If it is a situation that you can control, then there is no reason to worry! Find a solution and spend your energy fulfilling it. If nothing else, just talk to someone about your concerns. Getting them out in the open tends to help put your mind at ease.  ¶ Friday, April 06, 2007

  There's more to healthy than just not having a fever Are you healthy? This may seem like a simple question, but it's more complicated than that. If an outside observer were to look at your daily actions, thoughts and behaviors, would she think you're a healthy person, one who eats nutritious meals, breathes correctly, gets enough sleep, and cares for his body? These are simple things that we take for granted, but they have major impacts on your health. Do you make time to maintain good health? If you do, then you're on the right track--continuous improvement should be your goal. If you don't make health a priority, start TODAY! There's no time like the present to build your foundation of a healthy future.  ¶ Thursday, April 05, 2007

  Own all of your choices The choices you make today will determine the path that your life will take. When you sit back and look at the decisions you've made in your life, are you happy with the route you've paved? If you're not, make a change today. The next time you make a choice, ask yourself if this decision will lead you to the path you want to travel along. Set some new goals that will lead you to your dreams and then plan your course.  ¶ Wednesday, April 04, 2007

  Expressing everyday gratitude How often do you remember the people that have made little things possible for you? It's easy to take our privileges for granted. Today, be more aware of your surroundings--everything from your shirt, house, food, and car--and who has made them possible for you. Who has made it possible for you to experience such wonderful things? One way to let someone know that you truly appreciate their efforts is to send them a quick note or return the kindness in your own way.  ¶ Tuesday, April 03, 2007

  Who do you compete against? Do you hold yourself to the standards of others, wishing you could be better than the next guy? Maybe it motivates you, but an even better method is trying to be better than yourself. How about pushing yourself each day to eat better or to walk longer after dinner? Goal setting is a great way to "compete" against yourself. You select the end result that you want and then it's up to you--and only you--to work for those goals. You'll be pushing yourself toward greatness, not creating unnecessary competition against others who can't compare to you.  ¶ Monday, April 02, 2007

  Schedule a personal tune-up Proper nutrition is part of the foundation of a healthy life. Your car needs the right amount of gas and periodic tune-ups to make it run smoothly and prevent future problems. Your body needs healthy food and periodic check-ups too. Make a goal to start treating your body the right way. Take care of yourself. Eat the right foods and make sure to visit your doctor regularly. If you start maintaining and tracking your progress, you will probably see dramatic positive results in the way your body runs.  ¶ Sunday, April 01, 2007