Do you ever give yourself credit for the good work that you are doing?  I think a number of caregivers, parents, friends, and co-workers don’t think that what they are doing each day is very important.  It takes a great deal of energy to be a caregiver, a team member, a person who works with the public… and smile at the same time.

Sometimes you may feel that you are not appreciated.  Sometimes you may feel like you want to run away and hide, to avoid hearing your name be called one more time.  Everyone has limits.  The trick is to figure out when you have reached your “limit” before you self-combust and let out a good scream.

So do me a favor.  Realize that when you feel like you have had all you can take, you probably have.  We each have different levels of tolerance, even on different days.

Pay attention to when you are ready to say something that you will regret. 

Zip it, count to 10 and take a deep breath.  Leave the room.  Realize that you are only human and that you are doing “extraordinary things” because you are extraordinary.  We need extraordinary today.  It does matter, even when you think that it doesn’t.   “Now, let’s get going” xo Sally

Spend the next few days looking forward.  Don’t spend a lot of energy reliving the mistakes you have made.  We have all made them.

So let’s look at this way:  review what is happening in your life and recognize what is positive and what is not.  What part of the negative can you change?  You can adjust and modify those things that are zapping your energy. 

If you are taking care of a parent or spouse that is demanding; schedule some time to do a few things for yourself.  If you “wish” your siblings were more involved in your life or were more helpful in caring for a family member; don’t waste a lot of energy on that.  They most likely are the same people they have been and you have chosen to rise to the occasion.  Don’t be sorry about that.  You’re learning something new every day that will help you in your journey to improve you.

Struggling with the loss of a relationship, but know that it most likely was a good thing that it stopped?  Be grateful for the new opportunity to open your eyes to new experiences.  Make an effort to join some groups to meet some new people.  Do not believe your only opportunity for happiness was in the past.  Your best days are ahead of you.  Make your future amazing!

                                                                                                                              “Now, let’s get going” xo Sally

Dealing with life and death issues is something that enters all of our lives at different times.  Sometimes it takes us by surprise, and the pain we feel can be overwhelming.  At other times the process can be slow and painful.

I have learned some valuable lessons, having lived in Southwest Florida for the past 20 years.  This is where many of you or your parents come to live out their “Golden Years.”  Sometimes those years do not turn into the carefree years that people are dreaming of.  Sometimes living becomes difficult as we age, because physical problems develop as well as changes in memory, and the ability to be independent has challenges.

When you or your loved ones recognize that they are aging, and you are realizing that we all have an eventual end, ask yourself what you can create that will last beyond your years. 

I challenge you not to answer that with money, but to answer that with a gift that you can give of yourself.  Something that you can participate in to make a difference in the world around us.  Our world needs compassion and leadership. Each of us can contribute.

I have had many patients over the years leave large amounts of money to their children, and their children would say that they had no memories of their mother or father being caring or kind.  They honestly were glad to see death come to the parent who was “absent” in their lives.

Don’t be that person.  Create a living legacy, even if it is knowledge that you impart to others, that teaches the importance of gratitude and kindness. “Now, let’s get going” xo Sally

It’s easy to get frustrated with the everyday grind.  Our collective goal is to rise above the negative, wherever you may find it!  (Because it is out there; believe me)

So let’s start this week off with the right attitude and get with it.  Go for that walk, get something done that you have been putting off and start to feel like you are accomplishing something, no matter how small.  (That is my message to myself this week too!)

Just do not let negative people get to you!  Continue on your path.  Be your best.  Keep plugging along. Smile.  Everyone will wonder what you are up to! 

Tell us some positive things that are happening to you.  Leave your comments here.  If things aren’t so positive and you need a boost…that’s what we are here for.  Just don’t give up or give in.  You are amazing!  Believe it!  “Now, let’s get going” xo Sally

It is easy to get consumed in your daily activities.  The point is; what are you doing that matters?

How are you making a difference?  What are you learning? Are you taking time to be with your friends and family?  Are you stepping outside of yourself, putting your cell phone down, and really listening to what someone is saying?

Take some time over the next few days to pay attention to those around you.  That alone will be a service to them.  Give people your undivided attention and see what a difference you can make to others.  It is the best cure for loneliness.  Do not underestimate what you do each day, when it comes to giving people the gift of your time.  “Now, let’s get going” xo Sally

Are you feeling like you are in “the middle?”  Do you have a goal or idea, and you haven’t made it to the finish line yet?

Don’t give up on yourself!  Don’t give up on your dream. 

Appreciate where you are today and where you are going tomorrow.  Keep putting one foot in front of the other, realizing that you may not be sure of where you end up.  But know this; where you end up will not be where you started. 

You are on a mission to educate yourself and arm yourself with the tools you will need to achieve more.

Your ideas are worth it.  You are worth it!  Don’t give up in the middle!   “Now, let’s get going!”  xo Sally

Happy 4^th of July!  This is a great weekend, to reflect on the many ways this Country has evolved.  We may not be who we want to be right now, but at least we have the power and freedom to change.

Many countries in the rest of the world do not have that capability.  The main problem we have is the need to step outside of ourselves and get involved in making this Country the land you can be proud of.  Even if our government is not what you are proud of, you have the power to change it through voting.  It is a luxury when a people can stand together and vote for change, and it can happen.

I encourage you to participate.  Bring your views and light to the front of the line.  Our soldiers have to do that every day.  It is the least we can do.  It is our responsibility to our family. The 4^th is called “Independence Day” for a reason!

                                                                                                                                “Now, let’s get going!”  xo Sally

Faith is a critical element to surviving the hard times.  For people who have a religious foundation, having faith may come a little bit easier, but there are those times when we have to dig deep to pull out the faith card.

If you are experiencing one of those times now, recognize how amazing faith is.  Believe that things will improve.  Say it out loud.  Push your negative feelings to the side and let everyone know that you may not be where you want to be, but you are headed up hill. 

Stepping out in faith may feel uncomfortable, but faith will not let you down. 

Believe that the best is yet to come.  You deserve to have a good life.  You can move in that direction – starting today.  We are behind you.  You are amazing.  You’ve got this!   “Now, let’s get going!”  xo Sally

Should you live your life differently than you do now?  Are you living your best life?  Do you feel that you are able to make the most out of each day?

No one can answer those questions for you.  You are in charge of every choice you make.  If you currently work in an environment that does not allow growth, do you choose to stop growing? 

What if you knew that tomorrow or next Friday was going to be your last day on earth?  Would you do something differently?  Would you feel that you had done a good job and that you were proud of your accomplishments?  Think about what you might do differently, and do it.  Don’t wait to show people that you care.  Go after the dreams that you tell yourself you will never have time to reach.  Don’t let time take you with it…take the time you need to meet your goals.  We will never know when our time here is up.  You owe it to yourself and those you love, to be the shining light you can be.

Don’t let yourself be less than who you are.  Live your best life.   “Now, let’s get going!”  xo Sally

If you can accept the reality that people feel better, work better and live a healthier life when they are not criticized for who they are, you may be on to something.

We live in a time where there appears to be one way to happiness; and that is through wealth, having lots of “stuff,” and being fit and trim.  How you get there is another story.  Is it necessary to have those things to be happy and live a productive life?  I don’t think so.

It can be agreed that we need to work with our daily choices.  The old saying, “you are what you eat,” can be true when it comes to our general health, but we need to consider a number of things when it comes to our health.  Our hereditary make up, the medications we are on, and the diseases we may be fighting.

Stress changes your metabolic rate.  Anxiety changes your ability to function.

Let’s spend the next few days on deciding what you really want to accomplish, and how you can modify your current lifestyle to get there.  You may want to “change” the people you love, to bring them to another level of awareness…but you may alienate them in the process.

Allow people to learn how they need to change themselves.  Generate an interest in change, but allow them to find their path.  Support them.  Love them.  Accept them.  Watch magic happen when change becomes their idea!   “Now, let’s get going!”  xo Sally