Nothing can replace a child’s love for their family or a parent’s love and concern for their child, especially at Christmas.

Christmas is a season that is often criticized for becoming too commercial. It is true that we may spend too much money and could be criticized for “impulse buying,” Many times it is the only time of the year where people feel hopeful. To have a time of the year when your prayers and wishes are your focus-is an amazing time.

Tonight as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, remember the message. This was the gift of all gifts. For those who are Christians the religious significance of Christmas Eve surrounds us in wonder, and the security of knowing that our lives have the potential to be in peace if we accept the gift we have been given.

The real gifts we are given are not things. They are our parents, our teachers, our dedicated caregivers and those who live their lives with honesty and truth. Share YOU with your loved ones this Christmas. Each day is a gift and we all need to be reminded to make the most of it.

May you each have a blessed and inspiring Christmas Eve. Believe in the light and love of tonight.

God bless you all. xo Sally

Surprise them when they least expect it! It is always the season to be grateful and giving to others creates an opportunity to experience much happiness.

Look around you today and see who might need a surprise! A hug or words of encouragement are always appreciated. Take the time to be aware of what is happening to others and what they may need.

The holidays are stressful for many people. Many times it seems that more emphasis is placed on the hustle and bustle than on the true meaning of the season. It can get expensive and expectations may seem to be out of line with reality.

Today just focus on patience. Drive slower and more cautiously because the average person out there isn’t necessarily focusing on what they are doing. The holidays seem to be the time when people’s thoughts are everywhere, but not necessarily on the task at hand.

Enjoy every moment. Know that you are where you need to be today and that your future holds opportunities for success that are waiting for you. Have a great day and smile! “Now, let’s get going.”  xo Sally 

Dear Caregivers,

Everyone who is caring for someone is a caregiver. You could be a parent, grandparent, friend, or relative; it doesn’t matter. The amount of time that goes into being a caregiver cannot be calculated in hours and minutes, because the people you care for are on your mind all the time.

Every day you need to take some time off and breathe. You have to find something that helps you relax. If you can’t do something physically active to release some steam, escape with a book. Listen to books on tape/CD. Meditate. Do crossword puzzles. Close your eyes and take 30 minutes for a nap.

Your days are busy and are filled with all kinds of activities. Whether or not the activities seem to accomplish much, they are necessary and appreciated. You are appreciated and filling an important need for those you are caring for. They may not be able to express their gratitude, but know that they would not be able to be successful without your assistance.

The holidays are hectic and can generate more stress than fun at times. Over the next few days look around you and find something to be grateful for. Know that you are loved. You matter. Smile.

Let’s think of the good things that tomorrow will bring. You are amazing! “Now, let’s get going.”  xo Sally 

If you are feeling down at any time of the year make sure to remind yourself that there is always tomorrow.

Tomorrow is a fabulous opportunity. It holds many options and allows you to make choices. One of the most important choices you can make is to work on your goals and dreams. It takes time and effort

to work on maintaining positive energy each day. Choose to do small things each day that help you further define how you can reach your goals. Whether it is doing some research or taking the time to talk to new people, it builds more insight into what you need to focus on, to make your dreams a reality.

When you go to bed at night, I want you to run down the events of the day and reinforce to yourself those things that you did that are in alignment with your goals. No matter how small they may seem, you need to reassure yourself that your pathway is the right one for you and that you are destined for greatness.

Age is irrelevant. Why think that you are too old to work towards a goal that you have had for years? It just may be the thing that makes you the happiest person you know! You can do it! I know that you can! “Now, let’s get going.”  xo Sally 

We all get angry. Sometimes we feel so strongly about something, that anger results instead of constructive ideas related to how to change the situation. Many times our anger can be self-directed, because we continue to put up with the same circumstances over and over. Which is it for you? What tends to anger you?

Realistically our bodies respond when we hold on to anger and stress. The physical manifestations of anger can be insomnia, to the point where you have to take medication to help you sleep, stomach pain that has the capability to turn into ulcers, as well as severe headaches that require medication. In other words holding onto anger can make you sick.

When we feel stuck, we can feel helpless to change the problem. The feelings are then held inside and illness can result. To feel that a problem has no solution or that the resolution would take so long it seems impossible, does not move you or a situation forward. All of these can produce angry feelings.

The goal here is to learn how NOT to hold onto anger. Anger can be a normal response, but not being able to let it go creates a problem. Recognizing that you are holding on to angry feelings long after the issue has ended, should not be ignored. You can learn better coping skills. If you are holding onto anger for some reason, you need to identify exactly what the cause of it is, and make every effort to change your approach to the person or situation that it involves. Letting go of angry feelings takes effort and a mature attitude. When you hold on to anger the other person is rarely as affected by it as you are. Life is about change. Let us know what you are dealing with and we are glad to help.                                        “Now, let’s get going.”  xo Sally 

Life revolves around the people we associate with. Those people come in all ages, shapes and sizes, and with all types of attitudes and beliefs.

In the process of getting to know people and sharing stories, we get a chance to learn how various people think, and from that we choose which people we have most in common with, and usually become friends with those people.

The learning curve that we have to keep in mind (and teach to our children), is the advantage of telling the truth. Telling the truth has many advantages, but the most important one is that the truth is the cornerstone of honesty. Being honest in certain situations may not be popular, and it may not be attractive to groups of people you would like to be able to associate with, especially when you are a teenager. It is a learning curve.

But the bonus is knowing the following: when you tell the truth, you have nothing to hide. There is no need to pretend. You can spend your energy moving forward and creating new ideas and energy toward reaching positive goals. People who choose not to tell the truth often find themselves re-explaining what they meant, what they heard, or what they saw. Why waste that time? You have more important things to do! “Now, let’s get going.”  xo Sally 

Some people think that they are smarter and better if they keep all of their ideas to themselves, for fear someone will take their idea and leave them out of the picture. The thought of someone else profiting from our idea is more than some people can stand.

Well since we are trying to broaden our horizon and make ourselves better, consider this: if you are self- employed, no one will bother copying your idea until it has been successful in the market place. After success has been proven, people come out of the woodwork to make something similar to what is being sold. We see that all the time. People get a patent and a successful product is generated, and others go after submitting a patent that has similarities, but is different enough to allow them to make a similar product, maybe even cheaper.

If you are working as part of a development team, that is a bit more challenging. What we need to develop is a culture that encourages success as a team. Like the old saying goes, there is no “I” in “Team.”

Realize that you will need to network with others to learn the skills you lack, to make your project come to life.  You don't have to give away the details of any idea during that process,  but you have to work at making your dream a reality.  Learn what you need to know from others that are being successful.  If you have to take a class in something, take it.  Through developing good working relationships with like-minded people, you have a better chance for success. You come out stronger (and smarter).  What we produce is better. We can’t make things happen when we place ourselves in solitary confinement. We can’t run around being fearful of the “what ifs.” If everyone functioned like that very few products would be invented. Work on your dreams. Share them with those that support you. Never give up. You are awesome!            “Now, let’s get going.”  xo Sally 

We all get busy. When running around this weekend, doing errands, preparing for special events, or whatever you are planning to do, work on a new way to improve your communication skills.

When you are passing someone, opening a door or standing in a line, give the person the same eye contact and smile you would if you were looking at a pet. Why do we open up immediately to animals and not to people? The main thing that stands out to me is that animals are non-threatening, usually happy to see you, and give you all kinds of reasons to take the time to talk to them and pat them on the head. But we don’t treat people the same way.

Well it’s true that you might be locked up if you ran around patting people on the head and saying things like “aren’t you cute,” or “you’re such a good boy.” J But it is interesting that most of us will not hesitate to give eye contact to an animal and we avoid eye contact with people.

Let’s try to change that habit over the next few days. Make an effort to look at people and smile. You can actually say hello too…the world won’t fall apart, and you might walk away feeling good about that. You may make a person’s day, just by giving them a smile and holding the door for them. Let’s “be the person that your dog or cat thinks you are.”

Have a great weekend. Let me know what you experience when you make the effort! Small changes like this can be the start of bigger changes to come! You are awesome! Believe it! “Now let’s get going!”  xo Sally

Sometimes we travel through our life as if we were on “Life Support.” We just exist and go through the daily routine. There are times that things get so routine that we tend to lose interest in life.

If you find yourself falling into that category, you do have the power to change it. What you need to do is believe that the quality of your life can be better. Motivation is the key, but it is hard to establish motivation to change your current life patterns if you don’t know what would actually motivate you.

The first step is to take a “first step.” That first step will be different for everyone. It may be as simple as reaching out to a friend and inviting them to dinner, because you no longer entertain friends. Another person may feel like getting out of the house and starting a walking program is a literal “first step,” because weight loss is their goal and their goal seems out of reach.

Everyone is at a different place. Life holds many opportunities to explore ways to make your situation better. To start a change within you, start where you are. Choose something to do that matters to you, and make that first step a little one. Build on it and start developing a plan to go towards a larger goal.

You have to believe that you matter, because you do. You may be tired of being a caregiver or just plain tired of being tired. Either way, REBOOT your life and work on some goals to make 2014 your year! “Now let’s get going!”  xo Sally

I often hear people comment that they don’t think they have “the strength.”  Strength can be driven by the concept of physical strength, as well as emotional or mental strength. 

I think there are a number of people who just don’t want to face the work that change tends to require. Sometimes it requires changing your physical environment, but most times it requires changing your mind set. Your mind puts you where you are. If you want to change your situation you have to work at it. Realize today that you have about 12 hours of good “awake and alert time” that you can dedicate to changing your mind. 

You can promote internal strength all day, today and every day. You can choose to focus on every positive thing that happens today and every day. If you consistently choose to focus on positive thoughts you will build positive energy in you. It doesn’t take money nor does it take you away from your responsibilities of work, home or social activities. Doing this exercise will enhance every one of those. 

Think of it like exercising your mind, but you don’t have to go to the gym. (there is another bonus J) 

Challenging yourself to grow mentally and spiritually will change your outlook and how people respond to you. You will be where your mind and thoughts are. “Now let’s get going!”  xo Sally