When you find yourself thinking that you need a number of things, especially when your budget is tight, take a look around you and take on a project. Go to an area of your apartment or house and go through a stack or two of “stuff,” and see what you find. Many times we end up replacing things that we later find, and most times we will find things that we forgot we even had.

Most of us would agree that we have too much stuff and collect unnecessary things. In the spirit of giving, go through some of your “stacks” and see what you can find that someone else may need. Donate some of those things that you don’t use and quite honestly didn’t remember that you had!

Start a new focus on the things you want to accomplish. When you focus on new things and get the confidence to get rid of your clutter and things you haven’t used in years, you will feel like you are actually in the process of making a fresh start.

Think about that idea. It really is a win-win. You get a chance to “clean your room,” and as a bonus you can start to focus on your new goals and start developing your plan to get there. You can be the success that you want to be!  “Now let’s get going!”  xo Sally

This IS the “Season of Caring” right? This time of year we think of so many things; holidays in past years, how decorations were placed in homes where we have lived, friends and family who have left us and those who remain. Our health may not be as good as we would like, and we may not be where we would like to be, but it is where we are today.

Life experiences can be hard and if we allow ourselves to focus on the negative things that have happened, it will be very hard to find the positive side. There is a positive side. Even if the only positive thing that comes out of a negative experience is learning what not to do the next time. All of these kinds of things can be whirling around in your mind during the holiday season. It is a time of reflection, but it is also a time that celebrates wonder and an opportunity to renew your faith in your religion and in your commitment to be the person you want to be and need to be.

We have a few weeks before the end of the month and there is always the opportunity for your life to expand and allow new things in, while you open the door to let the negative feelings out! Believe you can be the person you want to be, because you can! “Now, let’s get going.”  xo Sally

What is on your Christmas List this year? Most of us are so fortunate that we really don’t need anything. For the next few days I would encourage you to look around your area and see where the needs are and how you can make a difference for a family, some children or an organization. Our economy is struggling and the people who are trying to make it the old fashioned way; with a good work ethic, are having problems.

I am meeting more people that are apathetic about their future and the future of this Country. People are losing their faith in the future and are having a hard time seeing the potential bonus of hard work and perseverance. That is a shame. It is critical to be positive. It is important to have faith that things will improve.

So let’s decide what we can do to promote a positive holiday season and extend a helping hand or donation to those that are trying to make a difference. We need to go beyond complaining and get involved in ways to turn things around. You can make a huge difference in the life of someone, and that cannot be bought in a store!

Tell us what you plan to do, or if you know of a program that is looking for help! You are an amazing group of caring people! Let’s get busy and let’s get going. xo Sally

Do you ever think about your “Comfort Zone?” Are you planning to challenge your Comfort Zone or are you not seeing a need to change anything, because you are just thrilled with where you are?

Well, if you are happy with the way your life is going and there is very little that makes you uncomfortable; I am excited for you, because you have reached a point that many people struggle with.

What about those of you who struggle when life situations force you to engage in discussions or participate in activities that are not comfortable for you? What do you do? Do you try to avoid it or try to participate? If you are honest with yourself, you have learned where you prefer your limits to be. You already know which type of people you prefer to be around, as well as the stores and restaurants where you are comfortable. There is nothing wrong with that.

The problem is that as long as you stay in your “Comfort Zone,” how much life are you missing? You’ll never know as long as you avoid new experiences with different people. Your “Comfort Zone” is what it is; where you are comfortable. Why not step out and try talking to someone you haven’t spoken to? Extend your hand and introduce yourself to a co-worker or neighbor that you have not formally met. Why not? What will you lose? Nothing. What you may gain would be worth it! You can do it! You are amazing! “Now, let’s get going.”  xo Sally

So you’ve made a few mistakes, and some good choices. We are usually a mixture of both. Regardless of your past, you always have the opportunity to change your future. People develop their opinions of us, depending on the experiences they have had with us. So it makes sense when there are certain people in your life; whether currently or in the past, that may think you are not capable of the change you are trying to accomplish.

The point is that it doesn’t matter what people think. What does matter is that you stick to your plan, and move forward with the ideas that you have, that are motivating you to create positive change in your life. Experience helps define our past but does not create our future. Do not let your past relationships or work experiences predict your future capability. You can learn a new skill, develop a new business idea and redefine yourself. Regardless of your age.

I know there are people out there, in their 50’s and 60’s, who feel that they have lost their “window of opportunity,” to be whatever it is they wanted to be. Well, every day you talk about it and do nothing towards it is another day wasted. Look at it this way; in your 20’s, 30’s and 40’s you most likely had multiple things that prevented you from doing what you wanted to. Now, you do have the time to go back to school or train for something else. The only thing stopping you is you. So STOP IT! Make one decision today towards your goal because you CAN do this! Show them all! But most importantly show YOU! “Now, let’s get going.” xo Sally

Learning to be “ok” with where you are right now is a skill that we have to remind ourselves to embrace. It is easier to get lost in the day’s activities and feel that we have achieved very little at the end of the day.

I do believe that the older we get, we may get more frustrated or even depressed that we may “never” find the perfect mate, the job we have always wanted, or wonder if we will ever have the opportunity to make the amount of money we are told that we will need, if we are going to be able to successfully retire. But the reality is that you don’t know that to be true.

If you believe that “like attracts like” and the energy we put forward will be the same kind of energy that will be attracted to us, then you should always remain positive. You have to put yourself in situations where positive people are. You have to get out of your own way and try new things. You have to persevere.

Is it easy? Not necessarily. Does it take time? Absolutely. You can choose where you want to spend your time. Let us know what you are aiming for. 2014 is right around the corner. It is going to be your year! Believe that. Write it down and put it on your bathroom mirror. Write yourself a note that says: 2014 is going to be MY year, and say it out - loud 10 times a day! You are amazing!  You have the power!  “Now, let’s get going!”  xo Sally

In the season of gift giving and relationships, we can be caught up in wondering how to handle a relationship (and buying a gift) for someone that really is not a positive influence in our life.

We may wish the relationship would change to be positive, in fact we may be spending a lot of energy on working to improve a situation, but it just doesn’t seem to be a two way street.

This is a difficult thing to deal with, especially during the holiday season.  You may ask yourself questions like; Whether you should buy that person a gift, how much you should spend, will the other person buy you a gift, all important questions to be asking, especially when you are on a budget.

Ask yourself if the energy you are spending on the relationship is making YOU a better person.  If you do not believe in your heart, that the relationship is helping you grow to be the person you want to be, and in fact it tends to bring out negative feelings and frustration, take a step back.  Although it is the season to reach out and help others, you need to be honest with yourself and allow your real feelings that are telling you to stop making this friendship out to be more than it is, be your “new normal.”

We are heading towards a new year; filled with fresh options, ideas and new opportunities.  Make it your first priority to choose wisely who you spend your time and money on, knowing that they truly are the kind of person that is kind.  “Now, let’s get going!”  xo Sally

With the beginning of the Christmas Season, let’s start by reminding ourselves that even “talking” through your computer, you can bring forward some aggressive attitude.

Let’s try to be mindful this weekend that what we say to each other does matter, especially if it is in an email and YOUR CAPS LOCK IS ON! It really does reflect a higher level of attitude, and has been compared to “shouting” at a person.

We set ourselves up to be misunderstood and become defensive when people may misinterpret the meaning behind an email that we write, when it is all in CAPS. But, if your vision limitations are the reason why you like to use all caps, I would suggest that you ask a friend who understands computer settings to adjust the height of your font to a larger size. That will make you able to see things larger on your screen.

The moral of the story is that we may not realize that we are sending out a negative email when the caps are on, and we do not need any additional reasons to elevate emotions at this time of year! Have a great weekend and avoid the CAPS! J xo Sally

I don’t know where the title “Black Friday” came from, and if someone out there does, please leave me a comment and let me know. 

It sounds kind of like a “Doomsday Warning” to me. I think it is a warning in one way; “Watch out for impulse buying!” The effort that the retail stores are going through to get you out to spend money is amazing. People lose their minds when they are out there fighting for the bargains. Are they actual bargains? 

A friend called me yesterday from a local store (that opened on Thanksgiving for their sale), and told me she was standing in line for a 50” television that was priced under $300.  But, she had to stand in line for two more hours, because that is when they were actually making the television sets available. She knew she could not fit it in her car though, so she wasn’t sure how she would get it home. 

I reassured her that it would not fit in my car, which she was hoping that it would…but my question to her was, “Why do you want a 50 inch TV that you cannot transport home?” 

Her answer: “because it is a great deal." 

Well, here’s the deal: have fun shopping for others. Don’t get hurt in the process. Make good decisions based on what you really need to buy. Don’t make poor financial decisions if you could use the money for something you really need! If you do, you’ll have to move to Washington DC and join that crowd. J  

                                                                                                                             "Now, let's get going!" xo Sally

On Thanksgiving Day, let’s be “Thankful,” for our sense of humor.

Be grateful for today. Keep your thoughts positive. Enjoy the day and the company you have the opportunity to spend time with. When your patience is tested, keep a smile on your face. Don’t let things bother you. Life doesn’t have to be perfect to be good. There are times we spend a lot of energy trying to make things “perfect,” and we may not meet our own expectations.

Keep things simple and be grateful for each day that you are given. Each day we can make a difference. Let’s make this Thanksgiving Day a day to remember.  "Now, let's get going"  xo Sally