Every time we love, every time we give, it’s Christmas.
- Dale Evans

Santa’s Tips for Soothing the Season’s Stress

How to Have Happier Holidays

   “It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” … or so the song says.    While the year-end holidays are supposed to be a time of love, peace, and joy, they often turn out to be filled with stress, frantic shopping, and worry; especially as we strive to create those breathtaking holiday moments for friends and family. So in an effort to make my own holidays more blissful, I consulted an expert, THE EXPERT (see above!) and picked up a few tips. Here are some of my favorite holiday stress-busting strategies – from Santa to me, and me to you. Enjoy!

1. ‘Tis the Season to be Jolly

Rule Number 1, remember what the holidays are all about! Santa wouldn’t be nearly as much fun to see if he was grumpy and stressed out. Take your time and enjoy the company of those around you. This is the greatest gift you can give to yourself and others.  

2. Make a List and Check It Twice 

Santa has got to be incredibly organized and efficient to accomplish everything he does. Make your master list of what you have to do, and break it down into the top three things everyday. Check your list twice, and only twice, then let it go and get on with it, doing what’s most important, and then moving on to the next.

3. Ask for Help and Trust the Elves

A task shared is a task halved. Santa couldn’t possibly do everything he does if he had to do it on his own. The original jolly old elf knows when to ask for help, and then trust those he asked to do it. So put your elves and helpers to work. Don’t be shy, ask for what you need, then stand back and let them go! It’s a great way to get a lot of things done quickly, to share time with each other.

4. Be Forgiving

We all have our moments of naughty and nice, and never more so than during the busy holiday season. Tight schedules, and tighter budgets can turn the happiest shoppers into harrowing hags. Have a little sympathy, be a bit more gracious and patient. We’ve all been there, and hope that Santa’s forgotten our discourteous moments too.

5. Do Your Own Thing…No Matter What Other People Think

Incredible but true, not everyone believes in old Saint Nick, yet that has never deterred him from making his yearly rounds. Do what’s important to you, what you believe in and makes you feel good. The joy this brings in your life is bound to spill over to others, and whether they’re believers or not, eventually you will win if not their support, at least their hearts.

6. Take Time for Milk and Cookies

Flying around the world in a single night, delivering toys to every girl and boy, is a lot of work, but even Santa finds a time for a break. As wonderful as it is to do things for others, you have to take care of yourself. Stop for milk and cookies (or a hot bath and some chardonnay!) Read the occasional note from a child or maybe even write one. Find the time care for yourself this holiday season, it will be more relaxing and definitely more fun!

7. Give From The Heart 

Gifts from Santa feel so good because they truly come from the heart. The jolly old Claus showers us all with unconditional love and joy. He asks for nothing in return, and simply gives for the joy of giving. Share of your time and of yourself this holiday season, not for what you get back, but purely because you are able to give. So many in this world have so little, and giving is not a duty but a privilege. 

So this holiday season, slow down, breathe deeply, listen to songs and carols and the occasional sleigh bells. Watch glistening snow fall, laugh with playing children, and let the spirit of the season lift your sprits. However you spend the holiday season, my best wishes are with you. May it be wonderful, joyful, happy and safe.

Until next time, take good care of yourself and your life.

These simple tips will bring peace to your soul and a smile to your face!  This article was submitted by Hunter Phoenix about a year ago, and I thought it was time to bring it back to my readers to enjoy.  Have a wonderful holiday season and Merry Christmas!

I found this article today online and thought I’d pass it along.   It’s from a wonderful websight called Daily Om.

The Life of Your Dreams
Waking Up  

Many of us are familiar with the experience of waking up to the fact that our lives are no longer working the way we have set them up. Sometimes this is due to a shift occurring inside ourselves over time, and sometimes it is part of the larger shift that is currently affecting all humanity. Change is happening at such an increased rate that it is difficult to predict what the future holds. As a result, many of the old ways of planning out a life are no longer applicable, and if we cling to them we feel strangely out of tune with reality. If we are in tune with the energies around us, we will begin to question ideas that just a few years ago seemed sensible.

In the simplest terms, the shift we are undergoing right now has to do with recognizing ourselves as being more than human, remembering that our earthly aspects are a very small part of who we are. In truth, we are multidimensional beings. When we begin to realize this, the life we planned for a limited conception of ourselves no longer fits. We must meet the needs and qualifications not only of our bodies but also of our souls. This realization dawns slowly for some and with the suddenness of a bolt of lightning for others, and we all must find the way that works for us to integrate this new and larger sense of self into our life plan.

Sometimes a drastic change feels totally right, and overnight we might decide to sell our home and move to another country or quit our job and begin a second career. Other times, we allow the changes to proceed slowly, beginning perhaps with allowing ourselves to dream of a new life or just to ask the deeper questions that encourage us to discover our true purpose in life. Either way, know that this process is a natural sign of the growth we are all going through, and trust it to guide you to the life of your dreams.

Sometimes the life we planned for a limited conception of ourselves no longer fits as we evolve and change.”

What’s holding you back from your life dream?  Contact me if you’d like to discuss this issue.

I used to think that walking away from a relationship was wrong, and since there was so much time invested in it, working on the issues was worth the effort.  It’s like leaving the dirty dishes in the sink all night and wondering why they’re still there in the morning.  You haven’t addressed the issues that are really important to you!

 We women are eternal optimists when it comes to bonding with our partners.  We see the possible future, our mates see the possible present.  What is it about time and change that brings a different perspective to the union we’ve made?  Living with someone is not the easiest thing in the world to master, even if your honey bun is the perfect match.  Something always crawls out of the woodwork of love.

Love is the catalyst to our soul’s desire to be connected to someone in this world.  Love is pure and beautiful, and without love, life loses it’s luster.  But then, there are those moments in a relationship when you’re watching your mate lose his temper over the football game or decides to go on a ‘man trip’ without you. What happened to the days when you were the center of his universe?  Well, nothing really.  It’s just that life settled into a more practical state of mind for the both of you.  Let’s face it, keeping up all that impressive behavior in the beginning of a relationship for an extended period of time is just, well, tiring! 

It’s okay to still do lovely things for each other, like when he gets your cup of coffee for you in the morning and he knows how to make it ‘just right’.  Or sitting on the couch in the evening watching his favorite movie .

 There are many things that will tear at the fabric of a good relationship, but here are a few simple ideas to help you decide whether to jump ship or ride it out:

1)   Make a date with your mate.  Set aside some time for a quiet dinner alone, no children, no other family members.  Just the two of you and time to talk.  Make sure you are clear in your effort to your spouse or mate that you want some quality time to “just talk”.  You don’t want to scare him off and have hime wondering all day if there is an ulterior motive.  Keep it simple and keep it kind.

2)   Discuss issues as they come up.  Don’t try to bottle up your feelings and think it doesn’t matter.  It does matter.  You  may be feeling neglected, lost, misinformed or overlooked.  Bring him him into the conversation with words like, “Honey, help me understand why……” and you fill in the blanks.  This is a very non-confrontational approach that works well.

3)   Get yourself some help.  Seek the advice of a trusted friend or a professional.  Sometimes just talking it out simplifies things, or at the very least, you feel you are being heard.  Sometimes that is really what you want, after all, isn’t it?

4)   Be kind to yourself and don’t worry if things go haywire for a day or two.  Arguments and misunderstandings have a way of working themselves out if you both just take a deep breath, and take a break.  When you come back to the issue at hand, you will have given yourselves time to think things over in a calmer state of mind.

5)   Hug.  Never underestimate the power of a close embrace, heart to heart, nose to nose, in silence. 

You have to decide whether you are better off without him, or with him.  If there is any kind of abuse going on, then most definitely get out and get some help.  Otherwise, you may have to readjust your thinking about what is real and practical in your relationship.  Think about how many times you made an effort to spice things up, or how many times you let an argument drop because it wasn’t important to be right.  We get what we give.  And if you’re giving it your best, are you getting what you want?

Take some time to take stock of the situation from a real objective viewpoint.  Ask a trusted friend or family member what they think.  If you truly love him, and you have more to gain than to lose you might consider getting some advice or help from someone you trust.  Seeking the advice of a professional also helps you figure out where you stand and gives you safety and privacy.  Sometimes a different viewpoint can make a big change in the way you see your role in the relationship and whether or not it’s worth the effort to try and make it through the tough spots. 

Would you walk away?  You have to ask yourself what you would be without him.  If your answer is “better off”, then maybe it’s time to  make that change.  If your answer is “missing a big part of my life”, then by all means, make the effort.  Take the time to talk to your mate and find out what can be done to keep the love alive, or get some help to figure it all out.  After all, love conquers all, but not the dishes!

Bringing peace of mind to your life is the most important thing you can do for yourself!  When you uncover hidden obstacles and discover how you may be self-sabotaging your efforts, you will find there is an easier way to live.  Listed below are a few insights and guidelines for you to consider:

1)   Meditate.  Find a quiet spot and find the time to just sit with yourself .  Go deep inside your mind, quiet the chatter and reach for the person you know you are.  Ask for guidance to help you experience and feel your true spirit.

2)  Ask for help.  Sometimes people close to us that we trust and love can help us find our way back to our whole, true self.  Ask someone you feel will tell you the truth about what they see in you, your good qualities, your talents, and even your obstacles as they see it.  When there is new set of eyes looking at our situation, it helps to get perspective and gives us the insight to move in the direction we want for ourselves.

3)  Take Action.  Nothing dissapates fear like taking action.  When you are stuck and feeling scared and lonely, taking a small step in the right direction gives you confidence and comfort.  You feel like you’re taking control and getting your life back on track.

4)  Reward Yourself.  When a small goal or task you’ve wanted to complete has been achieved, reward yourself in some small way.  This is giving your spirit validation that you are doing something good and healthy for yourself.  You may treat yourself to a movie, a manicure or set aside some time to start reading that book you’ve always wanted to read.  Whatever it is, make sure the reward is something you would not do for yourself ordinarily.  Make it special.

5)   Acknowedge your Success.  Give yourself that mental ‘pat on the back’ for a job well-done.  You’ve reached a small goal, which in time, will manifest as a much bigger goal when you stay on track.  Whether it’s losing 5 pounds, enrollling in that class you wanted to take, cleaning out your closets, or taking your personal relationship to a healthier place, acknowledge the thought and action you put into place.  You deserve the best for yourself.

By discovering your unmet needs you will master your actions and master your life.  Teach yourself to come out of the shadow of the life you currently live and learn to stand in your own power.

Remember, some changes occur very quickly, some take a little longer. This is a step-by-step process that works! Making significant changes in our lives takes courage, time and patience.  You deserve the best life has to offer!

Have you wondered why your life is not moving in the direction you want?  Sometimes we get so caught up in our daily life we forget to look at what’s really important each day, each minute, and in each task we do.  Life seems to come at us at warp speed and there is no time for ourselves. 

There is an easier way to live!  Identifying the factors that make your life what it is will help you decide. It is crucial to changing your focus.  What we focus on, we get.  When you focus on busy tasks and ‘to do’ lists,  you get more of the same. 

It’s time to take inventory of your life’s lessons so you can move on from the past and create a future that truly reflects who you are. Today, why don’t you focus on the things you want most in your life?  Take 15 minutes to sit and reflect on those things that are most important to you.  It could be a new career, a new relationship, a new hobby, or a new place to live.  It might even be more time for yourself!

What are your life lessons to date?  In particular, what are the lessons you’ve been denying, resisting or hiding from?  Some simple solutions to achieving the life you design and enjoy are within your reach.

1)  Say NO when you want to say NO.  Don’t let others dictate what you will or won’t do.  When you reach inside and decide to live for yourself, you win and you start living your own authentic life. 

2)  Stand up for yourself.  Hiding behind your job, your spouse or your children will not get you where you want to go.  It will get you where they want you to go.  Bring yourself to a more balanced life by thinking, acting and doing what reflects your inner feelings.

3)  Protect yourself.  Just because you want the best for others does not mean they want the best for you.  Put yourself in a place mentally and emotionally where you are doing the best for you.  What do you need to do to protect yourself in this relationship, this job, this situation?  Establish a new boundary that’s healthy this week so you can see what it feels like to be safe and secure.

4)  No one is coming to save you.  Too often we look outside ourselves for others to take care of our needs, or the things we don’t want to take care of ourselves.  Like paying our bills, eliminate our pain or take away our loneliness.  We then suffer the consequences of disappointment and not allowing ourselves to be who we can be.  If you think someone is coming to save you, think again.  Save yourself.

The action steps above will begin to support you and lead you to a life more fulfilling, making a place for a new future and a sense of accomplishment, peace of mind and excitement!

So now you’ve explored my website/blog a little bit, what would be your most burning question for me to answer about HANDWRITING?  There are many questions I received over the years, here are a few:

1)  My handwriting changes every day, what does that mean?

2) Can you analyze kid’s writing?

3) What does handwriting REALLY show?

4) Can you tell if my husband is cheating on me?

5)  What does it mean if…..(insert stroke formation questions) example:  if I loop my small ‘y’ really, really big? 

6)  Can you analyze printing?  Or drawings?

7)  What’s the most interesting case you handled with the FBI?

Come on, I know you have a burning question, and I can answer it for you, just ask me!  I’ll do my best to give you the most eerily accurate answer to your burning question!  Guaranteed!

How many times have you asked someone, “Hey, how’s it going?” only to be barraged with all the woes and cares and problems they have. More information than you bargained for?  Really, do you want to know someone’s worst day scenario, or are you just being polite? 

Most of us are truly caring people, but we’re not in the counseling business.  What we really want is to show our concern.  And have a nice day.  But there are those among us who do need a sympathetic ear, someone to lean on from time to time.  Are you one of those people? 

When you feel down and out, like the world has just taken the last breath of air out of your sails and you feel like giving up, that’s when you gotta start getting ‘real’ with yourself.  Suppose you take another look at your life from another perspective.  Some simple exercises can really make a difference in your day, your attitude and your life. Not to mention your friendships!

• Be Authentic.  The next time someone asks you “how are you doing?” don’t give the same old pat answer, “Just fine.” Or worse yet, give them all the gory details of your miserable life!  Try being truly authentic with yourself and say what you really feel.  You might not be on top of the world that day, but at least you can give them an honest answer.  Try to find something good about your day to talk about.  You’ll feel better, and they’ll love to hear something good about you.
• Develop an Attitude of Gratitude. We live in the richest country in the world.  We have so much to be thankful for, but most times we don’t realize how good we really have it. Be thankful for the little things in your life, for they are the big things.
• Rest and Relax. Sometimes the stress in our lives starts to take over every aspect of what we do on a daily basis.  Take a deep breath, sit down with yourself for a few moments and give yourself the gift of a few a stress-free minutes in your day.  Whatever is going on in your life is not worth the damage it causes to your mind, body and spirit.  Ahh, breathe deep!

These few tips will go a long way towards balancing your mood and helping you be as authentic as you can. As they used to say at the video rental shops, be kind and rewind (yourself!)

by Mervin Straughan

Okay, so you might have decided that there are areas of your life that need improving or that it’s time for a complete change with a new year looming. You decide you need a life coach. Do you know what’s involved?

In this post, I will provide a broad insight into what a client can expect from most – not all – non-directive coaching relationships.

A coach helps clients empower themselves to address aspects of their personal and professional lives. Some coaches deal with personal clients while others only work with businesses and other organizations that have identified individuals who could benefit. Some work with both types.

Either way, there’s an early discussion around expectations and about the role of the coach. An effective coach sets out to create a trusting and confidential environment in which the client can speak openly and explore the areas they would like to address.

Some coaches will use a framework that encourages the client to set goals and map out action plans for achieving them. The key, here, is to break down goals into small, manageable steps. This helps to make the goal-setting progress realistic but it’s also useful for identifying milestones at which the client can observe progress and reward themselves accordingly.

However, sometimes, the client is unaware of the issue – or issues – but the coach, through careful probing and listening, will help them get to the root of the matter.

The coach may well follow up with a series of monitor-and-review sessions to discuss progress. Additional email and phone personal development coaching are sometimes available but the overall aim is to give clients the tools and techniques for moving on as quickly and effectively as possible themselves.

When you begin to really look at the true potential of your life, you begin to realize that you are the master of your life, and you get to design what you want your life to look like.  It’s time to imagine the infinite possibilities that await you; the chance to begin anew.  It’s an opportunity to start fresh in a new job, a new relationship, create never-before-imagined dreams, forgive and release old memories.  You get to break free of negative thought patterns and let go of habits that don’t serve your highest interests.

“Every time you are tempted to react in the same old way, ask if you want to be a prisoner of the past or a pioneer of the future.  The past is closed and limited, the future is open and free.”   -Deepok Chopra

Call today to inquire about what you want to design your life to look like.  It’s easier than you think.