Elevator Talk With Michelle
By Michelle
This Podcast is all about encouraging people to be there best and to lift them up, when life knocks them down. I will be putting up new content every Saturday, but there may be times when I put up random topics (topics I hadn't originally planned for, but I didn't want to wait a whole new month to post it).
Elevator Talk With MichelleMay 01, 2021
00:00
15:23
Why It’s Important To Know Yourself
The only person who travels with you through your entire life (outside of God) is you. It’s you (and God) from the cradle to the grave. Therefore, it’s important that you take time to really get to know who you are.
The three most important reasons for self-knowledge:
1). Self-love. If you know yourself the good, the bad, and the ugly, you can start to accept who you are exactly as you are. It may be a challenge to accept some aspects of our lives that we don’t perceive as positive, but we must accept them as we begin to make changes. You can deny the parts of your life you don’t like all you want to, but they won’t go away. In other words, love who you are until you get where you want to be.
2). Independence. Self-knowledge makes you independent of the opinions of other people. If you know what works for you, what is good for you and, what isn’t – it’s irrelevant what others might think of you. You are the expert of your own being. You oversee your thoughts, and you are your own personality. Independence and self-awareness are also linked to confidence. By knowing who you are and what you stand for in life, it can help to give you a strong sense of self-confidence.
3). Clear Decision Making. As we know, with knowledge comes insight and confidence and this can make the decision-making process much easier. There isn’t a lot of space for doubt once you have gained that full insight. We all speak two languages: the language of the heart and that of the head. If they are aligned, it’s easy to make decisions. But if they aren’t, your mood will decide what’s right or wrong.
Example: You are going on a date and the person you’re going out with, looks good, smells good and has all the qualities you are looking for in a man or woman. However, there is something about the person that doesn’t quite sit well with you. You aren’t sure what it is, but it doesn’t feel right. Something is telling you that he or she is either married or seeing someone else, but you have no real proof. Having two different dialogues makes it impossible to be clear. Today your head is ruling, and you want to see that person, but tomorrow your heart may be telling you not to go on that date. Now you must align your head and heart so that you get clarity, in order to support easy decision making.
Quote: It is hard to imagine a more stupid or more dangerous way of making decisions than by putting those decisions in the hands of people who pay no price for being wrong. - Thomas Sowell
Be the reason someone feels welcomed, seen, heard, loved, and supported! As you do that, go out there and be great, because great is calling you and great is calling me. Be blessed, have an amazing day on purpose, and we will talk again next week.
Contact Me:
Linktree: linktr.ee/coachchelle
The three most important reasons for self-knowledge:
1). Self-love. If you know yourself the good, the bad, and the ugly, you can start to accept who you are exactly as you are. It may be a challenge to accept some aspects of our lives that we don’t perceive as positive, but we must accept them as we begin to make changes. You can deny the parts of your life you don’t like all you want to, but they won’t go away. In other words, love who you are until you get where you want to be.
2). Independence. Self-knowledge makes you independent of the opinions of other people. If you know what works for you, what is good for you and, what isn’t – it’s irrelevant what others might think of you. You are the expert of your own being. You oversee your thoughts, and you are your own personality. Independence and self-awareness are also linked to confidence. By knowing who you are and what you stand for in life, it can help to give you a strong sense of self-confidence.
3). Clear Decision Making. As we know, with knowledge comes insight and confidence and this can make the decision-making process much easier. There isn’t a lot of space for doubt once you have gained that full insight. We all speak two languages: the language of the heart and that of the head. If they are aligned, it’s easy to make decisions. But if they aren’t, your mood will decide what’s right or wrong.
Example: You are going on a date and the person you’re going out with, looks good, smells good and has all the qualities you are looking for in a man or woman. However, there is something about the person that doesn’t quite sit well with you. You aren’t sure what it is, but it doesn’t feel right. Something is telling you that he or she is either married or seeing someone else, but you have no real proof. Having two different dialogues makes it impossible to be clear. Today your head is ruling, and you want to see that person, but tomorrow your heart may be telling you not to go on that date. Now you must align your head and heart so that you get clarity, in order to support easy decision making.
Quote: It is hard to imagine a more stupid or more dangerous way of making decisions than by putting those decisions in the hands of people who pay no price for being wrong. - Thomas Sowell
Be the reason someone feels welcomed, seen, heard, loved, and supported! As you do that, go out there and be great, because great is calling you and great is calling me. Be blessed, have an amazing day on purpose, and we will talk again next week.
Contact Me:
Linktree: linktr.ee/coachchelle
Apr 01, 202414:20
Letting Go Of People Who No Longer Want You
Have you ever asked yourself why is it that we have a hard time letting go of people that have made it clear, they don’t want us? I think it has to do with the fact that we didn’t make the decision to leave them first. Let’s unpack this a little bit:
1. Remember It’s Not About You. When people choose to walk out of your life, it’s a choice they are making for some reason or other. They are looking out for their wellbeing and their happiness. When this happens, let them go, don’t ever try to hold onto someone that doesn’t want to be held onto. For what? Why do you want them to be unhappy? Why do you want to be with someone that doesn’t want to be with you? Peoples wants, desires, needs, and likes will change over time, and you must except that.
2. Some Relationships Are Toxic And Should Never Have Been. While you may love that person and they may love you, it’s mentally draining to one or both people and you don’t want to let go, because you are afraid of what people are going to say or think. Stop trying to keep toxic people around hoping they will change because chances are they won’t.
3. Change Happened. Change happens and it’s not always for the better. Either you changed or they changed, but
either way a change happened, and neither of you are the person you were when you first met.
4. Their Season Has Ended. Everybody comes into our life for a season or a reason. You mess up when you try to keep people in your life past their time. Seasonal people were never meant to be in your life for a lifetime and when you try to keep them longer, you end up making a mess of things. Remember that song from the movie Coolie High (It’s so hard to say goodbye to yesterday and I’ll take with me, the memories to be my sunshine after the rain).
5. There Is No More Trust. Once trust is broken, there is nothing else left to hold onto and chances are, either you are going to leave them, or they are going to leave you. People will often leave if you, if one has broken the others trust too many times and they are tired of forgiving you. This is why it’s so important to learn from your mistakes and then move on.
Let me leave you with this quote:
“There comes a point in your life when you realize: Who matters, who never did, who won’t anymore, and who always will. So, don’t worry about people from your past, there’s a reason why they didn’t make it to your future.” ― Adam Lindsay Gordon
Go out there and be the reason someone feels welcomed, seen, heard, loved, and supported! As you do that, go out there and be great, because great is calling you and great is calling me. Be blessed, have an amazing day on purpose, and we will talk again next week.
Contact Me: Linktree: linktr.ee/coachchelle
1. Remember It’s Not About You. When people choose to walk out of your life, it’s a choice they are making for some reason or other. They are looking out for their wellbeing and their happiness. When this happens, let them go, don’t ever try to hold onto someone that doesn’t want to be held onto. For what? Why do you want them to be unhappy? Why do you want to be with someone that doesn’t want to be with you? Peoples wants, desires, needs, and likes will change over time, and you must except that.
2. Some Relationships Are Toxic And Should Never Have Been. While you may love that person and they may love you, it’s mentally draining to one or both people and you don’t want to let go, because you are afraid of what people are going to say or think. Stop trying to keep toxic people around hoping they will change because chances are they won’t.
3. Change Happened. Change happens and it’s not always for the better. Either you changed or they changed, but
either way a change happened, and neither of you are the person you were when you first met.
4. Their Season Has Ended. Everybody comes into our life for a season or a reason. You mess up when you try to keep people in your life past their time. Seasonal people were never meant to be in your life for a lifetime and when you try to keep them longer, you end up making a mess of things. Remember that song from the movie Coolie High (It’s so hard to say goodbye to yesterday and I’ll take with me, the memories to be my sunshine after the rain).
5. There Is No More Trust. Once trust is broken, there is nothing else left to hold onto and chances are, either you are going to leave them, or they are going to leave you. People will often leave if you, if one has broken the others trust too many times and they are tired of forgiving you. This is why it’s so important to learn from your mistakes and then move on.
Let me leave you with this quote:
“There comes a point in your life when you realize: Who matters, who never did, who won’t anymore, and who always will. So, don’t worry about people from your past, there’s a reason why they didn’t make it to your future.” ― Adam Lindsay Gordon
Go out there and be the reason someone feels welcomed, seen, heard, loved, and supported! As you do that, go out there and be great, because great is calling you and great is calling me. Be blessed, have an amazing day on purpose, and we will talk again next week.
Contact Me: Linktree: linktr.ee/coachchelle
Mar 23, 202418:53
How To Take Responsibility For Your Life
We are responsible for the choices we make, so when our lives fall apart, we have to take responsibility for the part we play and not push the blame off on other people.
You took the wrong turn, you gave the wrong person your love, you put up with foolishness, you didn’t know when to say no, you turned down that opportunity, you cheated, you gave up on yourself. The list can go on and on, but you get where I am going. Here is how you can take responsibility for your life:
1. Stop The Blame Game. When you blame other people and other things, all you are doing is making yourself out to be the victim. Doing this makes it harder for you to change. Why because it’s always someone else’s fault and never yours; so why should you change? Example: When your ex breaks your heart, ask yourself what role did you play in the downfall? You saw all of the signs and yet you chose to ignore them, and you stayed.
2. Stop Complaining And Do Something About It. This goes without saying, if you aren’t going to fix the problem, then don’t complain about it. You should stop complaining because that issue you are dealing with, may be a blessing in disguise. Think of it as a blessing you didn’t know you needed.
3. Stop Waiting For Someone Else To Make You Happy. Your happiness is nobody else’s responsibility but yours. Waiting on someone to make you happy, may take a lifetime and even then, it’s not guaranteed.
4. Live In The Right Now. You can’t change the past and present isn’t promised to you, so focus only on what you can control right now. We all can learn from our past, so it’s ok to glance over your shoulder to see where you’ve come from or what you’ve been through, but don’t stay there too long. You are the gate keeper of your thoughts, yesterday, today, and always.
Be the reason someone feels welcomed, seen, heard, loved, and supported! As you do that, go out there and be great, because great is calling you and great is calling me. Be blessed, have an amazing day on purpose, and we will talk again next week.
Contact Me:
Linktree: linktr.ee/coachchelle
You took the wrong turn, you gave the wrong person your love, you put up with foolishness, you didn’t know when to say no, you turned down that opportunity, you cheated, you gave up on yourself. The list can go on and on, but you get where I am going. Here is how you can take responsibility for your life:
1. Stop The Blame Game. When you blame other people and other things, all you are doing is making yourself out to be the victim. Doing this makes it harder for you to change. Why because it’s always someone else’s fault and never yours; so why should you change? Example: When your ex breaks your heart, ask yourself what role did you play in the downfall? You saw all of the signs and yet you chose to ignore them, and you stayed.
2. Stop Complaining And Do Something About It. This goes without saying, if you aren’t going to fix the problem, then don’t complain about it. You should stop complaining because that issue you are dealing with, may be a blessing in disguise. Think of it as a blessing you didn’t know you needed.
3. Stop Waiting For Someone Else To Make You Happy. Your happiness is nobody else’s responsibility but yours. Waiting on someone to make you happy, may take a lifetime and even then, it’s not guaranteed.
4. Live In The Right Now. You can’t change the past and present isn’t promised to you, so focus only on what you can control right now. We all can learn from our past, so it’s ok to glance over your shoulder to see where you’ve come from or what you’ve been through, but don’t stay there too long. You are the gate keeper of your thoughts, yesterday, today, and always.
Be the reason someone feels welcomed, seen, heard, loved, and supported! As you do that, go out there and be great, because great is calling you and great is calling me. Be blessed, have an amazing day on purpose, and we will talk again next week.
Contact Me:
Linktree: linktr.ee/coachchelle
Mar 17, 202414:40
Achieve The Life You've Always Dreamed Of
In order to create the life you’ve always dreamed of, you have to start by creating a vision of who you want to become. Here are some things you may want to do:
1. Picture What You Want Your Future To Look Like. Everybody that has achieved greatness started with a vision (Colonial Sanders, Henry Ford, Walt Disney, Oprah Winfrey. Ilyana Vanzant, Lisa Nichols, & Angel Richardson to name a few). You must put pen to paper and write down what you see in your mind. Write out everything from beginning to end and then come up with a plan. As you write out your vision, be as specific as possible. Write out the colors you see, the people you see, and the location. How do you feel with all of this going on?
2. Focus On Where You Are Going. What you focus on, becomes your reality. This is why you need to focus on where you are going, and not where you don’t want to go. Most importantly, you must always walk by faith and not by sight no matter what happens or what anybody says. BONUS: Step Out On Faith!
3. No Matter What Happens Don’t Give Up. Hard times will always come; no matter who you are, where you come from, or how much money you have. The most import thing you must remember is that giving up is never an option. You will never make it to the finish line if you keep giving up.
I need you to start living your life as if you have already received the things you want. Now that doesn’t me to go crazy spending money you don’t have, but it does mean to start living the life you are working towards in your mind. Tell yourself you are the success you’ve been dreaming of, and the best is yet to come.
Be the reason someone feels welcomed, seen, heard, loved, and supported! As you do that, go out there and be great, because great is calling you and great is calling me. Be blessed, have an amazing day on purpose, and we will talk again next week.
Contact Me:
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/coachchelle
Mar 13, 202413:11
Down But Not Out
Welcome back to another Elevator Talk With Michelle. For the time that is ours to share, I want to talk about: Down But Not Out.
2 Corinthians 4:7-11 (New King James Version)- Cast Down but Unconquered
7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. 8 We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. 11 For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.
When life knocks you down, you can either choose to bounce back fast or drown in your emotions and give up. If you struggle with coping with life’s blows, you’re not alone. We all encounter challenging times in their lives. I think we can all agree that you never know what life will throw at you. Life is one big rollercoaster ride of ups and downs, ins and outs.
There will be times when you feel like you’re on top of the world, while other times, you may feel like you’re at rock bottom. Most of us will sway on both ends of the continuum at some point in our lives. Playing with the unknown makes the journey through life equally exciting and terrifying.
When bad things happen, it’s natural to feel down. You may even fall into the trap of assuming that things will never get better. Unfortunately, this mindset is the very thing that keeps so many people stuck in the drowning victim mode.
This wild ride that we call life is an endless string of highs and lows, successes and failures, setbacks, and comebacks. Therefore, it is so important that you develop your resilience muscle.
1. Hold Yourself Accountable. It’s easier to blame other people for your downfalls (very few times it really is someone else’s fault). Once you start to hold yourself accountable for the role you play(ed) in your downfall, then you can begin your healing process; always admit the part you played.
2. Change Your Focus. Stop looking at what is now behind you and what happened to you (other than to learn something new). Focus on what is still to come; you can’t fix what happened, but you can learn from it and alter your future a bit. When you accept this, everything will change. Always remember what you focus on, is what you will gravitate towards. By changing your focus, looking forward to getting back in the game, and focusing on the next steps in life; you will instantly see your breakthrough.
So, when you start to feel knocked down ask yourself, what is your focus right now? Check to see if you are focusing on want you don’t want or what you want. Are you seeing the opportunities or only the obstacles? The answers to these questions will help you get clarity, create awareness, and elevate you to where you need to be.
3. Change How You Speak To Yourself. Take a minute or two and listen to your inner voice and decide if you need to change the dialogue. If you aren’t careful, you will be the one that’s dragging you down. Setbacks are going to come, but how you deal with them will make all the difference. You can choose to beat yourself up over your setback, or you can learn from it/them and grow.
Just like where we choose to place our focus, the language we use is also something we have full control over if we take a moment to connect with the right power. Simply put, we are nothing but the stories we tell ourselves on a regular basis. What story are you telling yourself?
Be the reason someone feels welcomed, seen, heard, loved, and supported! As you do that, go out there and be great, because great is calling you and great is calling me. Be blessed, have an amazing day on purpose, and we will talk again next week.
Contact Me: Linktree: linktr.ee/coachchelle
2 Corinthians 4:7-11 (New King James Version)- Cast Down but Unconquered
7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. 8 We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. 11 For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.
When life knocks you down, you can either choose to bounce back fast or drown in your emotions and give up. If you struggle with coping with life’s blows, you’re not alone. We all encounter challenging times in their lives. I think we can all agree that you never know what life will throw at you. Life is one big rollercoaster ride of ups and downs, ins and outs.
There will be times when you feel like you’re on top of the world, while other times, you may feel like you’re at rock bottom. Most of us will sway on both ends of the continuum at some point in our lives. Playing with the unknown makes the journey through life equally exciting and terrifying.
When bad things happen, it’s natural to feel down. You may even fall into the trap of assuming that things will never get better. Unfortunately, this mindset is the very thing that keeps so many people stuck in the drowning victim mode.
This wild ride that we call life is an endless string of highs and lows, successes and failures, setbacks, and comebacks. Therefore, it is so important that you develop your resilience muscle.
1. Hold Yourself Accountable. It’s easier to blame other people for your downfalls (very few times it really is someone else’s fault). Once you start to hold yourself accountable for the role you play(ed) in your downfall, then you can begin your healing process; always admit the part you played.
2. Change Your Focus. Stop looking at what is now behind you and what happened to you (other than to learn something new). Focus on what is still to come; you can’t fix what happened, but you can learn from it and alter your future a bit. When you accept this, everything will change. Always remember what you focus on, is what you will gravitate towards. By changing your focus, looking forward to getting back in the game, and focusing on the next steps in life; you will instantly see your breakthrough.
So, when you start to feel knocked down ask yourself, what is your focus right now? Check to see if you are focusing on want you don’t want or what you want. Are you seeing the opportunities or only the obstacles? The answers to these questions will help you get clarity, create awareness, and elevate you to where you need to be.
3. Change How You Speak To Yourself. Take a minute or two and listen to your inner voice and decide if you need to change the dialogue. If you aren’t careful, you will be the one that’s dragging you down. Setbacks are going to come, but how you deal with them will make all the difference. You can choose to beat yourself up over your setback, or you can learn from it/them and grow.
Just like where we choose to place our focus, the language we use is also something we have full control over if we take a moment to connect with the right power. Simply put, we are nothing but the stories we tell ourselves on a regular basis. What story are you telling yourself?
Be the reason someone feels welcomed, seen, heard, loved, and supported! As you do that, go out there and be great, because great is calling you and great is calling me. Be blessed, have an amazing day on purpose, and we will talk again next week.
Contact Me: Linktree: linktr.ee/coachchelle
Feb 28, 202420:32
The Glass Of Water
Welcome back to another Elevator Talk With Michelle Podcast. For the time that is ours to share, I want to talk about: The Glass Of Water | An Inspirational Story.
Once upon a time a psychology professor walked around on a stage while teaching stress management principles to an auditorium filled with students. As she raised a glass of water, everyone expected they’d be asked the typical “glass half empty or glass half full” question. Instead, with a smile on her face, the professor asked, “How heavy is this glass of water I’m holding?”
Students shouted out answers ranging from eight ounces to a couple pounds.
She replied, “From my perspective, the absolute weight of this glass doesn’t matter. It all depends on how long I hold it. If I hold it for a minute or two, it’s fairly light. If I hold it for an hour straight, it’s weight might make my arm ache a little. If I hold it for a day straight, my arm will likely cramp up and feel completely numb and paralyzed, forcing me to drop the glass to the floor. In each case, the weight of the glass doesn’t change, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it feels to me.”
As the class shook their heads in agreement, she continued, “Your stresses and worries in life are very much like this glass of water. Think about them for a while and nothing happens. Think about them a bit longer and you begin to ache a little. Think about them all day long, and you will feel completely numb and paralyzed; incapable of doing anything else until you drop them.”
The Moral: It’s important to remember to let go of your stresses and worries. No matter what happens during the day, as early in the evening as you can, put all your burdens down. Don’t carry them through the night and into the next day with you. If you still feel the weight of yesterday’s stress, it’s a strong sign that it’s time to put the glass down.
Take Away: The longer you hold on the heavier it gets.
Go out there and be great, because great is calling you and great is calling me. Be blessed and have an amazing day on purpose.
Contact Me:
Linktree: linktr.ee/coachchelle
Once upon a time a psychology professor walked around on a stage while teaching stress management principles to an auditorium filled with students. As she raised a glass of water, everyone expected they’d be asked the typical “glass half empty or glass half full” question. Instead, with a smile on her face, the professor asked, “How heavy is this glass of water I’m holding?”
Students shouted out answers ranging from eight ounces to a couple pounds.
She replied, “From my perspective, the absolute weight of this glass doesn’t matter. It all depends on how long I hold it. If I hold it for a minute or two, it’s fairly light. If I hold it for an hour straight, it’s weight might make my arm ache a little. If I hold it for a day straight, my arm will likely cramp up and feel completely numb and paralyzed, forcing me to drop the glass to the floor. In each case, the weight of the glass doesn’t change, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it feels to me.”
As the class shook their heads in agreement, she continued, “Your stresses and worries in life are very much like this glass of water. Think about them for a while and nothing happens. Think about them a bit longer and you begin to ache a little. Think about them all day long, and you will feel completely numb and paralyzed; incapable of doing anything else until you drop them.”
The Moral: It’s important to remember to let go of your stresses and worries. No matter what happens during the day, as early in the evening as you can, put all your burdens down. Don’t carry them through the night and into the next day with you. If you still feel the weight of yesterday’s stress, it’s a strong sign that it’s time to put the glass down.
Take Away: The longer you hold on the heavier it gets.
Go out there and be great, because great is calling you and great is calling me. Be blessed and have an amazing day on purpose.
Contact Me:
Linktree: linktr.ee/coachchelle
Jan 22, 202416:10
Setting Realistic Expectations
Here are some things you need to do to set realistic expectations:
1). Examine The Expectations Of Yourself. You should always strive for growth and improvement, but are your goals planned and executed in small, achievable steps or big unmanageable actions?
Trying to get everything perfectly done all at once will keep you from taking consistent action toward your goal(s). Likewise, it will often leave you feeling depressed and disappointed in your abilities, which will only breed negative self-talk!
Reasonable Expectation: Start walking 30 minutes a day to move toward your weight loss goals.
Unreasonable Expectation: Stressing about losing weight all day, every day and being strict and rigid about what you eat and how often you exercise.
How To Adjust: Begin by taking things one day at a time and not beating yourself up if you fall off the wagon. Also not beating yourself up because you messed up at one meal, here or there. Will the weight fall off all at once? No but it will come off eventually. Your unrealistic self-expectations will only prevent you from dealing with the actual situation and keep you feeling stuck and powerless.
2). Reconsider Your Expectations Of Others. If you go through life trying to decide what everybody in your life, should and shouldn’t be doing you will drive yourself crazy. When we hold expectations of others’ behavior to a higher standard and link it to our own happiness, it’s a huge recipe for disaster.
Reasonable Expectation: You will attend Bible Study twice a week.
Unreasonable Expectation: Everybody in your house should be attending Bible Study with you and attending church all day on Sunday.
How to Adjust: Remember that just because you choose to attend Bible Study twice a week and attend Church all day on Sunday, not everybody needs to and/or wants to do it with you. Mind your business and stop worrying about what other people need to do or not do. Focus on letting them see the new you and your actions will encourage them to change how they live.
3). Release Your Expectations Of Events. Be mindful of putting your expectations into the outcome of events (such as elections). When you put all your hopes and dreams into the outcome of a specific event, you are setting yourself up for a huge disappointment. Anything that can go wrong, usually will go wrong.
Reasonable Expectation: Going on a date expecting to have a good time, while eating great food and sitting in a relaxing atmosphere.
Unreasonable Expectation: Going on a date because you are looking for marriage and fairytale wedding and happy ending.
How to Adjust: Stay focused on just going out to have fun and not worrying about if you will marry this person or not.
Contact Me:
Linktree: linktr.ee/coachchelle
1). Examine The Expectations Of Yourself. You should always strive for growth and improvement, but are your goals planned and executed in small, achievable steps or big unmanageable actions?
Trying to get everything perfectly done all at once will keep you from taking consistent action toward your goal(s). Likewise, it will often leave you feeling depressed and disappointed in your abilities, which will only breed negative self-talk!
Reasonable Expectation: Start walking 30 minutes a day to move toward your weight loss goals.
Unreasonable Expectation: Stressing about losing weight all day, every day and being strict and rigid about what you eat and how often you exercise.
How To Adjust: Begin by taking things one day at a time and not beating yourself up if you fall off the wagon. Also not beating yourself up because you messed up at one meal, here or there. Will the weight fall off all at once? No but it will come off eventually. Your unrealistic self-expectations will only prevent you from dealing with the actual situation and keep you feeling stuck and powerless.
2). Reconsider Your Expectations Of Others. If you go through life trying to decide what everybody in your life, should and shouldn’t be doing you will drive yourself crazy. When we hold expectations of others’ behavior to a higher standard and link it to our own happiness, it’s a huge recipe for disaster.
Reasonable Expectation: You will attend Bible Study twice a week.
Unreasonable Expectation: Everybody in your house should be attending Bible Study with you and attending church all day on Sunday.
How to Adjust: Remember that just because you choose to attend Bible Study twice a week and attend Church all day on Sunday, not everybody needs to and/or wants to do it with you. Mind your business and stop worrying about what other people need to do or not do. Focus on letting them see the new you and your actions will encourage them to change how they live.
3). Release Your Expectations Of Events. Be mindful of putting your expectations into the outcome of events (such as elections). When you put all your hopes and dreams into the outcome of a specific event, you are setting yourself up for a huge disappointment. Anything that can go wrong, usually will go wrong.
Reasonable Expectation: Going on a date expecting to have a good time, while eating great food and sitting in a relaxing atmosphere.
Unreasonable Expectation: Going on a date because you are looking for marriage and fairytale wedding and happy ending.
How to Adjust: Stay focused on just going out to have fun and not worrying about if you will marry this person or not.
Contact Me:
Linktree: linktr.ee/coachchelle
Jan 14, 202416:47
Self-Esteem
Self-esteem influences everything from your thoughts to your appearance to the way you conduct yourself. When you’re self-assured, you have a better chance of leading a productive and fulfilling life. When the opposite is true, battling your inner demons can drain all of your energy. Which then causes you to display a defeated vibe.
People who lack self-esteem will often times display these 8 behaviors, without realizing it:
1). They talk down to themselves.
2). They seek external validation.
3). They have a hard time accepting compliments.
4). They stay in their comfort zone.
5). They put themselves second.
6). They apologize too much.
7). They procrastinate.
8). They self-isolate.
Closing: Go out there and be great, because great is calling you and great is calling me. Be blessed and have an amazing day on purpose.
Contact Me: Linktree: linktr.ee/coachchelle
People who lack self-esteem will often times display these 8 behaviors, without realizing it:
1). They talk down to themselves.
2). They seek external validation.
3). They have a hard time accepting compliments.
4). They stay in their comfort zone.
5). They put themselves second.
6). They apologize too much.
7). They procrastinate.
8). They self-isolate.
Closing: Go out there and be great, because great is calling you and great is calling me. Be blessed and have an amazing day on purpose.
Contact Me: Linktree: linktr.ee/coachchelle
Jan 07, 202424:33
Day 12: Twas The Night Before Christmas
'Twas the Night Before Christmas History:
The poem, originally titled: "A Visit" or "A Visit From St. Nicholas", was first published anonymously on Dec. 23, 1823, in a Troy, New York newspaper called The Sentinel.
It wasn't until 1837 that Clement Clarke Moore accepted credit for writing A Visit. He reportedly wanted to keep his authorship secret initially because he was a professor, and the piece wasn't considered a scholarly work at the time of its initial writing. Moore is said to have based his vision of Santa Claus on both St. Nicholas and a local Dutch handyman where he lived in New York. Legend has it that the handyman operated the sleigh that took Moore home.
'Twas the Night Before Christmas (A Visit) Full Poem:
'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.
The children were nestled all snug in their beds, while visions of sugar plums danced in their heads. And Mama in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap, had just settled our brains for a long winter's nap. When out on the roof there arose such a clatter, I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash, tore open the shutter, and threw up the sash. The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow gave the luster of midday to objects below, when, what to my wondering eyes should appear, but a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer. With a little old driver, so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.
More rapid than eagles, his coursers they came, and he whistled and shouted and called them by name: "Now Dasher! Now Dancer! Now, Prancer and Vixen! On, Comet! On, Cupid! On, Donner and Blitzen! To the top of the porch! To the top of the wall! Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, when they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky. So up to the house-top the coursers they flew, with the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof the prancing and pawing of each little hoof. As I drew in my head and was turning around, down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound. He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot, and his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of toys he had flung on his back, and he looked like a peddler just opening his pack. His eyes how they twinkled! His dimples, how merry! His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry! His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow, and the beard on his chin was as white as the snow.
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth, and the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath. He had a broad face and a little round belly, that shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly. He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf, and I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself. A wink of his eye and a twist of his head soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, and filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk. And laying his finger aside of his nose, and giving a nod, up the chimney he rose. He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, And away they all flew like the down of a thistle. But I heard him exclaim, 'ere he drove out of sight, "Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"
The poem, originally titled: "A Visit" or "A Visit From St. Nicholas", was first published anonymously on Dec. 23, 1823, in a Troy, New York newspaper called The Sentinel.
It wasn't until 1837 that Clement Clarke Moore accepted credit for writing A Visit. He reportedly wanted to keep his authorship secret initially because he was a professor, and the piece wasn't considered a scholarly work at the time of its initial writing. Moore is said to have based his vision of Santa Claus on both St. Nicholas and a local Dutch handyman where he lived in New York. Legend has it that the handyman operated the sleigh that took Moore home.
'Twas the Night Before Christmas (A Visit) Full Poem:
'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.
The children were nestled all snug in their beds, while visions of sugar plums danced in their heads. And Mama in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap, had just settled our brains for a long winter's nap. When out on the roof there arose such a clatter, I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash, tore open the shutter, and threw up the sash. The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow gave the luster of midday to objects below, when, what to my wondering eyes should appear, but a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer. With a little old driver, so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.
More rapid than eagles, his coursers they came, and he whistled and shouted and called them by name: "Now Dasher! Now Dancer! Now, Prancer and Vixen! On, Comet! On, Cupid! On, Donner and Blitzen! To the top of the porch! To the top of the wall! Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, when they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky. So up to the house-top the coursers they flew, with the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof the prancing and pawing of each little hoof. As I drew in my head and was turning around, down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound. He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot, and his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of toys he had flung on his back, and he looked like a peddler just opening his pack. His eyes how they twinkled! His dimples, how merry! His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry! His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow, and the beard on his chin was as white as the snow.
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth, and the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath. He had a broad face and a little round belly, that shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly. He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf, and I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself. A wink of his eye and a twist of his head soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, and filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk. And laying his finger aside of his nose, and giving a nod, up the chimney he rose. He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, And away they all flew like the down of a thistle. But I heard him exclaim, 'ere he drove out of sight, "Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"
Dec 25, 202306:29
Day 11: Planning For A Year Of Achievements
There are two common detours that people tend to make before they create their New Year resolutions. First, they think about what they should do, instead of what they really want to do. Second, they think about what they should stop doing, instead of what they want to achieve. To be successful, you need to want it more than you want your next breath. Here are eight rules for creating successful New Year Resolutions.
Rule 1: Commit to Your Resolution(s). Successful resolutions start with a strong commitment to make a change. To succeed, you must believe that you can accomplish what you set out to achieve. So, keep the following points in mind when you set them:
Choose resolutions that you really want to achieve and make them positive.
Don't leave your choice of resolution to the last minute.
Take time to think about your goals. If you don't, you risk reacting to your current environment and missing the bigger picture.
Questions to ask yourself to determine if you can take ownership of your resolution include:
• Is this resolution my idea or someone else's?
• Does this resolution motivate and invigorate me?
• Does this resolution align with other factors in my life, such as my values and long-term plans?
Tip: Visualization is a powerful technique for helping you commit to your goals or resolutions. Try picturing yourself having attained your goal. How do you feel? How do you look? How do others react to you?
Rule 2: Be Realistic. The key to achieving goals is motivation; but you risk failing if you set the bar too high. Consider carefully before setting the same resolution you set last year. If it didn't work then, you need to make sure that there is a good reason to believe that you can achieve it this year. What has changed?
Rule 3: Write It Down. Put your resolution(s) in writing. It's a simple but powerful technique for making your goal real. There is something inside us that responds with more commitment and drive when we take the time to do this.
Rule 4: Make a Plan. Start by envisioning where you want to be. Then work back along your path to where you are today. Write down all of the milestones you'll need to achieve in between. Decide what you'll do to accomplish each of these milestones. You need to know each step and have a plan for what comes next.
Rule 5: Be Flexible. Not everything will work out precisely the way that you planned. So, remain flexible and adaptable by following these steps:
• Try to predict some of the challenges that you'll face. Make a contingency plan for the ones that have the highest probability of failure, and mentally prepare yourself for the others.
• Realize that your resolution itself might change along the way; that's not failure, it's reality.
Tip: There is no fixed rule saying that a resolution must be set in January. If your circumstances say it’s better to wait until March, then by all means do so.
Rule 6: Use Reminders. It can be hard to keep focused on your plan if you have other commitments, responsibilities, and obligations. Develop a formal reminder system to stay on top of your resolution(s). Do this by taking the following into consideration:
• Have your written resolutions visible.
• Set up reminders for the things you need to accomplish to achieve your goals on your desktop calendar.
Rule 7: Track Your Progress. You need to know when each milestone is accomplished. Your excitement around the little successes will keep you motivated and keep you pushing forwards.
• Use a journal to track your progress.
• Note when you felt pleased with your efforts.
• Note when you felt down or felt like quitting.
• Look back at your entries on a regular basis and learn from your experiences.
Rule 8: Reward Yourself. Even the most committed person needs a boost. When you are developing your plan, make a note of some milestones where you will reward yourself once they are achieved.
Rule 1: Commit to Your Resolution(s). Successful resolutions start with a strong commitment to make a change. To succeed, you must believe that you can accomplish what you set out to achieve. So, keep the following points in mind when you set them:
Choose resolutions that you really want to achieve and make them positive.
Don't leave your choice of resolution to the last minute.
Take time to think about your goals. If you don't, you risk reacting to your current environment and missing the bigger picture.
Questions to ask yourself to determine if you can take ownership of your resolution include:
• Is this resolution my idea or someone else's?
• Does this resolution motivate and invigorate me?
• Does this resolution align with other factors in my life, such as my values and long-term plans?
Tip: Visualization is a powerful technique for helping you commit to your goals or resolutions. Try picturing yourself having attained your goal. How do you feel? How do you look? How do others react to you?
Rule 2: Be Realistic. The key to achieving goals is motivation; but you risk failing if you set the bar too high. Consider carefully before setting the same resolution you set last year. If it didn't work then, you need to make sure that there is a good reason to believe that you can achieve it this year. What has changed?
Rule 3: Write It Down. Put your resolution(s) in writing. It's a simple but powerful technique for making your goal real. There is something inside us that responds with more commitment and drive when we take the time to do this.
Rule 4: Make a Plan. Start by envisioning where you want to be. Then work back along your path to where you are today. Write down all of the milestones you'll need to achieve in between. Decide what you'll do to accomplish each of these milestones. You need to know each step and have a plan for what comes next.
Rule 5: Be Flexible. Not everything will work out precisely the way that you planned. So, remain flexible and adaptable by following these steps:
• Try to predict some of the challenges that you'll face. Make a contingency plan for the ones that have the highest probability of failure, and mentally prepare yourself for the others.
• Realize that your resolution itself might change along the way; that's not failure, it's reality.
Tip: There is no fixed rule saying that a resolution must be set in January. If your circumstances say it’s better to wait until March, then by all means do so.
Rule 6: Use Reminders. It can be hard to keep focused on your plan if you have other commitments, responsibilities, and obligations. Develop a formal reminder system to stay on top of your resolution(s). Do this by taking the following into consideration:
• Have your written resolutions visible.
• Set up reminders for the things you need to accomplish to achieve your goals on your desktop calendar.
Rule 7: Track Your Progress. You need to know when each milestone is accomplished. Your excitement around the little successes will keep you motivated and keep you pushing forwards.
• Use a journal to track your progress.
• Note when you felt pleased with your efforts.
• Note when you felt down or felt like quitting.
• Look back at your entries on a regular basis and learn from your experiences.
Rule 8: Reward Yourself. Even the most committed person needs a boost. When you are developing your plan, make a note of some milestones where you will reward yourself once they are achieved.
Dec 25, 202315:55
Day 10: Things To Leave Behind In 2023
Here is a list of things that you should give up in the New Year. Doing so, can and probably will reduce your stress levels, help you get out of your rut, and dramatically improve your quality of life.
1). Any Form Of Negative Self Talk. Negative self-talk is very harmful and can lead to anxiety and depression.
2). Ignoring your Well-being. Don’t take your mental health for granted, take time to take care of yourself.
3). Dealing With Toxic People. Don’t invest your time in people who don’t support you or are just negative about everything. Instead build a supportive group to network with.
4). Not Exercising. Exercising is not only good for your physical health but also for your mental health.
5). Unhealthy Eating. Eating unhealthy or emotionally is not good for your overall health. Don’t indulge in emotional eating, know your body, and feed it wholesome, nutrient-dense food.
6). Not Getting Enough Rest. Not getting enough sleep can also lead to unhealthy mental health.
7). Being A People Pleaser. Don’t neglect your health just to please everyone and unbalance your mental stability and well-being.
8). Fear of Failure. The more you fear your failure, the less you grow. As Elbert Hubbard said: “To avoid criticism say nothing, do nothing, be nothing.”
9). Constant Complaining. Constant complaining won’t lead to anything good.
10). Going After the Easy Life Fix. Instead of looking for quick and easy solutions to your problems, find concrete solutions to make them permanent and lead a healthy life.
11). Self-Limiting Believes. Believing that there is never enough of anything, be it a job, money, love, etc., will only lead to poor well-being.
12). Old Regrets. Be grateful for the lessons you learned from your mistakes, but don’t feel guilty about your past regrets. Let them go and embrace your present.
1). Any Form Of Negative Self Talk. Negative self-talk is very harmful and can lead to anxiety and depression.
2). Ignoring your Well-being. Don’t take your mental health for granted, take time to take care of yourself.
3). Dealing With Toxic People. Don’t invest your time in people who don’t support you or are just negative about everything. Instead build a supportive group to network with.
4). Not Exercising. Exercising is not only good for your physical health but also for your mental health.
5). Unhealthy Eating. Eating unhealthy or emotionally is not good for your overall health. Don’t indulge in emotional eating, know your body, and feed it wholesome, nutrient-dense food.
6). Not Getting Enough Rest. Not getting enough sleep can also lead to unhealthy mental health.
7). Being A People Pleaser. Don’t neglect your health just to please everyone and unbalance your mental stability and well-being.
8). Fear of Failure. The more you fear your failure, the less you grow. As Elbert Hubbard said: “To avoid criticism say nothing, do nothing, be nothing.”
9). Constant Complaining. Constant complaining won’t lead to anything good.
10). Going After the Easy Life Fix. Instead of looking for quick and easy solutions to your problems, find concrete solutions to make them permanent and lead a healthy life.
11). Self-Limiting Believes. Believing that there is never enough of anything, be it a job, money, love, etc., will only lead to poor well-being.
12). Old Regrets. Be grateful for the lessons you learned from your mistakes, but don’t feel guilty about your past regrets. Let them go and embrace your present.
Dec 24, 202320:34
Day 9: Ways To Reduce Holiday Stress
Here are 10 ways to reduce holiday stress before it comes, so you can spend your time on what really matters to you:
1). Clearly picture the Christmas you want to have. Set expectations for yourself and others by painting a picture of what you want your Christmas to look like. Be crystal clear. Here are some things to think about before the holidays start:
• Who’s sitting at the table at mealtime?
• What are you eating for dinner?
• What are you going to have or not have?
• Which Christmas movies are you watching?
• What gifts are you giving, or not giving this year?
2). Set boundaries. Over the holidays, it might seem like your mom, father-in-law or second cousin call the shots. That couldn’t be more wrong; you choose them. You get to decide where you go, how long you stay there, who you invite into your home, and how much money you’ll spend. It’s important to set those boundaries before you kick off the Christmas festivities. Before you commit to anything, decide what your limits are for:
•Traveling: Will you drive or fly? How long will you visit?
•Hosting guests: How long will they stay, and can they bring their pet?
•Spending: How much money are you budgeting for presents this year? How many gifts should each person on your list get?
•Food: What is the menu for the day?
•Conflict: How will you handle a disagreement if one breaks out?
By the way, don’t drive or fly thousands of miles to a place that’s inhospitable or threatening. You can always say no than you, to their invitation. However, once you commit to seeing your family and or friends, do it with a good attitude.
3). Avoid family conflict. Even the best families can drive you crazy. So, this year, before you even pack your bags, think about conflicts that might pop up. If your dad has a pattern of talking bad about a particular group of people, don’t be surprised when he starts one of his rants. You can’t change him, but you can decide how you respond.
•You can ask someone to stop. It’s possible to be direct and still be kind.
•You can always get up and leave. Sometimes walking away, is the best thing you can do.
•Create a plan of action. Decide ahead of time how you’ll respond if tensions start to build.
•Communicate your plan ahead of time. Make it clear that you don’t want to talk about politics or anything negative.
4). Focus on what you can control. There are only two things you can control, and they are your thoughts and your actions. You can’t control what your parents say around the dinner table. You can’t control your kids’ attitudes.
5. Know your role in the situation. If you’re going to your significant others house for Christmas and you have to sleep on the uncomfortable couch and eat her family’s food that’s much different than what you normally eat, remember the world doesn’t revolve around you and it’s not your house. Your role is to support your partner, so embrace it. You chose to go, so decide to make hilarious memories instead of whining about the accommodations.
6). Understand it’s ok to say no. No matter who you are, it’s crazy absurd to try to attend a million white elephant parties, ornament exchanges and cookie-decorating parties.
7). Take a social media break. There’s an overwhelming amount of data, nonsense, and news in our country right now. Not only is it all over our TVs, but it also floods our social media feeds. Those perfectly curated Instagram and Pinterest Christmas feeds will only lead to us comparing and keeping up with the Joneses.
8). Make a Christmas budget. A budget creates boundaries for your wallet. Budgeting helps to reduce stress because it gives you a plan for your money.
9. Get plenty of sleep and movement. Anxiety affects at least 40 million people in the U.S., and one of the most powerful tools you have to reduce anxiety is sleep.
10. Take some quiet time for yourself. Keep your sanity by scheduling some quiet time to do things you enjoy.
1). Clearly picture the Christmas you want to have. Set expectations for yourself and others by painting a picture of what you want your Christmas to look like. Be crystal clear. Here are some things to think about before the holidays start:
• Who’s sitting at the table at mealtime?
• What are you eating for dinner?
• What are you going to have or not have?
• Which Christmas movies are you watching?
• What gifts are you giving, or not giving this year?
2). Set boundaries. Over the holidays, it might seem like your mom, father-in-law or second cousin call the shots. That couldn’t be more wrong; you choose them. You get to decide where you go, how long you stay there, who you invite into your home, and how much money you’ll spend. It’s important to set those boundaries before you kick off the Christmas festivities. Before you commit to anything, decide what your limits are for:
•Traveling: Will you drive or fly? How long will you visit?
•Hosting guests: How long will they stay, and can they bring their pet?
•Spending: How much money are you budgeting for presents this year? How many gifts should each person on your list get?
•Food: What is the menu for the day?
•Conflict: How will you handle a disagreement if one breaks out?
By the way, don’t drive or fly thousands of miles to a place that’s inhospitable or threatening. You can always say no than you, to their invitation. However, once you commit to seeing your family and or friends, do it with a good attitude.
3). Avoid family conflict. Even the best families can drive you crazy. So, this year, before you even pack your bags, think about conflicts that might pop up. If your dad has a pattern of talking bad about a particular group of people, don’t be surprised when he starts one of his rants. You can’t change him, but you can decide how you respond.
•You can ask someone to stop. It’s possible to be direct and still be kind.
•You can always get up and leave. Sometimes walking away, is the best thing you can do.
•Create a plan of action. Decide ahead of time how you’ll respond if tensions start to build.
•Communicate your plan ahead of time. Make it clear that you don’t want to talk about politics or anything negative.
4). Focus on what you can control. There are only two things you can control, and they are your thoughts and your actions. You can’t control what your parents say around the dinner table. You can’t control your kids’ attitudes.
5. Know your role in the situation. If you’re going to your significant others house for Christmas and you have to sleep on the uncomfortable couch and eat her family’s food that’s much different than what you normally eat, remember the world doesn’t revolve around you and it’s not your house. Your role is to support your partner, so embrace it. You chose to go, so decide to make hilarious memories instead of whining about the accommodations.
6). Understand it’s ok to say no. No matter who you are, it’s crazy absurd to try to attend a million white elephant parties, ornament exchanges and cookie-decorating parties.
7). Take a social media break. There’s an overwhelming amount of data, nonsense, and news in our country right now. Not only is it all over our TVs, but it also floods our social media feeds. Those perfectly curated Instagram and Pinterest Christmas feeds will only lead to us comparing and keeping up with the Joneses.
8). Make a Christmas budget. A budget creates boundaries for your wallet. Budgeting helps to reduce stress because it gives you a plan for your money.
9. Get plenty of sleep and movement. Anxiety affects at least 40 million people in the U.S., and one of the most powerful tools you have to reduce anxiety is sleep.
10. Take some quiet time for yourself. Keep your sanity by scheduling some quiet time to do things you enjoy.
Dec 23, 202315:35
Day 8: Holiday Shopping: Credit/Debit Card Safety Tips
Holiday shopping means that you are probably using your credit and debit cards more than normal. With the recent increase of incidents involving credit card fraud, it is important to do your part to minimize the risk of becoming the next target.
Here are five safety tips that can help keep your credit card and debit card information safe this holiday season–and all year long:
1). Shop on legitimate websites. Shopping online is easy and convenient, but make sure you are visiting the actual websites for reputable, legitimate businesses for your purchases. Scammers are good at creating legitimate-looking ads and emails designed to draw you into elaborate phishing schemes to make off with your credit or debit card information. Rather than clicking on links in emails or ads on webpages, the safest bet is to type the web address of the store you want directly into your browser; or use a search engine if you are not positive on the store’s web address.
2). Make sure online shopping is secure. Before you enter your credit/debit card information into a site’s checkout process, look for “https://” in the website address bar. If the “s” is not there, your information may not be encrypted when transmitted. So, even if the site itself is legitimate, your card information may be vulnerable.
3). Use online banking tools. Use your financial institution’s website to keep an eye on your balance and recent transactions and notify them right away if you notice any unauthorized activity.
4). Think twice about where you click “checkout”. Shopping online is easy, but if you are at a coffee shop, hotel, or anywhere else on an unsecured WiFi connection, consider waiting to enter your credit/debit card information until you are back on a secure network again.
5). Be careful in stores. If you are going to do shopping at the mall or at other retail stores, use some common-sense tips to keep your information secure, including keeping your card in a wallet or purse (not in your pocket where it could easily fall out), only carrying the card(s) you need for that shopping trip, and covering the card number with your hand when you give the card to the cashier to swipe so the number is not visible to others standing in line.
By taking these steps to safeguard your information, you can be more confident when shopping online, or in stores, for holiday purchases.
Here are five safety tips that can help keep your credit card and debit card information safe this holiday season–and all year long:
1). Shop on legitimate websites. Shopping online is easy and convenient, but make sure you are visiting the actual websites for reputable, legitimate businesses for your purchases. Scammers are good at creating legitimate-looking ads and emails designed to draw you into elaborate phishing schemes to make off with your credit or debit card information. Rather than clicking on links in emails or ads on webpages, the safest bet is to type the web address of the store you want directly into your browser; or use a search engine if you are not positive on the store’s web address.
2). Make sure online shopping is secure. Before you enter your credit/debit card information into a site’s checkout process, look for “https://” in the website address bar. If the “s” is not there, your information may not be encrypted when transmitted. So, even if the site itself is legitimate, your card information may be vulnerable.
3). Use online banking tools. Use your financial institution’s website to keep an eye on your balance and recent transactions and notify them right away if you notice any unauthorized activity.
4). Think twice about where you click “checkout”. Shopping online is easy, but if you are at a coffee shop, hotel, or anywhere else on an unsecured WiFi connection, consider waiting to enter your credit/debit card information until you are back on a secure network again.
5). Be careful in stores. If you are going to do shopping at the mall or at other retail stores, use some common-sense tips to keep your information secure, including keeping your card in a wallet or purse (not in your pocket where it could easily fall out), only carrying the card(s) you need for that shopping trip, and covering the card number with your hand when you give the card to the cashier to swipe so the number is not visible to others standing in line.
By taking these steps to safeguard your information, you can be more confident when shopping online, or in stores, for holiday purchases.
Dec 23, 202311:32
Day 7: Supporting Your Mental Health During The Holiday Season
A survey conducted by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) found that 64% of individuals living with a mental illness, reported worsened conditions around the holidays. Be it due to separation from loved ones, personal grief, the pressures of gift-giving, economic hardship, challenging interactions with family members, or shorter days. However, there are ways to help address the stress or condition and improve your mental health. Here are some strategies for supporting your mental health:
1). Pay Attention To Your Feelings. Remember that it’s okay to feel unhappy during the holidays. Recognizing your feelings is the first step to addressing and nurturing them.
2). Develop A Plan For When You Are Feeling Stressed, Sad, Or Lonely. This plan may include calling a friend or family member, going for a walk, engaging in an activity that brings you joy, or watching your favorite movie. Having a plan, ahead of time can help ensure the difficult moments are more manageable.
3). Practice Self-Care. It’s important to schedule time for yourself and activities that recharge your mind and body. This may include reading a good book, working out, spending time in nature, and practicing stress management skills, such as deep breathing, meditation, and Yoga. It is also important to remember to prioritize necessities, including eating a well-balanced diet, getting plenty of sleep, and finding time for exercise.
4). Connect With Community. If you can’t be near loved ones during the holidays, finding a supportive community through clubs, support groups, community centers, local meetups, and faith communities can help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. Consider scheduling a regular phone call with family and friends as well.
5). Support Others. During this time of year, feelings of grief and loss can amplify. Check on loved ones who may be alone or struggling during the holiday season. Helping a friend or neighbor not only gives joy to others, but it can improve your own happiness and well-being.
6). Recognize Seasonal Mood Changes. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a condition in which people experience symptoms of depression, that are triggered by the change in seasons. Treatment is effective and may include light therapy, antidepressant medication, and/or talk therapy.
7). Avoid Alcohol And Drugs. For people in recovery, the holiday season presents challenges that can trigger the use of alcohol and drugs. Having a plan for navigating social events and feelings of loneliness, can reduce the risk of substance use.
8). Know When To Seek Help. If you feel that your mental health struggles are becoming overwhelming and difficult to handle, it’s important to seek help and know that treatment is available.
1). SAMHSA’s National Helpline 1-800-662-HELP (4357)- A confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.
2). FindSupport.Gov- An online guide that helps people navigate through common questions when they are at the start of their journey to better behavioral health.
3). FindTreatment.Gov- A confidential and anonymous source of information for persons seeking treatment facilities in the United States or U.S. Territories for substance use/addiction and/or mental health problems.
4). 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline- If you or someone you know needs support now, you can contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Simply call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.
5). Veterans Crisis Line- Reach caring, qualified responders with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Many of them are Veterans themselves. Dial 988 then press 1.
I have my Certification as an Adult Mental Health First Aid responder. Please know you can reach out to me (coachingwithmichellea@gmail.com).
Dec 19, 202320:57
Day 6: Holiday Scams: The Unwelcome Gifts That Keep On Taking
The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) has been receiving record numbers of complaints each year about fraud schemes targeting consumers. The center says in 2021, Americans lost $173 million to credit card fraud and more than $337 million to non-payment and non-delivery scams.
These scams work, because we don’t know what we don’t know. Here are the top holiday scams and tips for preventing them:
1). The Gift Card Peek Scam. Scammers will take gift cards off the rack, scratch off the silver coating that protects the PIN code, record the code, then carefully apply a new coating in a way that leaves buyers none the wiser. The perpetrator waits a day or two for the card to be purchased and activated, and the card number and PIN are ready for the scammer to use. Solution: Carefully examine any gift cards you purchase. Better yet, send e-gift cards directly to recipients from a reputable site.
2). Mail Theft. Sending cash through the mail is still popular. But handwritten addresses and colorful envelopes make it easy for thieves to distinguish personal cards from the sea of junk mail and bills. They’ll steam a card open to look for cash, reseal the envelope and put it back in your mailbox. Solution: Don’t send cash. Order a cool gift online or send an e-gift card.
3). Package Theft. Bold porch pirates continue to pilfer holiday packages despite the increase in video doorbells. Even when a retailer has sent photo evidence your gift was delivered, it could still go missing before the intended recipient retrieves it. Solution: Consider a package drop box secured with a key you control. You can also keep an eye on your video doorbell notifications for deliveries and have a neighbor swing by if you’re not home.
4). Counterfeit Goods Scams. An estimated 57% of shoppers will make their purchases online this holiday season, according to research from the accounting giant PwC. You can be sure scammers will be ready, advertising hot deals on well-known brands via social media. Their websites will look genuine and may even feature the brand’s name in the URL for legitimacy. You or your recipient will probably even receive the goods, but they’ll clearly be cheap knockoffs. Solution: Buy from reputable sites you trust. If you’re suspicious, do a Google search of the site’s name plus the word “scam” to see what comes up.
5). The ‘Grandchild in Trouble’ Scam. Scammers rely on manipulative social engineering to trick seniors into sending money. They’ll call and pretend to be a grandchild who’s taking a holiday season vacation in Mexico and has been arrested. They want you to post bail and not involve their parents. Solution: Call the child’s parents to check in. Chances are that the kid in question is safe at home.
6). Vacation Rental Scams. As traveling is on the increase following years of pandemic-related slowdowns, scammers continue to post beautiful rental properties that don’t exist. They will try to get you off the app to communicate with them and submit payment, reducing traceability. Solution: Use trusted apps to book rentals and keep all interactions within the platform.
7). Business Email Compromise (BEC) Scams. Impersonating a company’s executives via email and text message has become quite a boon for fraudsters, resulting in nearly $2.4 billion in losses last year. They rely on urgency and authority to convince you to pay an invoice for the employee holiday party or submit a wire transfer without making sure to ask is legitimate. Solution: Check in with your “colleague” using a separate channel (phone, Slack, etc.) from the email you received.
8). Charitable Giving Scams. Fraudsters know people are more likely to give to those in need during the holidays. They will use phishing emails and phone-based scams to fleece you. Solution: Go straight to an organization’s website to make a donation. Don’t use the link in an email.
Contact Me:
Linktree: linktr.ee/coachchelle
These scams work, because we don’t know what we don’t know. Here are the top holiday scams and tips for preventing them:
1). The Gift Card Peek Scam. Scammers will take gift cards off the rack, scratch off the silver coating that protects the PIN code, record the code, then carefully apply a new coating in a way that leaves buyers none the wiser. The perpetrator waits a day or two for the card to be purchased and activated, and the card number and PIN are ready for the scammer to use. Solution: Carefully examine any gift cards you purchase. Better yet, send e-gift cards directly to recipients from a reputable site.
2). Mail Theft. Sending cash through the mail is still popular. But handwritten addresses and colorful envelopes make it easy for thieves to distinguish personal cards from the sea of junk mail and bills. They’ll steam a card open to look for cash, reseal the envelope and put it back in your mailbox. Solution: Don’t send cash. Order a cool gift online or send an e-gift card.
3). Package Theft. Bold porch pirates continue to pilfer holiday packages despite the increase in video doorbells. Even when a retailer has sent photo evidence your gift was delivered, it could still go missing before the intended recipient retrieves it. Solution: Consider a package drop box secured with a key you control. You can also keep an eye on your video doorbell notifications for deliveries and have a neighbor swing by if you’re not home.
4). Counterfeit Goods Scams. An estimated 57% of shoppers will make their purchases online this holiday season, according to research from the accounting giant PwC. You can be sure scammers will be ready, advertising hot deals on well-known brands via social media. Their websites will look genuine and may even feature the brand’s name in the URL for legitimacy. You or your recipient will probably even receive the goods, but they’ll clearly be cheap knockoffs. Solution: Buy from reputable sites you trust. If you’re suspicious, do a Google search of the site’s name plus the word “scam” to see what comes up.
5). The ‘Grandchild in Trouble’ Scam. Scammers rely on manipulative social engineering to trick seniors into sending money. They’ll call and pretend to be a grandchild who’s taking a holiday season vacation in Mexico and has been arrested. They want you to post bail and not involve their parents. Solution: Call the child’s parents to check in. Chances are that the kid in question is safe at home.
6). Vacation Rental Scams. As traveling is on the increase following years of pandemic-related slowdowns, scammers continue to post beautiful rental properties that don’t exist. They will try to get you off the app to communicate with them and submit payment, reducing traceability. Solution: Use trusted apps to book rentals and keep all interactions within the platform.
7). Business Email Compromise (BEC) Scams. Impersonating a company’s executives via email and text message has become quite a boon for fraudsters, resulting in nearly $2.4 billion in losses last year. They rely on urgency and authority to convince you to pay an invoice for the employee holiday party or submit a wire transfer without making sure to ask is legitimate. Solution: Check in with your “colleague” using a separate channel (phone, Slack, etc.) from the email you received.
8). Charitable Giving Scams. Fraudsters know people are more likely to give to those in need during the holidays. They will use phishing emails and phone-based scams to fleece you. Solution: Go straight to an organization’s website to make a donation. Don’t use the link in an email.
Contact Me:
Linktree: linktr.ee/coachchelle
Dec 19, 202324:52
Day 5: Starbucks Holiday Drinks And Food (And Red Cups!) Are Back
It’s the season of joy at Starbucks, and the holiday menu is back starting Nov. 2 at Starbucks stores in the United States. The new bright and beautiful Starbucks holiday cups are filled with festive flavors to explore, like the new Iced Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai, and returning seasonal favorites including Peppermint Mocha, Caramel Brulée Latte, Chestnut Praline Latte and Iced Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte. Starbucks stores that serve Starbucks Oleato beverages will also offer the new Oleato Gingerbread Oatmilk Latte, the first Oleato holiday beverage.
Holiday pastries and treats are also back, including the Cranberry Bliss Bar, Gingerbread Loaf, Peppermint Brownie Cake Pop, Snowman Cookie and Sugar Plum Cheese Danish.
Holiday Beverages:
(New) Iced Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai. The new Iced Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai combines warm gingerbread notes, a cozy blend of chai spices, and creamy oatmilk to create a cold holiday beverage that is perfectly balanced by the comforting flavors of the season; available iced and hot.
Starbucks Peppermint Mocha. Starbucks festive all-star brightens the holidays; the Peppermint Mocha features Starbucks signature Espresso Roast combined with steamed milk, mocha sauce, and peppermint-flavored syrup, which is then topped with whipped cream and dark chocolate curls. Available hot, iced and as a Frappuccino blended beverage.
Starbucks Caramel Brulée Latte. The Caramel Brulée Latte features Starbucks signature Espresso Roast, steamed milk and rich caramel brulée sauce, topped with whipped cream and a supreme topping of even more caramel brulée bits. Available hot, iced and as a Frappuccino blended beverage.
Starbucks Chestnut Praline Latte. The Chestnut Praline Latte starts with signature Espresso Roast and velvety steamed milk, along with flavors of caramelized chestnuts and spices, topped with whipped cream and spiced praline crumbs. Available hot, iced and as a Frappuccino blended beverage.
Starbucks Iced Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte. Back for it’s third holiday season is the Iced Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte, featuring sugar cookie flavored syrup, combined with Starbucks Blonde Espresso, ice, and almondmilk, topped with red and green sprinkles. Available hot, iced and as a Frappuccino blended beverage.
(New) Oleato Gingerbread Oatmilk Latte. At Starbucks stores where Oleato is served, customers can enjoy the new Oleato Gingerbread Oatmilk Latte, which features Starbucks Blonde Espresso combined with warm notes of gingerbread and steamed oatmilk, infused with Partanna extra virgin olive oil, and finished with a subtle dusting of bright ginger and citrus flavors.
Holiday Food:
Gingerbread Loaf. This take on the classic gingerbread loaf welcomes a deliciously baked treat full of hearty, ginger-spice flavors.
Peppermint Brownie Cake Pop. A peppermint chocolate cake with white-chocolaty frosting and festive pieces of candy cane.
Cranberry Bliss Bar. A blondie cake with dried cranberries, finished with a layer of cream-cheese icing flecked with orange zest and a sprinkle of dried cranberries.
Snowman Cookie. A buttery shortbread snowman cookie dressed up in white chocolaty icing.
Sugar Plum Cheese Danish. Cream-cheese filling is surrounded by a fluffy Danish, topped with a spiced sugar-plum spread.
Go out there and be great, because great is calling you and great is calling me!
Holiday pastries and treats are also back, including the Cranberry Bliss Bar, Gingerbread Loaf, Peppermint Brownie Cake Pop, Snowman Cookie and Sugar Plum Cheese Danish.
Holiday Beverages:
(New) Iced Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai. The new Iced Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai combines warm gingerbread notes, a cozy blend of chai spices, and creamy oatmilk to create a cold holiday beverage that is perfectly balanced by the comforting flavors of the season; available iced and hot.
Starbucks Peppermint Mocha. Starbucks festive all-star brightens the holidays; the Peppermint Mocha features Starbucks signature Espresso Roast combined with steamed milk, mocha sauce, and peppermint-flavored syrup, which is then topped with whipped cream and dark chocolate curls. Available hot, iced and as a Frappuccino blended beverage.
Starbucks Caramel Brulée Latte. The Caramel Brulée Latte features Starbucks signature Espresso Roast, steamed milk and rich caramel brulée sauce, topped with whipped cream and a supreme topping of even more caramel brulée bits. Available hot, iced and as a Frappuccino blended beverage.
Starbucks Chestnut Praline Latte. The Chestnut Praline Latte starts with signature Espresso Roast and velvety steamed milk, along with flavors of caramelized chestnuts and spices, topped with whipped cream and spiced praline crumbs. Available hot, iced and as a Frappuccino blended beverage.
Starbucks Iced Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte. Back for it’s third holiday season is the Iced Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte, featuring sugar cookie flavored syrup, combined with Starbucks Blonde Espresso, ice, and almondmilk, topped with red and green sprinkles. Available hot, iced and as a Frappuccino blended beverage.
(New) Oleato Gingerbread Oatmilk Latte. At Starbucks stores where Oleato is served, customers can enjoy the new Oleato Gingerbread Oatmilk Latte, which features Starbucks Blonde Espresso combined with warm notes of gingerbread and steamed oatmilk, infused with Partanna extra virgin olive oil, and finished with a subtle dusting of bright ginger and citrus flavors.
Holiday Food:
Gingerbread Loaf. This take on the classic gingerbread loaf welcomes a deliciously baked treat full of hearty, ginger-spice flavors.
Peppermint Brownie Cake Pop. A peppermint chocolate cake with white-chocolaty frosting and festive pieces of candy cane.
Cranberry Bliss Bar. A blondie cake with dried cranberries, finished with a layer of cream-cheese icing flecked with orange zest and a sprinkle of dried cranberries.
Snowman Cookie. A buttery shortbread snowman cookie dressed up in white chocolaty icing.
Sugar Plum Cheese Danish. Cream-cheese filling is surrounded by a fluffy Danish, topped with a spiced sugar-plum spread.
Go out there and be great, because great is calling you and great is calling me!
Dec 17, 202312:25
Day 4: How To Keep Your New Year's Resolution
The start of a new year is the perfect time to turn a new page, which is probably why so many people make New Year's resolutions. The new year often feels like a fresh start and a great opportunity to change bad habits and establish new routines that will help you grow psychologically, emotionally, socially, physically, or intellectually. Of course, resolutions are much easier to make than to keep, and by the end of March, many of us have abandoned our resolve and settled back into our old patterns. Part of the problem may be that we don’t know how to keep New Year's resolutions, despite our good intentions.
While this practice can sometimes lead people to bite off more than they can chew, going after resolutions can also present great opportunities to overcome struggles with willpower, determination, and ingenuity. Perceptions of the success of these resolutions vary. In one study, only around 12% of people who make New Year's resolutions, felt that they were successful in achieving their goals. Some of the most common resolutions include:
• Losing weight
• Sticking to a healthier diet
• Exercising regularly
• Making better financial choices
• Quitting smoking
• Spending more time with family
While many people feel that they don't achieve their resolutions, one study showed that those who set New Year's resolutions were 10 times more likely to change their behavior than people who don't make these yearly goals. So how long do resolutions last? While most surveys suggest that the majority of people don't stick with their New Year's resolutions for long, a 2020 study found that 55% of participants considered themselves successful at sustaining resolutions after a year.
In that study, researchers found that people were more successful at keeping approach-oriented goals (such as changing eating or sleeping habits), rather than avoidance-oriented ones (which are motivated by a desire to avoid something). Even if resolutions don't always last, that doesn't mean they aren't worth making. One survey conducted by YouGov found that people who planned to make New Year's resolutions were more optimistic about their future. So, what can you do to make it more likely that you will keep your next resolution?
1). Choose a Specific Goal.
2). Limit Your Resolutions.
3). Put Time Into Planning.
4). Start With Small Steps.
5). Avoid Repeating Past Failures.
6). Remember That Change Is a Process.
7). Get Support.
8). Renew Your Motivation.
9). Keep Working on Your Goals.
10). Keep a Resolution Journal.
11). Learn To Adapt.
If you find that you need an Accountability Coach, please be sure to reach out to me via email: coachingwithmichellea@gmail.com
While this practice can sometimes lead people to bite off more than they can chew, going after resolutions can also present great opportunities to overcome struggles with willpower, determination, and ingenuity. Perceptions of the success of these resolutions vary. In one study, only around 12% of people who make New Year's resolutions, felt that they were successful in achieving their goals. Some of the most common resolutions include:
• Losing weight
• Sticking to a healthier diet
• Exercising regularly
• Making better financial choices
• Quitting smoking
• Spending more time with family
While many people feel that they don't achieve their resolutions, one study showed that those who set New Year's resolutions were 10 times more likely to change their behavior than people who don't make these yearly goals. So how long do resolutions last? While most surveys suggest that the majority of people don't stick with their New Year's resolutions for long, a 2020 study found that 55% of participants considered themselves successful at sustaining resolutions after a year.
In that study, researchers found that people were more successful at keeping approach-oriented goals (such as changing eating or sleeping habits), rather than avoidance-oriented ones (which are motivated by a desire to avoid something). Even if resolutions don't always last, that doesn't mean they aren't worth making. One survey conducted by YouGov found that people who planned to make New Year's resolutions were more optimistic about their future. So, what can you do to make it more likely that you will keep your next resolution?
1). Choose a Specific Goal.
2). Limit Your Resolutions.
3). Put Time Into Planning.
4). Start With Small Steps.
5). Avoid Repeating Past Failures.
6). Remember That Change Is a Process.
7). Get Support.
8). Renew Your Motivation.
9). Keep Working on Your Goals.
10). Keep a Resolution Journal.
11). Learn To Adapt.
If you find that you need an Accountability Coach, please be sure to reach out to me via email: coachingwithmichellea@gmail.com
Dec 17, 202323:17
Day 3: Top Christmas Movies To Stream This Holiday Season
As the days to Christmas tick away, there may not be enough time to watch every Christmas movie. But don't worry, I have you covered. From the disputed "Die Hard" to the classic "A Charlie Brown Christmas," here is a compiled list of movies to stream this holiday season:
Amazon Prime
"Miracle on 34th Street" (1947)
"Scrooged"
"Christmas Carol" (1984)
"Last Holiday"
"Christmas with the Kranks"
"It's A Wonderful Life"
"The Man Who Invented Christmas"
"Snow Day"
"Something From Tiffany's"
"Last Christmas"
"The Legend of Frosty the Snowman"
"Violent Night"
Max
"National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation"
"Elf"
"A Christmas Carol" (1938)
"Arthur Christmas"
"Four Christmases"
"Fred Claus"
"A Christmas Story"
"A Christmas Story 2"
"The Polar Express"
"8-Bit Christmas"
"A Christmas Story Christmas"
"Jack Frost"
"Harry Potter And the Sorcerer's Stone"
"Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets"
"Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban"
"Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire"
"Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix"
"Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince"
"Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Part 1"
Netflix
"Falling for Christmas"
"Holidate"
"Best. Christmas. Ever!"
"Love Actually"
"Love Hard"
"Let It Snow"
"White Christmas"
"Family Switch"
"Holiday in the Wild"
"Christmas As Usual"
"The Christmas Chronicles"
"The Christmas Chronicles: Part Two"
"A Christmas Prince"
"The Knight Before Christmas"
"Single All the Way"
"The Man Who Invented Christmas"
"The Holiday Calendar"
"The Princess Switch"
"The Princess Switch: Switched Again"
"The Princess Switch 3: Romancing the Star"
"A Very Murray Christmas"
"Christmas Inheritance"
"A Christmas Prince: The Royal Wedding"
"Klaus"
Dolly Parton's "Christmas on the Square"
"The Christmas Chronicles"
Disney+
"Home Alone"
"Home Alone 2: Lost in New York"
"Home Alone 3"
"Dashing Through the Snow"
"The Santa Clause"
"Santa Clause 2"
"Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause"
"The Santa Clauses"
"Mickey's Once Upon A Christmas"
"Mickey's Twice Upon A Christmas"
"Disney's A Christmas Carol" (Jim Carrey version)
"Mickey's Christmas Carol"
"The Muppet Christmas Carol"
"Prep & Landing"
"Jingle All the Way"
"I'll Be Home for Christmas"
"Noelle"
"Beauty And The Beast: The Enchanted Christmas"
"Godmothered"
"The Nightmare Before Christmas"
"Ernest Saves Christmas"
"The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe"
"The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special"
"The Nutcracker and the Four Realms"
"While You Were Sleeping"
Peacock
"How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" (the classic animated one)
"How the Grinch Stole Christmas" (the Jim Carrey version; available between Dec. 20 and 31)
"The Grinch" (2018)
"Almost Christmas"
"Krampus"
"5 More Sleeps 'Til Christmas"
"Miracle of 19th Street"
"The Best Man Holiday"
"The Housewives of the North Pole"
"The Dog Who Saved Christmas"
"Feast of the Seven Fishes"
Hulu
"Miracle on 34th Street" (1994)
"Happiest Season"
"Arthur Christmas"
"Die Hard"
"Snow Day"
"The Holiday"
"12 Dates of Christmas"
"Deck the Halls"
"The Mistle-Tones"
"Trolls: Holiday in Harmony"
"A Merry Friggin' Christmas"
"The Family Stone"
"Christmas Cupid"
"The Year Without a Santa Claus"
Apple TV+
"A Charlie Brown Christmas"
"It's Christmastime Again, Charlie Brown"
Mariah Carey's "Magical Christmas Special"
"Mariah's Christmas: The Magic Continues"
"Spirited"
"'Twas the Fight Before Christmas"
Thank you for listening to my Podcast and please be sure to come back tomorrow, for day 4. Go out there and be great, because great is calling you.
Dec 16, 202313:56
Day 2: Unique Christmas Traditions From Around The World
We have a lot of Christmas traditions, in the United States such as: Tree decorating, baking holiday cookies, and opening Christmas presents both on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day; just to name a few. Oh, and let’s not forget watching Hallmark Christmas movies during the month of December. Let’s look at the way other Countries celebrate Christmas:
Sweden: The Yule Goat has been a Swedish Christmas symbol dating back to ancient pagan festivals.
Philippines: Every year, the city of San Fernando holds what’s known as the Giant Lantern Festival, which features beautiful lanterns that symbolize the Star of Bethlehem.
Japan: Christmas isn't a national holiday in Japan. Rather than gathering around the table for a turkey dinner, families head out to their local Kentucky Fried Chicken.
Iceland: Iceland celebrates what they call 13 days of Christmas.
Finland: On Christmas morning, Finish families traditionally eat a porridge made of rice, milk, cinnamon, and/or butter.
New Zealand: Because summer falls during Christmas, a lot of their traditions are centered around a barbeque grill, where families and friends get together and have a casual cookout.
Denmark: Today, people decorate their homes with superstitious characters called nisser, who are believed to provide protection.
Martinique: Families visit their neighbors during Advent and on New Year's Day, they have holiday food like yams, boudin créole, pâtés salés, and pork stew.
Norway: In Norway, the Christmas season, called julebord, begins Dec. 3rd, filling up local bars and restaurants throughout the month.
Ireland: The Irish leave a tall red candle in a front window overnight, a welcoming symbol of warmth and shelter for the holiday season. Traditional Christmas fare in Ireland often includes homemade roast goose, vegetables, cranberries, and potatoes.
Barbados: A Christmas table in Barbados isn't complete without a baked ham decorated with pineapple and sorrel glazes, a rum cake, and Jug Jug, a dish inspired by the Scottish influence on the island combining pigeon peas, guinea corn flour, herbs, and salt meat.
Poland: On Christmas Eve in Poland, many families share oplatek (an unleavened religious wafer), each person breaking off a piece as they wish each other Merry Christmas.
The Netherlands: Sinterklaas is the Dutch name for Saint Nicholas, the man recognized by children by his long white beard, red cape, and red miter. Kids put a shoe by the chimney or back door and wake up on Christmas morning to find treats like gingerbread men, marzipan, and chocolate letters inside.
Portugal and Brazil: Brazilian and Portuguese families come together on Christmas Eve to eat dinner as late as 10 p.m. Then, at exactly midnight, they exchange gifts, toast, and wish each other a Merry Christmas.
Austria: Alpine countries like Austria have a legend that a devil-like creature called Krampus joins their St. Nicholas festivities on December 6th.
South Africa: While the traditions around South Africa vary by region and culture, most families come together for a cookout, called braaing on the holiday. Marinated steaks and boerewors sausages serve as the main course, followed by a customary dessert of malva pudding served with a custard.
Ukraine: Orthodox Christians make up nearly 49% of Ukraine's population; they observe Christmas Day on January 7th by dressing in traditional garments and walking through town singing carols.
Mexico: All across Mexico members of the Church put on Shepherd's Plays, to retell the Christmas story. w
Switzerland: Families make their own advent calendars, which are either given to children as a surprise or made together as a fun activity.
El Salvador: Central American countries like El Salvador toast Christmas with fireworks display on December 24th and 25th. Children celebrate with small firecrackers called volcancitos, while those who are a little older tend to prefer the larger varieties and Roman candles.
Enjoy and come back tomorrow for Day 3!
Dec 14, 202321:28
Day 1: How To Create A Holiday Budget (12 Days Of Christmas 2023)
Creating a holiday budget really means creating a regular life budget with a category for holiday saving or spending. As you begin to think about your holiday budget, it helps to know what budgeting method works best for you.
The zero-based budget. This is where you have a plan for every dollar you bring in. First, calculate your monthly income, including any side hustles. Then list out your monthly spending for all your expenses and any savings goals you already have in place. If you have money left over here, or if you have room to cut from any miscellaneous spending categories or savings goals, throw that money into a holiday spending category. It may help to keep this amount in your savings, knowing how much is going in there each month to keep track of what you can take out at holiday season.
The 50/30/20 budget method. The 50/30/20 budget is a budgeting strategy that splits your after-tax income into three categories: 50% for needs, 30% for wants, and 20% for savings and debt reduction. This method was made popular by Elizabeth Warren and her daughter in their book All Your Worth: The Ultimate Lifetime Money Plan. It’s a simple guideline (not a hard-and-fast rule) to help you align your spending with your savings goals and financial health. Keep in mind the following:
Needs are things you can’t live without.
Wants are things you don't need but make life nicer, such as entertainment and fun.
Savings and debt reduction are your financial goals, such as paying off loans, building an emergency fund, or investing for retirement.
Now that you have a basic budgeting plan, here are some more specific tips for how to create a holiday budget.
1). Start planning your holiday budget early.
2). Review last year's holiday spending.
3). List your holiday expenses in categories.
4). Figure out your spending limits for each category.
5). Save throughout the year in a high-yield savings account.
6). Keep track of your holiday spending.
7). Understand the pros and cons of buy now, pay later plans.
8). Use a cash rewards credit card to earn rewards on your holiday spending.
9). Look for ways to free up money for your holiday budget.
10). Avoid Financial Scams During the Holiday Season.
• Avoid holiday shopping on public Wi-Fi. If you're booking flights or shopping online for gifts, make those transactions at home on your own password-protected Wi-Fi. Inputting credit card details through public Wi-Fi puts you at risk of a hacker getting your information and having their own holiday spree.
• Beware of email or text scams. A legitimate business or organization will never ask for your personal information; like your Social Security Number, credit or debit card numbers, or passwords over email or text messaging.
• Be wise with retail credit cards. If you are considering applying for a retail store's credit card, be wary of how they take your information. For example, paper applications can be lost or stolen, and often contain sensitive information like Social Security Number, address, and driver's license number. If you're unsure whether your paper application will be handled with care, err on the side of caution, and skip it.
• Monitor your account activity. Check your account activity, to make sure you don't see any unusual activity. It's just one more layer of protection to ensure that your money stays right where it belongs.
The zero-based budget. This is where you have a plan for every dollar you bring in. First, calculate your monthly income, including any side hustles. Then list out your monthly spending for all your expenses and any savings goals you already have in place. If you have money left over here, or if you have room to cut from any miscellaneous spending categories or savings goals, throw that money into a holiday spending category. It may help to keep this amount in your savings, knowing how much is going in there each month to keep track of what you can take out at holiday season.
The 50/30/20 budget method. The 50/30/20 budget is a budgeting strategy that splits your after-tax income into three categories: 50% for needs, 30% for wants, and 20% for savings and debt reduction. This method was made popular by Elizabeth Warren and her daughter in their book All Your Worth: The Ultimate Lifetime Money Plan. It’s a simple guideline (not a hard-and-fast rule) to help you align your spending with your savings goals and financial health. Keep in mind the following:
Needs are things you can’t live without.
Wants are things you don't need but make life nicer, such as entertainment and fun.
Savings and debt reduction are your financial goals, such as paying off loans, building an emergency fund, or investing for retirement.
Now that you have a basic budgeting plan, here are some more specific tips for how to create a holiday budget.
1). Start planning your holiday budget early.
2). Review last year's holiday spending.
3). List your holiday expenses in categories.
4). Figure out your spending limits for each category.
5). Save throughout the year in a high-yield savings account.
6). Keep track of your holiday spending.
7). Understand the pros and cons of buy now, pay later plans.
8). Use a cash rewards credit card to earn rewards on your holiday spending.
9). Look for ways to free up money for your holiday budget.
10). Avoid Financial Scams During the Holiday Season.
• Avoid holiday shopping on public Wi-Fi. If you're booking flights or shopping online for gifts, make those transactions at home on your own password-protected Wi-Fi. Inputting credit card details through public Wi-Fi puts you at risk of a hacker getting your information and having their own holiday spree.
• Beware of email or text scams. A legitimate business or organization will never ask for your personal information; like your Social Security Number, credit or debit card numbers, or passwords over email or text messaging.
• Be wise with retail credit cards. If you are considering applying for a retail store's credit card, be wary of how they take your information. For example, paper applications can be lost or stolen, and often contain sensitive information like Social Security Number, address, and driver's license number. If you're unsure whether your paper application will be handled with care, err on the side of caution, and skip it.
• Monitor your account activity. Check your account activity, to make sure you don't see any unusual activity. It's just one more layer of protection to ensure that your money stays right where it belongs.
Dec 14, 202341:57
Things That Hold You Back In Life
Have you ever been stuck in what feels like a never-ending cycle of spinning your wheels, but getting nowhere? Without even realizing it, you may be the one standing in your own way on your journey to success. When we’re not seeing the results or progress that we want to see, it’s easy to blame outside circumstances. Other people, the environment, our financial situation, our circumstances, etc. We look at those things as a way to pass the blame for why we’re not achieving our goals or seeing success. In reality, you are the #1 thing that holding you back from be successful.
Yes, it’s true there are outside circumstances, that are out of our control. Those things can impact your goals and your journey to get to them. But, if we’re honest, the main determining factor for your life is you; you are in the driver’s seat. This may be difficult to hear, but try to shift your perspective. This means that you are also the one that holds the key to your success; you have the power. That means you have great potential to achieve everything you want in life.
Here are some everyday things, that are holding you back in Life:
1). People pleasing.
2). Fear.
3). Excuses.
4). Lack of self-care.
5). Not having clear goals.
6). Negativity.
7). Self-doubt & imposter syndrome.
8). Avoiding past issues.
9). Waiting for the “Right Time”.
10). Quitting too easily.
11). Inauthenticity.
12). Surrounding yourself with complacency.
Go out there and be great, because great is calling you and great is calling me. Be blessed and have an amazing day on purpose.
Contact Me:
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/coachchelle
Nov 26, 202325:53
How To Keep Going Even When You Want To Give Up
We are born to look for instant gratification because in the ancient times, getting immediate benefits was essential for survival. We are very much present-oriented, and so when we’re not getting what we want immediately, we get anxious and want to give up.
Yes, so once in a while, wanting to give up is normal. But giving up is not okay. For example, Walt Disney had been fired by a newspaper editor before because he “lacked imagination and had no good ideas.” If he gave up imagining and dreaming about big ideas, he wouldn’t have found the successful Disney business. If you give up now, you’re giving up the very bright future and great results you will get. The Consequence of Giving Up Too Early:
1). Remember Why You Started and How Much You Really Want It. Think back to the moment your idea was conceived. Going back to the beginning brings into focus the purpose of your endeavor.
2). Look Into the Reason Why You Want to Give Up. There are many reasons why you may want to quit. Be diligent in figuring out what the real issues are and tackle them specifically. Once you see what is causing the feeling, you can address it.
3). Picture In Your Mind The End Result. Keep in your mind the picture of the end result. A visualization of what you want to accomplish will keep you moving forward. The feeling of being a quitter isn’t pleasant. You are a winner! Remember the slogan: The thrill of victory or the agony of defeat!
Whenever you want to quit, ask yourself, do you want the thrill of victory? Or would you rather the agony of defeat? Press on; you can do this. This is how you can stay motivated and persevere even during the difficult times.
4). Make A Plan And Have A Backup. Before you undertake anything, always have a plan of action. There are various ways this can be done. You can write a list, make a breakout chart, or form a checklist for tasks completed along the way. By having a plan in place, when you feel like giving up you can look at the plan and refocus on the steps needed to reach the goal.
Also, have a backup plan in mind before beginning; this way when you are frustrated and want to give up, you will have an alternative plan to put in action. Life will knock you down, but don’t give up!
5). Find Support From Other People. Don’t isolate yourself or hide your feelings of frustration, and don’t be afraid to seek support from others. Reach out to family, friends, co-workers, online forums, church members, members of your Ministry(s) to find someone that you can talk to.
6). Be Grateful For The Good Things While You Struggle. Regardless of where you are in your process, it is important that you are always grateful, for what you already have. Whenever you feel like giving up, stop and make a list of the things you are grateful for in your life. You have so much positivity in your life to be thankful for. The way you look at the situations around you depends on the attitude with which you view them. Take on an attitude of gratitude and you will be amazed at the difference it makes.
7). Celebrate Your Victories, No Matter How Small They Are. You should acknowledge all the victories that you have made along the way. Instead of feeling overwhelmed at all that you have left to do, write out a list of the accomplishments you have completed, no matter how small they may seem. By celebrating your progress, you will renew your energy to complete what you are doing. When you see all that, you have done, it will excite you to take further action until the finish line. Don’t give up!
8). Have Motivational Reminders Everywhere. Keep your favorite motivational quotes, around you and look at them every day. Keep them where you can always see them and recite them as often as you need to. Your takeaway today, is to never give up: No matter what!
Closing: Please be sure to subscribe to my Podcast, if you haven’t already done so. Go out there and be great, because great is calling you and great is calling me.
Yes, so once in a while, wanting to give up is normal. But giving up is not okay. For example, Walt Disney had been fired by a newspaper editor before because he “lacked imagination and had no good ideas.” If he gave up imagining and dreaming about big ideas, he wouldn’t have found the successful Disney business. If you give up now, you’re giving up the very bright future and great results you will get. The Consequence of Giving Up Too Early:
1). Remember Why You Started and How Much You Really Want It. Think back to the moment your idea was conceived. Going back to the beginning brings into focus the purpose of your endeavor.
2). Look Into the Reason Why You Want to Give Up. There are many reasons why you may want to quit. Be diligent in figuring out what the real issues are and tackle them specifically. Once you see what is causing the feeling, you can address it.
3). Picture In Your Mind The End Result. Keep in your mind the picture of the end result. A visualization of what you want to accomplish will keep you moving forward. The feeling of being a quitter isn’t pleasant. You are a winner! Remember the slogan: The thrill of victory or the agony of defeat!
Whenever you want to quit, ask yourself, do you want the thrill of victory? Or would you rather the agony of defeat? Press on; you can do this. This is how you can stay motivated and persevere even during the difficult times.
4). Make A Plan And Have A Backup. Before you undertake anything, always have a plan of action. There are various ways this can be done. You can write a list, make a breakout chart, or form a checklist for tasks completed along the way. By having a plan in place, when you feel like giving up you can look at the plan and refocus on the steps needed to reach the goal.
Also, have a backup plan in mind before beginning; this way when you are frustrated and want to give up, you will have an alternative plan to put in action. Life will knock you down, but don’t give up!
5). Find Support From Other People. Don’t isolate yourself or hide your feelings of frustration, and don’t be afraid to seek support from others. Reach out to family, friends, co-workers, online forums, church members, members of your Ministry(s) to find someone that you can talk to.
6). Be Grateful For The Good Things While You Struggle. Regardless of where you are in your process, it is important that you are always grateful, for what you already have. Whenever you feel like giving up, stop and make a list of the things you are grateful for in your life. You have so much positivity in your life to be thankful for. The way you look at the situations around you depends on the attitude with which you view them. Take on an attitude of gratitude and you will be amazed at the difference it makes.
7). Celebrate Your Victories, No Matter How Small They Are. You should acknowledge all the victories that you have made along the way. Instead of feeling overwhelmed at all that you have left to do, write out a list of the accomplishments you have completed, no matter how small they may seem. By celebrating your progress, you will renew your energy to complete what you are doing. When you see all that, you have done, it will excite you to take further action until the finish line. Don’t give up!
8). Have Motivational Reminders Everywhere. Keep your favorite motivational quotes, around you and look at them every day. Keep them where you can always see them and recite them as often as you need to. Your takeaway today, is to never give up: No matter what!
Closing: Please be sure to subscribe to my Podcast, if you haven’t already done so. Go out there and be great, because great is calling you and great is calling me.
Nov 05, 202310:58
How To Recover What You Lost
Faith is the decision to love, no matter the circumstances and the more you choose to love, the greater your faith will grow. Here are some ways you can keep the faith when it seems impossible:
1). Pray. Prayer really works and all you have to do is ask God for the strength you need during your difficult times. Ask God to guide you and keep you.
2. Find Inspiration. Let inspiration help you stay connected through faith. When life happens, instead of yelling, cussing, and fighting, you may want to look for the good in your mess. There is always some good that can come out of a bad situation.
3). Surround yourself with faithful people. We are who we spend our time with the most. So, if you want to walk the path of faith, you must surround yourself with as many people of faith as you possibly can. I love it when Helen Baylor tells her story, and she says she had a praying Grandmother, and she knew enough to call on the name of Jesus. Her Grandmother was the faith she needed to decide to get her life together.
4). Talk to God first thing in the morning. When you wake up, before your feet hit the floor you should spend a few minutes meditating and asking God to give you faith to make it through the day, to make it through their situation. This will get your day started and you will thank yourself for it.
5). Faith is the decision to love the unlovable and to love when everything seems impossible. Faith says that when you feel like giving up or giving in, you keep going because you know that best is yet to come.
Go out there and be great, because great is calling you and great is calling me. Be blessed and have an amazing day on purpose.
Contact Me:
Linktree: linktr.ee/coachchelle
1). Pray. Prayer really works and all you have to do is ask God for the strength you need during your difficult times. Ask God to guide you and keep you.
2. Find Inspiration. Let inspiration help you stay connected through faith. When life happens, instead of yelling, cussing, and fighting, you may want to look for the good in your mess. There is always some good that can come out of a bad situation.
3). Surround yourself with faithful people. We are who we spend our time with the most. So, if you want to walk the path of faith, you must surround yourself with as many people of faith as you possibly can. I love it when Helen Baylor tells her story, and she says she had a praying Grandmother, and she knew enough to call on the name of Jesus. Her Grandmother was the faith she needed to decide to get her life together.
4). Talk to God first thing in the morning. When you wake up, before your feet hit the floor you should spend a few minutes meditating and asking God to give you faith to make it through the day, to make it through their situation. This will get your day started and you will thank yourself for it.
5). Faith is the decision to love the unlovable and to love when everything seems impossible. Faith says that when you feel like giving up or giving in, you keep going because you know that best is yet to come.
Go out there and be great, because great is calling you and great is calling me. Be blessed and have an amazing day on purpose.
Contact Me:
Linktree: linktr.ee/coachchelle
Oct 17, 202326:30
How To Believe In Yourself Again
It’s a well-known fact that if you want to succeed in life, you have to believe in yourself. If you don’t believe in you, why should anybody else believe in you? “Believe in yourself, and the rest will fall into place. Have faith in your own abilities, work hard and there is nothing you cannot accomplish.” – Brad Henry
Here Are Some Ways You Can Start To Believe In Yourself Again:
1). Accept That Where You Are Is Not Where You Will Always Be. You have to accept that your current situation is not your final destination. Use where you are as a steppingstone to your next level. Use where you are as part of your success story; we all have a story to tell. “First, accept sadness. Realize that without losing, winning isn’t so great.” – Alyssa Milano.
2). Think About Your Past Success. You’ve done it before, and you will do it again. Look at how far you’ve come and know it’s not over until God says it’s over. Your past should always motivate you. “Every day is a new opportunity. You can build on yesterday’s success or put it’s failure behind and start over again. That’s the way life is, with a new game every day.”– Bob Feller
3). Trust And Believe In Yourself. This is one of the most important things that you must remember. You have everything you need inside of you; you just have to believe it. “Everything in the universe is within you. Ask it all from yourself.” – Rumi
4). Don’t Let Fear Stop You. Fear stands for False Evidence that Appears Real. It is the main thing that holds you back from believing in yourself again, more than anything else. Face your fears and don’t let them stop you from achieving your goals: “Always do what you are afraid to do.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
5). Give Yourself A Break Every Now And Then. You have to forgive yourself for any failures or mistakes that you have committed in the past and move on. You have to look at the future and stop living in the past. Be compassionate towards yourself.
6). Keep Moving Forward And Never Look Back. “If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.” – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Closing: Go out there and be great, because great is calling you and great is calling me. Be blessed and have an amazing day on purpose.
Contact Me:
Linktree: linktr.ee/coachchelle
Here Are Some Ways You Can Start To Believe In Yourself Again:
1). Accept That Where You Are Is Not Where You Will Always Be. You have to accept that your current situation is not your final destination. Use where you are as a steppingstone to your next level. Use where you are as part of your success story; we all have a story to tell. “First, accept sadness. Realize that without losing, winning isn’t so great.” – Alyssa Milano.
2). Think About Your Past Success. You’ve done it before, and you will do it again. Look at how far you’ve come and know it’s not over until God says it’s over. Your past should always motivate you. “Every day is a new opportunity. You can build on yesterday’s success or put it’s failure behind and start over again. That’s the way life is, with a new game every day.”– Bob Feller
3). Trust And Believe In Yourself. This is one of the most important things that you must remember. You have everything you need inside of you; you just have to believe it. “Everything in the universe is within you. Ask it all from yourself.” – Rumi
4). Don’t Let Fear Stop You. Fear stands for False Evidence that Appears Real. It is the main thing that holds you back from believing in yourself again, more than anything else. Face your fears and don’t let them stop you from achieving your goals: “Always do what you are afraid to do.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
5). Give Yourself A Break Every Now And Then. You have to forgive yourself for any failures or mistakes that you have committed in the past and move on. You have to look at the future and stop living in the past. Be compassionate towards yourself.
6). Keep Moving Forward And Never Look Back. “If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.” – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Closing: Go out there and be great, because great is calling you and great is calling me. Be blessed and have an amazing day on purpose.
Contact Me:
Linktree: linktr.ee/coachchelle
Oct 10, 202319:00
What Do You Want In Life?
Did you know the average person makes 35,000 decisions per day? Every decision demands a fraction of your mental energy. It’s no wonder why life’s biggest decisions feel so exhausting. Figuring out what you want in life is important because it gives you purpose, can influence your career path, and makes life worth living. Here are some questions to ask yourself, to help you figure out what you want in life:
1). What makes you happy? Everyone wants to be happy, but happiness isn’t just feeling joyful. It’s also feeling needed, having a purpose, and maintaining that happiness amid uncertainty. Make a list of everything that makes you happy is a good place to start.
2). What are your needs? Sometimes, our wants and needs go hand in hand. Other times, what we need isn’t what we want.
3). What are your personal values? Your core values are principles that guide you through life.
4). What gives you purpose? When we do what fulfills us, that energy positively impacts others as well.
5). What activities put you in a flow state? In this case, “flow” refers to the joy we feel when we’re right where we're meant to be.
6). What would you do if there were no limits? As you think about that, here are some other questions to ask yourself:
• What would you rather be doing?
• Who do you want to spend your time with?
• Who do you want to help?
• Are you in the right location to do what you want to do?
• What are you willing to sacrifice to achieve your goal(s)?
• How do you define a “good life?”
7). Who do you admire? Do you look up to someone? Think about whether you want to be like this person.
8). How do you envision the patterns of your life? A holistic approach to a subject means looking not only at problem areas but also at the environment problems exist in.
9). What don’t you want? Knowing what to avoid can empower you to make better decisions.
10). What are your greatest accomplishments in life? Did you feel pride in your abilities after this happened? Is there a way for you to live a life that repeats those feelings?
11). Are you willing to work hard? It won’t be easy, but it will be worth it. Focus on moving toward your goals, regardless of any setbacks that may come your way.
Go out there and be great, because great is calling you and great is calling me. Be blessed and have an amazing day on purpose!
1). What makes you happy? Everyone wants to be happy, but happiness isn’t just feeling joyful. It’s also feeling needed, having a purpose, and maintaining that happiness amid uncertainty. Make a list of everything that makes you happy is a good place to start.
2). What are your needs? Sometimes, our wants and needs go hand in hand. Other times, what we need isn’t what we want.
3). What are your personal values? Your core values are principles that guide you through life.
4). What gives you purpose? When we do what fulfills us, that energy positively impacts others as well.
5). What activities put you in a flow state? In this case, “flow” refers to the joy we feel when we’re right where we're meant to be.
6). What would you do if there were no limits? As you think about that, here are some other questions to ask yourself:
• What would you rather be doing?
• Who do you want to spend your time with?
• Who do you want to help?
• Are you in the right location to do what you want to do?
• What are you willing to sacrifice to achieve your goal(s)?
• How do you define a “good life?”
7). Who do you admire? Do you look up to someone? Think about whether you want to be like this person.
8). How do you envision the patterns of your life? A holistic approach to a subject means looking not only at problem areas but also at the environment problems exist in.
9). What don’t you want? Knowing what to avoid can empower you to make better decisions.
10). What are your greatest accomplishments in life? Did you feel pride in your abilities after this happened? Is there a way for you to live a life that repeats those feelings?
11). Are you willing to work hard? It won’t be easy, but it will be worth it. Focus on moving toward your goals, regardless of any setbacks that may come your way.
Go out there and be great, because great is calling you and great is calling me. Be blessed and have an amazing day on purpose!
Oct 01, 202330:06
How To Turn Your Passion Into Profit
Chasing passions and following dreams is becoming the norm as people begin to move away from the traditional nine to five, towards the goal of doing what they love. You can do this by:
1). Write about your interests. One of the simplest ways to go from doing something you love to profiting from it, is to write about it. Here are a few different ways to write about your interests, and make money:
* Start a blog. Start a blog around the topic(s) you are knowledgeable and excited about. Just know that making a profit is usually something that beginning bloggers must wait for, until they get their website traffic numbers up.
* Write a book. Think about creating an eBook or a physical book. You can self-publish and sell it through your website, social media, and Amazon. For professional looking covers, you can use Upwork to easily hire someone do it for you; or you can do it yourself, by using Canva.
* Do freelance writing. If you aren’t interested in starting your own website or writing a book, you can always write for other people. Pitch newspapers, magazines, or other blogs on the topic(s) you’re an expert in. When you write stories or informative pieces on a topic you’re interested in, it won’t feel like work at all. It’s easier than you think to find online writing jobs and beginner freelance writing work, and the pay can be quite good depending on the publisher.
2. Become a speaker. There are tons of different events that happen every year around the world, on a wide variety of topics. Many of these events are looking for either established speakers in the industry, or people who are incredibly passionate and knowledgeable about their topic but haven’t got their foot in the door just yet. Keep in mind, some of your initial speaking events might be unpaid or at a lower rate because of your lack of experience. The more you go to these events, the more recognized and accomplished you’ll become, which in turn leads to you being able to make more money. Over time, you may start to get invited to more significant events, which will not only pay more, but help grow your audience and brand your presence.
3. Create a product. The good thing about it is, you can create both a physical product and an online product as well.
* Digital Products. This is perfect, since so much of the world is online anyway. You can create PDFs, booklets, printables, video tutorials, cheat sheets, audio files, etc.
* Physical Products. This could be done with drop shipping if you want to make items like t-shirts, sweatshirts, bags, cups, or framed art.
* Creating Tech Products. You could create an app, plug-in, video game, or some other sort of downloadable product that you can sell. Anything that fills a gap in the market and could help other people in the industry.
4. Create a community. Community building is another excellent way to profit from your passion, no matter what your interest is.
5. Become a coach or consultant. If you’re wondering how to monetize your passion and love being a leader and helping others, consider becoming a coach or consultant on the subject you love.
6. Start making YouTube videos. On YouTube, any hobby and interest can be turned into profit, with income earned through ads and sponsors. Travel fanatics can make travel vlogs. Chefs can start a cooking show. Those who love the great outdoors can create vlogs dealing with survival, fishing, camping, and more. Your personality and enthusiasm shining through the video will make people subscribe!
7. Create a course. Courses today can be either online or in-person.
8. Network. Networking can be a great way to profit from your interests. This is even more true if you aren’t necessarily sure just how you will make money from your passions yet.
9. Host an event. Events can be a great way to make money and raise awareness for your passion or business. It can also be a perfect way to connect with other people with similar interests.
1). Write about your interests. One of the simplest ways to go from doing something you love to profiting from it, is to write about it. Here are a few different ways to write about your interests, and make money:
* Start a blog. Start a blog around the topic(s) you are knowledgeable and excited about. Just know that making a profit is usually something that beginning bloggers must wait for, until they get their website traffic numbers up.
* Write a book. Think about creating an eBook or a physical book. You can self-publish and sell it through your website, social media, and Amazon. For professional looking covers, you can use Upwork to easily hire someone do it for you; or you can do it yourself, by using Canva.
* Do freelance writing. If you aren’t interested in starting your own website or writing a book, you can always write for other people. Pitch newspapers, magazines, or other blogs on the topic(s) you’re an expert in. When you write stories or informative pieces on a topic you’re interested in, it won’t feel like work at all. It’s easier than you think to find online writing jobs and beginner freelance writing work, and the pay can be quite good depending on the publisher.
2. Become a speaker. There are tons of different events that happen every year around the world, on a wide variety of topics. Many of these events are looking for either established speakers in the industry, or people who are incredibly passionate and knowledgeable about their topic but haven’t got their foot in the door just yet. Keep in mind, some of your initial speaking events might be unpaid or at a lower rate because of your lack of experience. The more you go to these events, the more recognized and accomplished you’ll become, which in turn leads to you being able to make more money. Over time, you may start to get invited to more significant events, which will not only pay more, but help grow your audience and brand your presence.
3. Create a product. The good thing about it is, you can create both a physical product and an online product as well.
* Digital Products. This is perfect, since so much of the world is online anyway. You can create PDFs, booklets, printables, video tutorials, cheat sheets, audio files, etc.
* Physical Products. This could be done with drop shipping if you want to make items like t-shirts, sweatshirts, bags, cups, or framed art.
* Creating Tech Products. You could create an app, plug-in, video game, or some other sort of downloadable product that you can sell. Anything that fills a gap in the market and could help other people in the industry.
4. Create a community. Community building is another excellent way to profit from your passion, no matter what your interest is.
5. Become a coach or consultant. If you’re wondering how to monetize your passion and love being a leader and helping others, consider becoming a coach or consultant on the subject you love.
6. Start making YouTube videos. On YouTube, any hobby and interest can be turned into profit, with income earned through ads and sponsors. Travel fanatics can make travel vlogs. Chefs can start a cooking show. Those who love the great outdoors can create vlogs dealing with survival, fishing, camping, and more. Your personality and enthusiasm shining through the video will make people subscribe!
7. Create a course. Courses today can be either online or in-person.
8. Network. Networking can be a great way to profit from your interests. This is even more true if you aren’t necessarily sure just how you will make money from your passions yet.
9. Host an event. Events can be a great way to make money and raise awareness for your passion or business. It can also be a perfect way to connect with other people with similar interests.
Sep 18, 202328:52
Keys To Unlocking The Power Of Your Vision
For the time that is ours to share, I want to talk about: The Keys To Unlocking The Power of Your Vision.
“And the Lord answered me and said write the vision and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that reads it.” Habakkuk 2:2
Habakkuk 2:2 is a major verse in the Bible, when it comes to writing your vision. It’s sad to know that many people know this scripture by heart and still they haven’t taken the time to write out their vision and begin to implement what they write down. As you take time to read and study Habakkuk 2:1-4, here are some keys that will help you unlock the power of God’s vision for your life.
1). Vision is revealed to you, by listening. To unlock the power of your vision, you must get alone with God to listen for His directions. Your time alone with Him must be uninterrupted. So, make sure you put away your mobile devices, turn off the TV, get off social media, and tell everyone you know what you are doing, so they won’t interrupt you.
2). Your vision must be written down. After you have spent time seeking God, write down (in explicit details) what He’s telling you. Write it in the present tense, as though it has already happened. Writing your vision down, allows you to know the direct path you need to take to get to your desired destination. It also gives you the inspiration and motivation you need to get through life’s toughest challenges.
3). Your vision must be made as plain as possible. You need to write your vision in plain, simple to understand language. Creating a vision that is clear and simple to understand, means you won’t have to deal with any confusion, which can and will get in the way of your progress. Also know this, when your vision is plain, it will keep you energized and create excitement not only in you but also everyone that is connected to you. They will want to eagerly start writing down and implementing their goals as well.
4). Your vision should be posted where you can see it daily. Your posted vision statement is your constant reminder of what is possible in your life, if you follow the directions, you wrote down.
5). Your vision helps you overcome the obstacles, that will come your way. Your vision from God doesn’t mean you won’t have some tough times. It will, however, give you the strength and courage to keep pushing forward and never give up.
6). Your vision will manifest itself in God’s time. When it comes to your vision, you must have patience; you can’t rush the progress you are looking for. Please do not rush your vision. Always remember your visions will manifest when God determines the time is right.
7). Your vision must be lived by faith. The more you focus your attention on your vision, the more your faith will grow. Taking slow and steady steps, as you go along on your vision journey will open doors for many opportunities to happen.
Take Away: If you implement these seven keys, your vision will powerfully impact in your life, your family, and everyone who is connected to you.
“And the Lord answered me and said write the vision and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that reads it.” Habakkuk 2:2
Habakkuk 2:2 is a major verse in the Bible, when it comes to writing your vision. It’s sad to know that many people know this scripture by heart and still they haven’t taken the time to write out their vision and begin to implement what they write down. As you take time to read and study Habakkuk 2:1-4, here are some keys that will help you unlock the power of God’s vision for your life.
1). Vision is revealed to you, by listening. To unlock the power of your vision, you must get alone with God to listen for His directions. Your time alone with Him must be uninterrupted. So, make sure you put away your mobile devices, turn off the TV, get off social media, and tell everyone you know what you are doing, so they won’t interrupt you.
2). Your vision must be written down. After you have spent time seeking God, write down (in explicit details) what He’s telling you. Write it in the present tense, as though it has already happened. Writing your vision down, allows you to know the direct path you need to take to get to your desired destination. It also gives you the inspiration and motivation you need to get through life’s toughest challenges.
3). Your vision must be made as plain as possible. You need to write your vision in plain, simple to understand language. Creating a vision that is clear and simple to understand, means you won’t have to deal with any confusion, which can and will get in the way of your progress. Also know this, when your vision is plain, it will keep you energized and create excitement not only in you but also everyone that is connected to you. They will want to eagerly start writing down and implementing their goals as well.
4). Your vision should be posted where you can see it daily. Your posted vision statement is your constant reminder of what is possible in your life, if you follow the directions, you wrote down.
5). Your vision helps you overcome the obstacles, that will come your way. Your vision from God doesn’t mean you won’t have some tough times. It will, however, give you the strength and courage to keep pushing forward and never give up.
6). Your vision will manifest itself in God’s time. When it comes to your vision, you must have patience; you can’t rush the progress you are looking for. Please do not rush your vision. Always remember your visions will manifest when God determines the time is right.
7). Your vision must be lived by faith. The more you focus your attention on your vision, the more your faith will grow. Taking slow and steady steps, as you go along on your vision journey will open doors for many opportunities to happen.
Take Away: If you implement these seven keys, your vision will powerfully impact in your life, your family, and everyone who is connected to you.
Sep 10, 202319:11
Learning To Forgive: 7 Steps Of Forgiveness
To forgive and forget is what we all learned grown up. However, it’s not quite that easy to do, especially when you are dealing with a lot of pain and suffering. Now to forgive is to heal and sometimes holding on to something is so much more painful than letting it go.
There are four stages of forgiveness:
Stage 1- Hurt: Initially you feel hurt and betrayed, and you might even feel some hatred toward the person that hurt you and/or wronged you. If you don’t want this stage to linger, you are going to have to tell that person or those people how you are feeling.
Stage 2- Hate: While hatred isn’t a good thing, it is a natural part of life, that we all experience from time to time. Holding onto this hatred, will only affect us and not the person that hurt us. So, letting it go, will keep it from controlling your life and how you move. Even the Bible tells us to hate the sin and not the sinner.
Stage 3- Hook: In this stage, you are hooked to the power you think you have over the other person. You begin to feel that by not forgiving you are becoming even more powerful because you are drowning the other person in guilt. It’s the same as sadistic pleasure.
Stage 4- Healing: This is the last stage of forgiveness. You must keep moving on from one stage to the next, so you can heal. You and the person that hurt you both need to heal, and forgiveness is all the medicine you need.
You may be asking yourself; how can I get to the healing stage? Well, here is how you can do that:
Step 1. Acknowledge your pain. Don’t just overlook the fact that you are hurting. Acknowledge the pain and hurt that you feel in your heart. Be clear of what is hurting you, is it the action or the person? The first step to forgiveness is to get in touch with your feelings.
Step 2. Think before you make any decisions. Think about what caused you pain? Is it worth the effort? Before you decide not to forgive the other person, make sure you have considered all possibilities.
Step 3. Accept the past. You will have to; in fact, you should be ready to accept what happened in the past. Since you can’t change the past, why hold onto the grudges you have been carrying around? This is one of the most important steps to forgive someone who has caused you pain.
Step 4. Make a decision. You have been contemplating what you need to do, so now it’s time to decide if you really want to forgive or not.
Step 5. Make amends. After you have decided that you want to forgive, you will need to decide if you want to repair the relationship or just move on. Sometimes forgiveness doesn’t always mean reunion.
Step 6. Learn from forgiving. Always remember that forgiveness is always about you and not the person that hurt you.
Step 7. Truly and honestly forgive. This is the last step of forgiveness; this is where you finally forgive and heal yourself. You don’t have to tell anybody.
Go out there and be great, because great is calling you and great is calling me! Be blessed and have an amazing day on purpose.
There are four stages of forgiveness:
Stage 1- Hurt: Initially you feel hurt and betrayed, and you might even feel some hatred toward the person that hurt you and/or wronged you. If you don’t want this stage to linger, you are going to have to tell that person or those people how you are feeling.
Stage 2- Hate: While hatred isn’t a good thing, it is a natural part of life, that we all experience from time to time. Holding onto this hatred, will only affect us and not the person that hurt us. So, letting it go, will keep it from controlling your life and how you move. Even the Bible tells us to hate the sin and not the sinner.
Stage 3- Hook: In this stage, you are hooked to the power you think you have over the other person. You begin to feel that by not forgiving you are becoming even more powerful because you are drowning the other person in guilt. It’s the same as sadistic pleasure.
Stage 4- Healing: This is the last stage of forgiveness. You must keep moving on from one stage to the next, so you can heal. You and the person that hurt you both need to heal, and forgiveness is all the medicine you need.
You may be asking yourself; how can I get to the healing stage? Well, here is how you can do that:
Step 1. Acknowledge your pain. Don’t just overlook the fact that you are hurting. Acknowledge the pain and hurt that you feel in your heart. Be clear of what is hurting you, is it the action or the person? The first step to forgiveness is to get in touch with your feelings.
Step 2. Think before you make any decisions. Think about what caused you pain? Is it worth the effort? Before you decide not to forgive the other person, make sure you have considered all possibilities.
Step 3. Accept the past. You will have to; in fact, you should be ready to accept what happened in the past. Since you can’t change the past, why hold onto the grudges you have been carrying around? This is one of the most important steps to forgive someone who has caused you pain.
Step 4. Make a decision. You have been contemplating what you need to do, so now it’s time to decide if you really want to forgive or not.
Step 5. Make amends. After you have decided that you want to forgive, you will need to decide if you want to repair the relationship or just move on. Sometimes forgiveness doesn’t always mean reunion.
Step 6. Learn from forgiving. Always remember that forgiveness is always about you and not the person that hurt you.
Step 7. Truly and honestly forgive. This is the last step of forgiveness; this is where you finally forgive and heal yourself. You don’t have to tell anybody.
Go out there and be great, because great is calling you and great is calling me! Be blessed and have an amazing day on purpose.
Sep 02, 202326:52
35 Best Places To Spend Christmas This Year
There is an old say that says: "there’s no place like home for the holidays." But what if you could spend Christmas at a beautiful, snow-filled resort instead? From popular winter family vacation spots to charming towns that will make you feel like you've been transported to the movie set of a Hallmark Christmas movie, there's nothing more magical than traveling somewhere new during the most wonderful time of the year.
Or maybe you're looking for a romantic vacation spot for couples (cozying up in a cabin), or a fun, family-friendly destination that the kids will love. Or maybe you want to skip the cold weather altogether this season and relax on a sunny beach at a coastal town instead.
Whatever new holiday tradition you decide to try this year, there are plenty of places to visit that will pull out all the stops for Christmas. Things such as sleigh rides, over-the-top Christmas decorations, picturesque holiday markets and more. So, pack your suitcases, and your holiday spirit, and get ready for a festive, fun-filled Christmas vacation this year.
1). Woodstock, Vermon
2). Solvang, California
3). New York City, New York
4). Vail, Colorado
5). Seneca Falls, New York
6). Stockbridge, Massachusetts
7). North Pole, Alaska
8). Hershey, Pennsylvania
9). Oahu, Hawaii
10). McAdenville, North Carolina
11). Aspen, Colorado
12). New Orleans, Louisiana
13). Taos, New Mexico
14). Branson, Missouri
15). Charleston, South Carolina
16). Chicago, Illinois
17). Leavenworth, Washington
18). Cleveland, Ohio
19). Andalusia, Alabama
20). Santa Claus, Indiana
21). Nantucket, Massachusetts
22). Newport Beach, California
23). Jackson Hole, Wyoming
24). Orlando, Florida
25). Bernville, Pennsylvania
26). Alexandria, Virginia
27). Kennebunkport, Maine
28). Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
29). Stowe, Vermont
30). Austin, Texas
31). Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
32). St. Augustine, Florida
33). Park City, Utah
34). Las Vegas, Nevada
35). Nashville, Tennessee
Go out there and be great, because great is calling you and great is calling me.
Or maybe you're looking for a romantic vacation spot for couples (cozying up in a cabin), or a fun, family-friendly destination that the kids will love. Or maybe you want to skip the cold weather altogether this season and relax on a sunny beach at a coastal town instead.
Whatever new holiday tradition you decide to try this year, there are plenty of places to visit that will pull out all the stops for Christmas. Things such as sleigh rides, over-the-top Christmas decorations, picturesque holiday markets and more. So, pack your suitcases, and your holiday spirit, and get ready for a festive, fun-filled Christmas vacation this year.
1). Woodstock, Vermon
2). Solvang, California
3). New York City, New York
4). Vail, Colorado
5). Seneca Falls, New York
6). Stockbridge, Massachusetts
7). North Pole, Alaska
8). Hershey, Pennsylvania
9). Oahu, Hawaii
10). McAdenville, North Carolina
11). Aspen, Colorado
12). New Orleans, Louisiana
13). Taos, New Mexico
14). Branson, Missouri
15). Charleston, South Carolina
16). Chicago, Illinois
17). Leavenworth, Washington
18). Cleveland, Ohio
19). Andalusia, Alabama
20). Santa Claus, Indiana
21). Nantucket, Massachusetts
22). Newport Beach, California
23). Jackson Hole, Wyoming
24). Orlando, Florida
25). Bernville, Pennsylvania
26). Alexandria, Virginia
27). Kennebunkport, Maine
28). Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
29). Stowe, Vermont
30). Austin, Texas
31). Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
32). St. Augustine, Florida
33). Park City, Utah
34). Las Vegas, Nevada
35). Nashville, Tennessee
Go out there and be great, because great is calling you and great is calling me.
Jul 25, 202320:01
Six Tips For A Happy Holiday Season
It’s so easy to lose our way in the hustle and bustle of the holidays, which is why it’s important to notice the small (but) sacred moments of opportunity to connect and reflect.
1. Express gratitude for who and what you have.
2. Be grateful for what you don’t have.
3. Lead with curiosity, not condemnation.
4. Tap into your flow state.
5. Don’t maximize, “sacrifice”.
6. Prioritize positivity, whatever that means to you.
Go out there and be great, because great is calling you and great is calling me.
Jul 19, 202316:42
How To Enjoy Christmas In July!
Here are 8 things you can do this summer and enjoy with your family and friends this “Christmas In July Season”:
1). No snow? No problem! Since the weather is way too hot for snow right now, you may want to try something cooler, like water balloons and wave surfing at the beach.
2). Throw a beach themed party with your family and friends. That’s right, have everyone dress up in Christmas print shorts and tank tops and have a tone of beach fun. Don’t forget to provide some good, beach food to go along with your fun.
3). Give out beach themed stocking stuffers. You could give everyone on your list some sunscreen, a beach towel, a water float, tickets to a free summer event, a beach ball, flip flops, (feel free to add anything else that’s small and inexpensive) and put them all in a mini cooler.
4). Have a Christmas in July bake off. Everyone would be challenged with baking cookies and then decorating them with beautiful Christmas colors and decorations.
5). Have a Christmas decoration party. This is the perfect time of the year, to pick up some plain ornaments from Michaels or any Christmas store and decorate them. You can use as much or as little paint and decorations as you like. All while enjoying good food, family, and friends.
6). Think about renting out your local ice-skating rink. You and your guests could dress up in Christmas attire and skate to traditional Christmas music.
7). Have an ugly t-shirt contest. This is when you put a different spin on things and have an “ugly t-shirt party”. Everybody shows up in a t-shirt that’s a mess coming and going, but that keeps with the Christmas theme.
8). Create a chill and stay at home event. This is where you and your family or a few great friends, sit in the house under the AC turned all the way up. Then you cuddle under some blankets and sip on some hot chocolate, hot tea, hot coffee and/or hot apple cider. You may want to do a movie marathon with such greats as Home Alone, The Santa Clause, National Lampoon’s Vacation, just to name a few.
Merry Christmas in July, everyone! Go out there and be great, because great is calling you and great is calling me.
1). No snow? No problem! Since the weather is way too hot for snow right now, you may want to try something cooler, like water balloons and wave surfing at the beach.
2). Throw a beach themed party with your family and friends. That’s right, have everyone dress up in Christmas print shorts and tank tops and have a tone of beach fun. Don’t forget to provide some good, beach food to go along with your fun.
3). Give out beach themed stocking stuffers. You could give everyone on your list some sunscreen, a beach towel, a water float, tickets to a free summer event, a beach ball, flip flops, (feel free to add anything else that’s small and inexpensive) and put them all in a mini cooler.
4). Have a Christmas in July bake off. Everyone would be challenged with baking cookies and then decorating them with beautiful Christmas colors and decorations.
5). Have a Christmas decoration party. This is the perfect time of the year, to pick up some plain ornaments from Michaels or any Christmas store and decorate them. You can use as much or as little paint and decorations as you like. All while enjoying good food, family, and friends.
6). Think about renting out your local ice-skating rink. You and your guests could dress up in Christmas attire and skate to traditional Christmas music.
7). Have an ugly t-shirt contest. This is when you put a different spin on things and have an “ugly t-shirt party”. Everybody shows up in a t-shirt that’s a mess coming and going, but that keeps with the Christmas theme.
8). Create a chill and stay at home event. This is where you and your family or a few great friends, sit in the house under the AC turned all the way up. Then you cuddle under some blankets and sip on some hot chocolate, hot tea, hot coffee and/or hot apple cider. You may want to do a movie marathon with such greats as Home Alone, The Santa Clause, National Lampoon’s Vacation, just to name a few.
Merry Christmas in July, everyone! Go out there and be great, because great is calling you and great is calling me.
Jul 09, 202315:42
How To Make It Christmas In July
During the Summer months, I doubt many people are thinking about Christmas. Well, I love Christmas and I love thinking about it as often as possible. In fact, I love watching Christmas movies all year long (don’t judge me). You may not have thought about it, but Christmas is five months away and it will creep up on you, like a pair of tight knickers if you aren’t careful! We all procrastinate in some area of our lives, from time to time. The reason we do it is:
1). We feel overwhelmed at times. The holiday expectations that we place on ourselves and those that come from our family members, can be so much that we feel like we are going to fail. So instead of failing, we decide not to do anything at all, or we wait until the absolute last minute to get things done.
2). We overestimate the amount of time we have to get things done. Right now, Christmas seems like a long time away, and it really isn’t.
3). We think everything must be perfect. Did you know that perfectionism, is the root of procrastination? Guess what, it doesn't have to be perfect. It just has to be enjoyable by you, and your family.
4). We tell ourselves we work better under pressure. Honestly, there are some people that really do work better under pressure. If on the other hand, you are not willing to go into debt to measure up to someone else’s expectations, I would suggest you get started NOW. How you ask? Well, you can try some of these great ideas:
1). Start saving now. You can start saving $25 or $50 a week for your Christmas shopping. Of course, knowing what your budget is for each person on your list, will make things a whole lot better. You can use a cash envelope system, create a holiday savings account, or transfer money into your savings account.
2). Book your travel NOW. Now is the time to secure your flight and hotel arrangements.
3). Schedule your family photo. Now is the time to do a family photo for your Christmas cards, your scrapbook, holiday journal or to frame for your coffee table. You could also put your family picture on mugs, calendars, and other things to giveaway. Here are some great places to get your holiday prints done: Costco, Sam’s Club, Snapfish, and Vista Print (my favorite); just to name a few.
4). Create a family cookbook. Depending on how big your family is, you can have a nice size book of recipes. Here is software you can use to create your cookbook:
- Cookbook People- This site offers cookbook software you can buy and then print yourself.
- CreateMyCookbook- This site offers a high-tech way to create a family cookbook.
- Microsoft- Go to Office.Microsoft.com, search under “templates” and then type in “cookbook.”
5). Schedule your December things to do NOW. Get out your December calendar and make a note of your plans for the holiday season. You may need to make some changes, as you get closer to the holiday season and that’s fine.
6). Start making your holiday crafts now. You’ll never have more spare time than you have now, during these lazy days of summer. Take advantage of this down time by learning a new craft or polish up on those you know but could use some fresh inspiration on. A great place to find inspiration is YouTube!
7). Favorite things basket. Chances are you’re familiar with Oprah’s show that showcased her favorite things. You’ll come up with all kinds of ideas once you start thinking about it. The key is to stock up on all the items you plan to use now, while the supplies are plentiful.
8). Put together your memories. Put together an album of the memories you have. If you are into junk journals or traveler’s notebooks, this is a great idea as well. You may also want to interview older relatives and make a CD, DVD or even a written transcript of the interview for each member of the family. Ask about their childhood and young adult memories, family history, and their perspective on historical events that occurred during their lifetime.
1). We feel overwhelmed at times. The holiday expectations that we place on ourselves and those that come from our family members, can be so much that we feel like we are going to fail. So instead of failing, we decide not to do anything at all, or we wait until the absolute last minute to get things done.
2). We overestimate the amount of time we have to get things done. Right now, Christmas seems like a long time away, and it really isn’t.
3). We think everything must be perfect. Did you know that perfectionism, is the root of procrastination? Guess what, it doesn't have to be perfect. It just has to be enjoyable by you, and your family.
4). We tell ourselves we work better under pressure. Honestly, there are some people that really do work better under pressure. If on the other hand, you are not willing to go into debt to measure up to someone else’s expectations, I would suggest you get started NOW. How you ask? Well, you can try some of these great ideas:
1). Start saving now. You can start saving $25 or $50 a week for your Christmas shopping. Of course, knowing what your budget is for each person on your list, will make things a whole lot better. You can use a cash envelope system, create a holiday savings account, or transfer money into your savings account.
2). Book your travel NOW. Now is the time to secure your flight and hotel arrangements.
3). Schedule your family photo. Now is the time to do a family photo for your Christmas cards, your scrapbook, holiday journal or to frame for your coffee table. You could also put your family picture on mugs, calendars, and other things to giveaway. Here are some great places to get your holiday prints done: Costco, Sam’s Club, Snapfish, and Vista Print (my favorite); just to name a few.
4). Create a family cookbook. Depending on how big your family is, you can have a nice size book of recipes. Here is software you can use to create your cookbook:
- Cookbook People- This site offers cookbook software you can buy and then print yourself.
- CreateMyCookbook- This site offers a high-tech way to create a family cookbook.
- Microsoft- Go to Office.Microsoft.com, search under “templates” and then type in “cookbook.”
5). Schedule your December things to do NOW. Get out your December calendar and make a note of your plans for the holiday season. You may need to make some changes, as you get closer to the holiday season and that’s fine.
6). Start making your holiday crafts now. You’ll never have more spare time than you have now, during these lazy days of summer. Take advantage of this down time by learning a new craft or polish up on those you know but could use some fresh inspiration on. A great place to find inspiration is YouTube!
7). Favorite things basket. Chances are you’re familiar with Oprah’s show that showcased her favorite things. You’ll come up with all kinds of ideas once you start thinking about it. The key is to stock up on all the items you plan to use now, while the supplies are plentiful.
8). Put together your memories. Put together an album of the memories you have. If you are into junk journals or traveler’s notebooks, this is a great idea as well. You may also want to interview older relatives and make a CD, DVD or even a written transcript of the interview for each member of the family. Ask about their childhood and young adult memories, family history, and their perspective on historical events that occurred during their lifetime.
Jul 04, 202329:26
5 Permissions You Must Give Yourself To Live Your Best Life.
1). Give Yourself Permission To Succeed. You are capable of accomplishing great things, but first you must allow yourself to be successful.
2). Give Yourself Permission To Fail. A life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing. – George Bernard Shaw
3). Give Yourself Permission To Be Yourself. To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment. – Ralph Waldo Emerson
4). Give Yourself Permission To Be Happy. You deserve to be happy! you don't need to wait for the next paycheck, vacation, or soul mate to be happy. So often, we spend our lives thinking about the time in our future when we will be happy.
5). Give Yourself Permission To Feel Crappy Sometimes. The acceptance of one's negative experience is in itself a positive experience. – Mark Manson
Please be sure to subscribe and support my Podcast. Your support is greatly appreciated, and you do so for as little as $.99 per month. Go out there and be great, because great is calling you and great is calling me.
2). Give Yourself Permission To Fail. A life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing. – George Bernard Shaw
3). Give Yourself Permission To Be Yourself. To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment. – Ralph Waldo Emerson
4). Give Yourself Permission To Be Happy. You deserve to be happy! you don't need to wait for the next paycheck, vacation, or soul mate to be happy. So often, we spend our lives thinking about the time in our future when we will be happy.
5). Give Yourself Permission To Feel Crappy Sometimes. The acceptance of one's negative experience is in itself a positive experience. – Mark Manson
Please be sure to subscribe and support my Podcast. Your support is greatly appreciated, and you do so for as little as $.99 per month. Go out there and be great, because great is calling you and great is calling me.
Feb 21, 202320:04
The Five Love Languages (Plus 7 New Ones)
Hi and welcome back to Elevator Talk With Michelle Podcast! Today I am going to be talking about the Five Love Languages, plus the seven new ones that have been added to the list.
1). Words of Affirmation: This love language is the only one that solely centers around verbal communication; it describes primarily showing affection through words, expressing love, respect, and admiration for a partner. You are going to have to really mean what you say for it to have a meaningful impact.
2). Acts of Service: The acts of service love language is the same as “actions speak louder than words”. Those who show their love in this manner absolutely love going above and beyond to help their partner.
3). Giving and Receiving Gifts: People who speak this love language gain great satisfaction from choosing, buying, and presenting their partner with a meaningful gift.
4). Quality Time: Quality-timers understand that simply being in the same place as your partner does not equate to spending actual quality time with them. The time spent together needs to be significant, meaningful, and intentional in some way.
5). Physical Touch: It refers to the physical expression of intimacy in a relationship, showing a partner that you are close to them in both the mind and body. Holding hands, hugs and sex are all forms of physical touch, but the potential to display your affection through this language is virtually limitless.
What are seven new love languages?
1). Activity: People who focus on the Activity love language feel special and valued when their partner takes an interest in their hobbies and activities and makes an effort to enjoy hobbies and interests together.
2). Appreciation: People who focus on the Appreciation love language feel loved when their partner gives them compliments, praise, and thanks. They appreciate hearing explicitly what their partner likes and admires about them.
3). Emotional: Those who focus on the Emotional love language feel loved when their partner is able to connect with them and support them through difficult and scary emotions. Being present for the highs and lows is very important to those with the Emotional love language.
4). Financial: People with the Financial love language feel loved when their partner is generous with resources and sees value in spending money to bring their partner pleasure and joy. This love language may be expressed through gifts, or just making space in the family budget for your partner’s enjoyment.
5). Intellectual: People with the Intellectual love language like to connect through the mind. They feel loved when their partner values their intelligence, respects their opinion, and takes part in thoughtful discussion of important issues.
6). Physical: People with the Physical love language feel loved when they receive physical affection hugs, holding hands, and snuggles. They want their partners to show they’re attracted to them and initiate loving touch.
7). Practical: People with the Practical love language feel loved when their partners chip in with everyday duties and responsibilities. They feel cared for when their loved ones do chores and offer help.
Please be sure to subscribe and support my Podcast. Your support is greatly appreciated, and you do so for as little as $.99 per month. Go out there and be great, because great is calling you and great is calling me.
Coach Michelle
Feb 07, 202328:17
12 Ways To Feel Better In 2023: One Month At A Time
Instead of crumbling under the pressure of one major New Year’s resolution to exercise more or eat healthier, try reflecting on smaller goals that can help you feel better throughout the year. An efficient way to do this, says Denise Williams, owner of Well-Play Counseling & Wellbeing Center, is to mark your goals on your calendar month by month. She says: “You’re more likely to follow through if it’s already on your calendar than if you have to put it in your calendar after you’ve already gotten busy.” If you want to improve your mind, body and spirit in 2023, the ideas that I am going to share with you, will help you do that. This guide is meant to serve as inspiration, for you to choose that works best for you. You may even come up with your own list.
January: Redefine what success means to you, then visualize it.
February: Romanticize your daily life, even the small moments.
March: Prioritize getting your rest.
April: Declutter your space.
May: Take your workout outside.
June: Take that solo trip you’ve been dreaming about.
July: Create a new friendship.
August: Pick up an old hobby or pick up a new one.
September: Upgrade your routines.
October: Implement a gratitude practice.
November: Do something nice for someone else.
December: Avoid feeling financially and physically drained.
Please be sure to subscribe and support my Podcast. Your support is greatly appreciated, and you do so for as little as $.99 per month. Go out there and be great, because great is calling you and great is calling me.
Jan 24, 202332:34
Understanding Post-Holiday Depression
Have you ever wondered why it's so hard to get back into the swing of things, after the holidays? Post-holiday blues are really a thing. Here's how to deal with them.
What Are Post-Holiday Blues? Post-holiday blues share many of the same characteristic symptoms of an anxiety or mood disorder: insomnia, low-energy, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and anxiousness.
What Causes Post-Holiday Blues? There’s little research on the subject, but a consensus among experts is that the adrenaline comedown is the main reason. Princeton, NJ-based clinical psychologist Dr. Eileen Kennedy-Moore suggests that the abrupt withdrawal of stress hormones after a major event, be it a wedding, an important deadline, or the holidays, can have a profound impact on our biological and psychological well-being.
Why Do We Feel Depressed After the Holidays? Unless you have a three-week vacation in August or some other big diversion during the year, the holidays may be the only time regular life is interrupted. Even if your holidays weren’t so merry and bright, the brain exaggerates the realities of day-to-day life, making the return to the mundane seem disproportionately more anxiety-inducing and depressing than it really is.
Our Brain is Tricking Us. According to Dr. Melissa Weinberg, a research consultant and psychologist specializing in well-being and performance psychology, it’s a sign of healthy psychological functioning. “It’s just one of a series of illusions our brain fools us into believing, in the same way we think bad things are more likely to happen to others than they are to us.
We’re Emotionally Exhausted. The considerable weight of navigating difficult situations and relationships and keeping your cool during the holiday events is another possible factor in post-holiday depression.
Your Diet Plays A Role. The sugar and alcohol-fueled diets many of us love and/or survived on during the holiday season can also play a role. Alcohol is a widely recognized depressant and research has also linked junk food to depression.
How Long Does Post-Holiday Depression Last? This is going to be different for everyone. But if after a while you still aren't looking forward to upcoming events, or you continue to remember the holidays with sadness rather than fondness, it's time to talk to a mental health professional.
Post-Holiday Depression Statistics:
• According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), approximately 24% of people with a diagnosed mental illness find that the holidays make their condition “a lot” worse and 40% “somewhat” worse.”
• The most difficult months for people with Seasonal Affective Disorder, a type of depression, in the United States tend to be January and February, according to the American Psychiatric Association. This can compound negative post-holiday feelings in the 5% of adults in the U.S. who experience SAD.
• While it is a myth that suicides increase around the holidays, a study published in 2014 in the Journal of Emergency Medicine found that New Year's Day was one of the times associated with the highest number of poison ingestions with suicidal intent.
How To Get Over Post-Holiday Blues:
1. Take care of yourself.
2. Schedule time for fun. Filling up your planner with activities you enjoy will give you something to look forward to and help keep contrast effect at bay.
3. Be patient and go easy on yourself. Don’t beat yourself up for feeling the way you do and take the time you need to find your footing.
Please be sure to subscribe and support my Podcast. Your support is greatly appreciated, and you do so for as little as $.99 per month. Go out there and be great, because great is calling you and great is calling me.
What Are Post-Holiday Blues? Post-holiday blues share many of the same characteristic symptoms of an anxiety or mood disorder: insomnia, low-energy, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and anxiousness.
What Causes Post-Holiday Blues? There’s little research on the subject, but a consensus among experts is that the adrenaline comedown is the main reason. Princeton, NJ-based clinical psychologist Dr. Eileen Kennedy-Moore suggests that the abrupt withdrawal of stress hormones after a major event, be it a wedding, an important deadline, or the holidays, can have a profound impact on our biological and psychological well-being.
Why Do We Feel Depressed After the Holidays? Unless you have a three-week vacation in August or some other big diversion during the year, the holidays may be the only time regular life is interrupted. Even if your holidays weren’t so merry and bright, the brain exaggerates the realities of day-to-day life, making the return to the mundane seem disproportionately more anxiety-inducing and depressing than it really is.
Our Brain is Tricking Us. According to Dr. Melissa Weinberg, a research consultant and psychologist specializing in well-being and performance psychology, it’s a sign of healthy psychological functioning. “It’s just one of a series of illusions our brain fools us into believing, in the same way we think bad things are more likely to happen to others than they are to us.
We’re Emotionally Exhausted. The considerable weight of navigating difficult situations and relationships and keeping your cool during the holiday events is another possible factor in post-holiday depression.
Your Diet Plays A Role. The sugar and alcohol-fueled diets many of us love and/or survived on during the holiday season can also play a role. Alcohol is a widely recognized depressant and research has also linked junk food to depression.
How Long Does Post-Holiday Depression Last? This is going to be different for everyone. But if after a while you still aren't looking forward to upcoming events, or you continue to remember the holidays with sadness rather than fondness, it's time to talk to a mental health professional.
Post-Holiday Depression Statistics:
• According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), approximately 24% of people with a diagnosed mental illness find that the holidays make their condition “a lot” worse and 40% “somewhat” worse.”
• The most difficult months for people with Seasonal Affective Disorder, a type of depression, in the United States tend to be January and February, according to the American Psychiatric Association. This can compound negative post-holiday feelings in the 5% of adults in the U.S. who experience SAD.
• While it is a myth that suicides increase around the holidays, a study published in 2014 in the Journal of Emergency Medicine found that New Year's Day was one of the times associated with the highest number of poison ingestions with suicidal intent.
How To Get Over Post-Holiday Blues:
1. Take care of yourself.
2. Schedule time for fun. Filling up your planner with activities you enjoy will give you something to look forward to and help keep contrast effect at bay.
3. Be patient and go easy on yourself. Don’t beat yourself up for feeling the way you do and take the time you need to find your footing.
Please be sure to subscribe and support my Podcast. Your support is greatly appreciated, and you do so for as little as $.99 per month. Go out there and be great, because great is calling you and great is calling me.
Jan 08, 202323:13
Day 12- Good News Its Christmas By Glenys Nellist
Hi and welcome to Day 12 of my 12 Days Of Christmas series. Today I will be reading the story of the birth of Jesus. Enjoy!
Dec 25, 202206:36
Day 11- Another COVID Christmas: Tips On How To Stay Safe
Here are some tips experts offer to keep you and your loved ones safe this holiday season.
(1). Is It Safe To Gather With My Family? Dr. Anthony Fauci said this week that people who are fully vaccinated and boosted should “feel comfortable having a holiday meal or gathering with family members who are also vaccinated and boosted,” Today reported. Getting boosted before a family gathering also helps to protect members of the family who are immunocompromised. For example, older people or people with chronic illnesses as well as people who can’t get vaccinated, like young children under 5.
(2). Can I Hang Out Safely With My Friends? It depends. Meeting up with one friend to spend time together poses a different risk than going to a holiday party with a bunch of people. Either way, it’s smart to be vaccinated and boosted, and to get tested before spending time together, especially if you don’t know what risks your friends have been exposed to. Omicron is much more transmissible than previous variants and might surpass even our best defenses, including highly effective masks and vaccines, health experts say.
(3). Can I Go To The Movies? This time last year, most big movie releases were limited to streaming platforms. But this year, some movies have debuted exclusively in theaters, with their streaming releases slated for several months after the premiere. Like everything else, the decision to see a movie in a theater depends on your personal risk calculus. Dr. Scott Roberts, associate medical director for infection prevention at Yale New Haven Hospital, told the Hartford Courant that he would probably skip the movies this year.
(4). How About Dinner At A Restaurant? Going Out For Drinks? Unfortunately, indoor dining might once again pose a significant risk with the presence of omicron, health experts say. Health experts have long asserted that indoor dining is especially risky because you can’t eat with a mask on. Diners inevitably spend a significant portion of their time in a restaurant unmasked, leaving them vulnerable. And the CDC continues to classify indoor dining especially without social distancing a high-risk activity. Given how transmissible omicron is, it might be best to not take any chances at least, that’s what some experts are doing.
(5). Are Sporting Events Ok To Attend? Omicron is causing all sorts of problems in the sports world, but mostly for teams, not spectators. Health experts have said that sporting events, especially if crowded and indoors are potential breeding grounds for COVID-19 because the virus is spread when an infected person sneezes or coughs and others breathe in those droplets.
(6). Is It Safe To Fly With Omicron Surging? First, wear a medical-grade mask, like an N95 or KN95. Cloth masks aren’t as effective at preventing the spread of the virus and shouldn’t even be considered for air travel, The Washington Post reported. Second, be cautious about eating and drinking. For a short flight, do your best to wear your mask the entire time. For a longer journey, try to eat when the people around you are wearing their masks. “If at all possible, avoid eating and drinking entirely,” The Los Angeles Times said. Third, do your best to avoid crowds inside the airport. Travelers should try to eat before getting to the airport or look for a remote place inside to eat and drink, The Washington Post reported. Ultimately, there’s no risk-proof way to travel by air, experts say.
Everyone should take the time to ask themselves how important travel is to them at this time of year, how protected their family members are, and how much they trust other travelers to also minimize risk and follow COVID protocol, The New York Times reported.
(1). Is It Safe To Gather With My Family? Dr. Anthony Fauci said this week that people who are fully vaccinated and boosted should “feel comfortable having a holiday meal or gathering with family members who are also vaccinated and boosted,” Today reported. Getting boosted before a family gathering also helps to protect members of the family who are immunocompromised. For example, older people or people with chronic illnesses as well as people who can’t get vaccinated, like young children under 5.
(2). Can I Hang Out Safely With My Friends? It depends. Meeting up with one friend to spend time together poses a different risk than going to a holiday party with a bunch of people. Either way, it’s smart to be vaccinated and boosted, and to get tested before spending time together, especially if you don’t know what risks your friends have been exposed to. Omicron is much more transmissible than previous variants and might surpass even our best defenses, including highly effective masks and vaccines, health experts say.
(3). Can I Go To The Movies? This time last year, most big movie releases were limited to streaming platforms. But this year, some movies have debuted exclusively in theaters, with their streaming releases slated for several months after the premiere. Like everything else, the decision to see a movie in a theater depends on your personal risk calculus. Dr. Scott Roberts, associate medical director for infection prevention at Yale New Haven Hospital, told the Hartford Courant that he would probably skip the movies this year.
(4). How About Dinner At A Restaurant? Going Out For Drinks? Unfortunately, indoor dining might once again pose a significant risk with the presence of omicron, health experts say. Health experts have long asserted that indoor dining is especially risky because you can’t eat with a mask on. Diners inevitably spend a significant portion of their time in a restaurant unmasked, leaving them vulnerable. And the CDC continues to classify indoor dining especially without social distancing a high-risk activity. Given how transmissible omicron is, it might be best to not take any chances at least, that’s what some experts are doing.
(5). Are Sporting Events Ok To Attend? Omicron is causing all sorts of problems in the sports world, but mostly for teams, not spectators. Health experts have said that sporting events, especially if crowded and indoors are potential breeding grounds for COVID-19 because the virus is spread when an infected person sneezes or coughs and others breathe in those droplets.
(6). Is It Safe To Fly With Omicron Surging? First, wear a medical-grade mask, like an N95 or KN95. Cloth masks aren’t as effective at preventing the spread of the virus and shouldn’t even be considered for air travel, The Washington Post reported. Second, be cautious about eating and drinking. For a short flight, do your best to wear your mask the entire time. For a longer journey, try to eat when the people around you are wearing their masks. “If at all possible, avoid eating and drinking entirely,” The Los Angeles Times said. Third, do your best to avoid crowds inside the airport. Travelers should try to eat before getting to the airport or look for a remote place inside to eat and drink, The Washington Post reported. Ultimately, there’s no risk-proof way to travel by air, experts say.
Everyone should take the time to ask themselves how important travel is to them at this time of year, how protected their family members are, and how much they trust other travelers to also minimize risk and follow COVID protocol, The New York Times reported.
Dec 23, 202216:04
Day 10- Dealing With Depression And Anxiety Around The Holidays
Hi and welcome to Day 10 of my 12 Days Of Christmas series. The holidays can be a very stressful time for many people. You have so many things going on all at the same time. There’s shopping, get together’s, and family time; all of this can add extra pressure to our already busy lives. Sadly, for those dealing with mental health conditions like depression or anxiety, the holidays can be even harder to deal with. Did you know that about 1 in 5 adults will suffer from mental illness each year, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Chances are someone close to you will be affected. So how can you spot the signs of someone struggling with their mental health during the holidays and be there to offer your support? Well according to Cedars-Sinai psychologist Dr. Michael Wetter, here are some things we can do:
(1). Keep expectations manageable. Try to set realistic goals for yourself.
(2). Be realistic about what you can and cannot do. Don't put the entire focus on just one day.
(3). Remember the holiday season does not banish reasons for feeling sad or lonely. There is room for these feelings to be present, even if the person chooses not to express them.
(4). Leave "yesteryear" in the past and look toward the future. Life brings changes. Each season is different and can be enjoyed in its own way. Don't set yourself up in comparing today with the "good old days."
(5). Do something for someone else. Try volunteering some your time to help others.
(6). Be aware of excessive drinking. It will only increase your feelings of stress.
(7). Try something new. Celebrate the holidays in a new way.
(8). Spend time with supportive and caring people. Reach out and make new friends or connect with someone you haven't heard from in while.
(9). Save time for yourself! Recharge your batteries! Let others share in the responsibility of planning activities.
Holiday Bill of Rights. You have the right to...
(1). Take care of yourself.
(2). Feel mixed up emotions around the holidays.
(3). Spend time alone thinking, reflecting, and relaxing.
(4). Say "no" to party invitations.
(5). Ask for help and support from family, friends, and community service agencies.
(6). Say "no" to alcohol, drugs, and seconds on dessert.
(7). Not to ride with a drunk driver, to take their keys away and to call a taxi for them.
(8). Give gifts that are within your holiday budget.
(9). Smile at angry salespeople and or rude drivers and not entertain ignorance or stupidity.
(10). Enjoy your holiday the way you want.
What Is Holiday Depression? While "holiday depression" is not a clinical diagnosis, the stress, anxiety, and sadness of the season can contribute to a more long-term condition, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). And for those with mental illness, many say it becomes "a lot" worse (24%) or "somewhat" worse (40%) during the holidays.
Stressors unique to the holidays can include:
(1). Spending more money than usual (or feeling pressured to do so).
(2). Having more obligations than usual.
(3). Pressure to maintain happiness or be in "the holiday spirit."
(4). Having more opportunities and permission to eat, drink and otherwise indulge.
(5). Having more intense travel plans, accompanied by all the worries about being on time and not forgetting the presents and how weather will affect the trip.
(6). The holidays can also dredge up other uncomfortable feelings around loneliness and loss.
(1). Keep expectations manageable. Try to set realistic goals for yourself.
(2). Be realistic about what you can and cannot do. Don't put the entire focus on just one day.
(3). Remember the holiday season does not banish reasons for feeling sad or lonely. There is room for these feelings to be present, even if the person chooses not to express them.
(4). Leave "yesteryear" in the past and look toward the future. Life brings changes. Each season is different and can be enjoyed in its own way. Don't set yourself up in comparing today with the "good old days."
(5). Do something for someone else. Try volunteering some your time to help others.
(6). Be aware of excessive drinking. It will only increase your feelings of stress.
(7). Try something new. Celebrate the holidays in a new way.
(8). Spend time with supportive and caring people. Reach out and make new friends or connect with someone you haven't heard from in while.
(9). Save time for yourself! Recharge your batteries! Let others share in the responsibility of planning activities.
Holiday Bill of Rights. You have the right to...
(1). Take care of yourself.
(2). Feel mixed up emotions around the holidays.
(3). Spend time alone thinking, reflecting, and relaxing.
(4). Say "no" to party invitations.
(5). Ask for help and support from family, friends, and community service agencies.
(6). Say "no" to alcohol, drugs, and seconds on dessert.
(7). Not to ride with a drunk driver, to take their keys away and to call a taxi for them.
(8). Give gifts that are within your holiday budget.
(9). Smile at angry salespeople and or rude drivers and not entertain ignorance or stupidity.
(10). Enjoy your holiday the way you want.
What Is Holiday Depression? While "holiday depression" is not a clinical diagnosis, the stress, anxiety, and sadness of the season can contribute to a more long-term condition, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). And for those with mental illness, many say it becomes "a lot" worse (24%) or "somewhat" worse (40%) during the holidays.
Stressors unique to the holidays can include:
(1). Spending more money than usual (or feeling pressured to do so).
(2). Having more obligations than usual.
(3). Pressure to maintain happiness or be in "the holiday spirit."
(4). Having more opportunities and permission to eat, drink and otherwise indulge.
(5). Having more intense travel plans, accompanied by all the worries about being on time and not forgetting the presents and how weather will affect the trip.
(6). The holidays can also dredge up other uncomfortable feelings around loneliness and loss.
Dec 22, 202222:03
Day 9- How To Keep Your Holiday Spending On Budget
There really is such a thing as being too generous, especially during the holidays. In 2019, Americans budgeted, on average, $8,461 for presents. That can be a tough bill to face in the new year. Here are some holiday spending tips to help get you through the season with your wallet intact.
(1). Know Who You Are Purchasing Gifts For. Write down “everyone” you plan to give gifts to. Then put a dollar figure next to each name.
(2). Research To Get The Price Possible. Before you go shopping, make sure you do your research, to see who has the best price possible.
(3). Don’t Wait Until The Last Minute To Shop. One of the surest ways to overspend is to wait until the last minute and buy all your gifts in a rush.
(4). Purchase Last Year’s Electronics. For many people, the latest and greatest features aren’t important.
(5). Get The Tea About Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Studies have shown there isn’t a huge difference in markdowns between one day promotions, such as Black Friday and Cyber Monday, and regular holiday sales.
(6). Keep Track Of Your Spending. Spend wisely by reviewing your account statements, paying your bills regularly and using online banking to easily monitor your accounts.
(7). Consider Making Gifts. Homemade presents are great ways to save money while creating something memorable.
(8). Save In Advance For Expensive Gifts. Start saving early for those big-ticket items.
(9). Avoid Shopping Sprees. Retailers are good at enticing people to spend money.
(10). Don’t Forget To Add In Your Shipping Cost. It’s not unusual for an online item to appear cheaper than in the store, until you add in shipping costs.
How To Save For Christmas Next Year:
(1). Create A Christmas Savings Account. Start by dedicating a specific place to put your Christmas savings.
(2). Consider Making Budget Cuts. Review your family expenses and find something to cut out.
(3). Start Buying Stuff Now. The day after Christmas is the best time to start filling your gift closet.
(4). Make Gifts. There are a lot of great DIY gifts you can make for the people you love and care for.
(5). Give The Gift Of Time. Use this time of the year to volunteer your time.
Please be sure to subscribe and support my Podcast. Your support is greatly appreciated, and you do so for as little as $.99 per month. Go out there and be great, because great is calling you and great is calling me.
(1). Know Who You Are Purchasing Gifts For. Write down “everyone” you plan to give gifts to. Then put a dollar figure next to each name.
(2). Research To Get The Price Possible. Before you go shopping, make sure you do your research, to see who has the best price possible.
(3). Don’t Wait Until The Last Minute To Shop. One of the surest ways to overspend is to wait until the last minute and buy all your gifts in a rush.
(4). Purchase Last Year’s Electronics. For many people, the latest and greatest features aren’t important.
(5). Get The Tea About Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Studies have shown there isn’t a huge difference in markdowns between one day promotions, such as Black Friday and Cyber Monday, and regular holiday sales.
(6). Keep Track Of Your Spending. Spend wisely by reviewing your account statements, paying your bills regularly and using online banking to easily monitor your accounts.
(7). Consider Making Gifts. Homemade presents are great ways to save money while creating something memorable.
(8). Save In Advance For Expensive Gifts. Start saving early for those big-ticket items.
(9). Avoid Shopping Sprees. Retailers are good at enticing people to spend money.
(10). Don’t Forget To Add In Your Shipping Cost. It’s not unusual for an online item to appear cheaper than in the store, until you add in shipping costs.
How To Save For Christmas Next Year:
(1). Create A Christmas Savings Account. Start by dedicating a specific place to put your Christmas savings.
(2). Consider Making Budget Cuts. Review your family expenses and find something to cut out.
(3). Start Buying Stuff Now. The day after Christmas is the best time to start filling your gift closet.
(4). Make Gifts. There are a lot of great DIY gifts you can make for the people you love and care for.
(5). Give The Gift Of Time. Use this time of the year to volunteer your time.
Please be sure to subscribe and support my Podcast. Your support is greatly appreciated, and you do so for as little as $.99 per month. Go out there and be great, because great is calling you and great is calling me.
Dec 22, 202219:17
Day 8- Protecting Your Identity And Credit During The Holidays
Hi and welcome to Day 8 of my 12 Days Of Christmas series. The holiday shopping season is an annual time for people and businesses, to get spending happy. In 2020, shoppers spent a record $14 billion on Thanksgiving and Black Friday shopping, according to Forbes. Data from Adobe Digital Index, which reports on digital marketing trends for senior executives, indicates that Cyber Monday injected close to $11 billion into the economy, a 15.1% increase over the year before. Guess what, 37% of cyber sales came from our mobile devices. Now as happy as shoppers and retailers may have been, guess who else was happy? You guessed it, hackers, and identity thieves. If you find that you have been a victim of Identity Theft, please be sure to contact the CFPB at: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (consumerfinance.gov) to file a complaint.
With the holidays approaching, protecting your credit cards, passwords, and identity can be as important as making a shopping list. According to cybersecurity professionals who work with major corporations and organizations to prevent fraud and strengthen security measures, people who are vigilant and prepared can avoid being victims this season.
Here is what you need to look out for:
Mall Watchers: Although online sales have increased dramatically with North American net sales of $67.55 billion that represents an increase of 21.9% in the second quarter of 2020; brick and mortar sales are still a mainstay of the holiday season.
Safe shopping at retail stores starts with awareness: know who’s nearby and what’s going on around you. Is someone standing too close to you in line? Are they secretly taking pictures with a cell phone? The person next to you or behind you could be a “shoulder surfer” trying to take a picture of your credit card information.
Cyber Shopping Savvy: Online shopping is slowly becoming the most traditional way for people to shop these days, especially during the holidays. Before clicking on links or giving out your credit card information, be sure you are shopping safely online.
Fight Fraud: Most credit card issuers are surprisingly good at fraud detection, alerting us to fraudulent activities or suspending cards if they suspect unauthorized activity. Review your card’s fraud policy and update your settings if necessary. Have emails sent directly to you to alert you to every purchase.
Protect Your CVV Code: The three-digit numbers printed on the back of your card is used to verify that the card is physically present during a transaction. Internet retailers may request the number because it helps them prevent fraud and verify that the real cardholder is placing the order. Be wary of emails from credit card thieves posing as your card issuer and asking for your CVV. The real card issuer will never ask for your CVV number in an email.
Please be sure to subscribe and support my Podcast. Your support is greatly appreciated, and you do so for as little as $.99 per month. Go out there and be great, because great is calling you and great is calling me.
With the holidays approaching, protecting your credit cards, passwords, and identity can be as important as making a shopping list. According to cybersecurity professionals who work with major corporations and organizations to prevent fraud and strengthen security measures, people who are vigilant and prepared can avoid being victims this season.
Here is what you need to look out for:
Mall Watchers: Although online sales have increased dramatically with North American net sales of $67.55 billion that represents an increase of 21.9% in the second quarter of 2020; brick and mortar sales are still a mainstay of the holiday season.
Safe shopping at retail stores starts with awareness: know who’s nearby and what’s going on around you. Is someone standing too close to you in line? Are they secretly taking pictures with a cell phone? The person next to you or behind you could be a “shoulder surfer” trying to take a picture of your credit card information.
Cyber Shopping Savvy: Online shopping is slowly becoming the most traditional way for people to shop these days, especially during the holidays. Before clicking on links or giving out your credit card information, be sure you are shopping safely online.
Fight Fraud: Most credit card issuers are surprisingly good at fraud detection, alerting us to fraudulent activities or suspending cards if they suspect unauthorized activity. Review your card’s fraud policy and update your settings if necessary. Have emails sent directly to you to alert you to every purchase.
Protect Your CVV Code: The three-digit numbers printed on the back of your card is used to verify that the card is physically present during a transaction. Internet retailers may request the number because it helps them prevent fraud and verify that the real cardholder is placing the order. Be wary of emails from credit card thieves posing as your card issuer and asking for your CVV. The real card issuer will never ask for your CVV number in an email.
Please be sure to subscribe and support my Podcast. Your support is greatly appreciated, and you do so for as little as $.99 per month. Go out there and be great, because great is calling you and great is calling me.
Dec 21, 202227:24
Day 7- Fun Christmas Traditions To Try This Year
Hi and welcome to Day 7 of my 12 Days Of Christmas series. Did you know that having traditions helps create lasting memories, and it gives us something to look forward to, next year? It’s also a fun way to bring people together. The traditions you start with your family and/or friends will become part of your heritage. This list of Christmas traditions:
(1). Create a holiday bucket list.
(2). Make a small gift for the women in your family.
(3). Decorate your bedroom.
(4). Send funny or silly Christmas cards.
(5). Make homemade Christmas cards.
(6). Participate in the National Ugly Christmas sweater day.
(7). Go shopping at a thrift store this Christmas.
(8). Cut down your own Christmas tree.
(9). Start a Christmas diary.
(10). Visit a live nativity.
(11). Let the little one’s camp out near the Christmas tree.
(12). Take a picture every year in front of the tree.
(13). Plan a Christmas vacation.
(14). Go to a Christmas concert.
(15). Christmas around the world.
(16). Create a New Year’s predictions jar.
Here Are Some Classic Christmas Traditions:
(1). Movie marathon.
(2). Put together a Gingerbread house.
(3). Drive around looking at Christmas lights.
(4). Attend a parade or festival where you live.
(5). Buy a new ornament every year.
(6). Cookie exchange.
(7). Decorate sugar cookies.
(8). Read Christmas books.
(9). Go Christmas caroling.
(10). Read the Christmas story in the bible (Luke 2:1-20).
(11). Attend a tree lighting ceremony.
Christmas Traditions to Start With Kids:
(1). Video from Santa.
(2). Let them have their own little tree.
(3). Elf on the Shelf.
(4). Special cookies for Santa plate.
(5). Let your kids shop at the dollar store.
(6). Help the kids give back via donations.
(7). Write a letter to Santa.
(8). Want, wear, need, read gifts.
(9). have breakfast with Santa.
(10). Christmas handprint gift.
(11). Write a letter to your kids each year.
(12). Have a Polar Express party.
Traditions For Giving Back:
(1). Bring cookies to a fire station.
(2). Caroling at a retirement home.
(3). Sponsor a child or family.
(4). Special Christmas morning breakfast.
(5). Preform random acts of kindness.
(6). Shop for toys to donate.
(7). Donate to a food pantry or family in need.
(8). Write a letter or mail a gift to troops stationed overseas.
(9). Buy gifts for kids in the hospital.
Advent Traditions to Start:
(1). Advent Calendar.
(2). Advent Book.
(3). Make an Advent Activity Tree.
Christmas Eve Tradition Ideas:
(1). Open one gift on Christmas Eve.
(2). Watch the same movie every Christmas Eve.
(3). Call the Santa tracker hotline.
(4). Christmas pajamas.
(5). Attend Midnight Mass.
(6). Read a special Christmas book.
(7). Watch The Nativity Story.
Christmas Traditions to Start With Your Friends:
(1). Host a movie night.
(2). Attend a holiday show.
(3). Potluck brunch or appetizer party.
(4). Host or attend an Ugly sweater party.
(5). Go gift shopping together.
(6). Wrap presents together.
(7). Volunteer.
(8). Visit a holiday market or craft fair.
(1). Create a holiday bucket list.
(2). Make a small gift for the women in your family.
(3). Decorate your bedroom.
(4). Send funny or silly Christmas cards.
(5). Make homemade Christmas cards.
(6). Participate in the National Ugly Christmas sweater day.
(7). Go shopping at a thrift store this Christmas.
(8). Cut down your own Christmas tree.
(9). Start a Christmas diary.
(10). Visit a live nativity.
(11). Let the little one’s camp out near the Christmas tree.
(12). Take a picture every year in front of the tree.
(13). Plan a Christmas vacation.
(14). Go to a Christmas concert.
(15). Christmas around the world.
(16). Create a New Year’s predictions jar.
Here Are Some Classic Christmas Traditions:
(1). Movie marathon.
(2). Put together a Gingerbread house.
(3). Drive around looking at Christmas lights.
(4). Attend a parade or festival where you live.
(5). Buy a new ornament every year.
(6). Cookie exchange.
(7). Decorate sugar cookies.
(8). Read Christmas books.
(9). Go Christmas caroling.
(10). Read the Christmas story in the bible (Luke 2:1-20).
(11). Attend a tree lighting ceremony.
Christmas Traditions to Start With Kids:
(1). Video from Santa.
(2). Let them have their own little tree.
(3). Elf on the Shelf.
(4). Special cookies for Santa plate.
(5). Let your kids shop at the dollar store.
(6). Help the kids give back via donations.
(7). Write a letter to Santa.
(8). Want, wear, need, read gifts.
(9). have breakfast with Santa.
(10). Christmas handprint gift.
(11). Write a letter to your kids each year.
(12). Have a Polar Express party.
Traditions For Giving Back:
(1). Bring cookies to a fire station.
(2). Caroling at a retirement home.
(3). Sponsor a child or family.
(4). Special Christmas morning breakfast.
(5). Preform random acts of kindness.
(6). Shop for toys to donate.
(7). Donate to a food pantry or family in need.
(8). Write a letter or mail a gift to troops stationed overseas.
(9). Buy gifts for kids in the hospital.
Advent Traditions to Start:
(1). Advent Calendar.
(2). Advent Book.
(3). Make an Advent Activity Tree.
Christmas Eve Tradition Ideas:
(1). Open one gift on Christmas Eve.
(2). Watch the same movie every Christmas Eve.
(3). Call the Santa tracker hotline.
(4). Christmas pajamas.
(5). Attend Midnight Mass.
(6). Read a special Christmas book.
(7). Watch The Nativity Story.
Christmas Traditions to Start With Your Friends:
(1). Host a movie night.
(2). Attend a holiday show.
(3). Potluck brunch or appetizer party.
(4). Host or attend an Ugly sweater party.
(5). Go gift shopping together.
(6). Wrap presents together.
(7). Volunteer.
(8). Visit a holiday market or craft fair.
Dec 20, 202234:49
Day 6- Tips For Selecting And Caring For Your Live Christmas Tree
Hi and welcome to Day 6 of my 12 Days Of Christmas series. There is no right or wrong type of tree to purchase, when it comes to choosing a Christmas tree. It really depends on what you like and what you can find. Having a fresh cut tree is so much better than an artificial tree, any day of the week. However, I understand the convenience of having an artificial tree.
Here are some of the most popular conifers grown for Christmas trees:
Douglas Firs- Have soft, flat, blue-green needles that are attached singly to the stem.
Frasier And Balsam Firs- Have soft, flat, dark green needles marked by silver bands on the undersides.
White and Scotch pines- Have needles bundled into groups of five (white pine) or two (Scotch pine).
Colorado Blue Spruce- Have sharp, square needles that are attached singly to the stem.
How To Select A Fresh Tree:
You can be assured of getting a fresh tree if you cut your own tree from a local Christmas tree farm. While this is a cherished family tradition for many, the convenience of purchasing a pre-cut tree is more attractive for others. To check a pre-cut tree for freshness, look for flexible needles that remain firmly attached when you tug on them. All needled evergreens shed their oldest needles every year, so do not be concerned when brown needles fall from the interior of the tree when you knock the base of the tree on the ground. Just make sure they are thoroughly shaken off the tree before taking it indoors. If the needles pull out easily, or if they appear a dull, lifeless green, that tree may be past its prime.
How To Maintain Freshness:
Maintaining a high moisture level in the tree is the single most important factor in reducing needle loss and keeping the tree fresh. This is accomplished primarily through the use of water-holding stands and keeping the water level in the stand above the base of the tree. Every year, there are many articles written concerning the handling and care of Christmas trees. Unfortunately, they often contain erroneous information.
How To Maintain Freshness And Aroma Of Your Live Tree:
(1). Use a tree stand with an adequate water holding capacity.
(2). Keep displayed trees away from sources of heat (fireplaces, heaters, heat vents, and direct sunlight).
(3). Check the stand daily to make sure that the level of water does not go below the base of the tree.
(4). Monitor your tree for dryness.
What To Do With Your Tree After The Holidays:
When you are ready to take your tree down, don’t be in hurry to send it to a landfill. Evergreen boughs make a great mulch for perennial flowering plants that do not tolerate other mulches that can hold excessive moisture around their crowns. They can also be placed on the ground near bird feeders to create a little shelter for ground-feeding birds. Also, many communities have a special pick up or designate a drop off site for Christmas trees. They may hold a big community bonfire or grind the trees into mulch that can be used for the garden in spring.
Closing: Please be sure to subscribe and support my Podcast. Your support is greatly appreciated, and you do so for as little as $.99 per month. Go out there and be great, because great is calling you and great is calling me.
Dec 18, 202201:01:33
Day 5- Protect Yourself Against Credit Card Fraud This Holiday Season
Hi and welcome to Day 5 of my 12 Days Of Christmas series. Americans plan to spend just under $1,000 on gifts and holiday items this year, according to the National Retail Federation. Surveys show most consumers will shop online for holiday gifts and use credit cards to pay for them. About 1 in 5 shoppers (including 38% of millennials) will use “buy now, pay later” services to make purchases instantly and pay for them over time with no interest, a Morning Consult survey found.
(1). Credit cards are often the safest payment option.
(2). Consider using “virtual cards” or mobile wallets.
(3). Be careful with “buy now, pay later” services.
(4). Watch out for social media scams.
(5). What to do if you are a victim of fraud or identity theft. If you believe you are a victim of fraud, contact one of the major credit reporting Agencies (Experian, Equifax, and Transunion) and place a fraud alert in your credit report.
Credit Card Do's for Holiday Spending:
(1). Make the Most of Your Rewards.
(2). If you're traveling during the holidays, book your flight and hotel on a travel rewards card.
(3). Get a card with an Intro Bonus.
(4). Consider a card with a 0% Intro APR promotion.
(5). Use a credit card to track your holiday budget.
(6). Pay off your card as you make purchases.
(7). Protect your purchases with extended warranties and purchase protection.
(8). Use virtual credit card account numbers when shopping online.
Credit Card Don'ts for Holiday Spending:
(1). Don't spend more than you would if you were using cash.
(2). Don't run up your credit card balance.
(3). Don't forget to pay your bill.
(4). Don't delay repaying on a 0% Intro APR credit card.
(5). Don't lose track of your spending.
(6). Make sure you check your online account often.
(7). Don't enter credit card information online from a public Wi-Fi network.
(8). Monitor your credit during the holidays.
Please be sure to subscribe and support my Podcast. Your support is greatly appreciated, and you do so for as little as $.99 per month. Go out there and be great, because great is calling you and great is calling me.
(1). Credit cards are often the safest payment option.
(2). Consider using “virtual cards” or mobile wallets.
(3). Be careful with “buy now, pay later” services.
(4). Watch out for social media scams.
(5). What to do if you are a victim of fraud or identity theft. If you believe you are a victim of fraud, contact one of the major credit reporting Agencies (Experian, Equifax, and Transunion) and place a fraud alert in your credit report.
Credit Card Do's for Holiday Spending:
(1). Make the Most of Your Rewards.
(2). If you're traveling during the holidays, book your flight and hotel on a travel rewards card.
(3). Get a card with an Intro Bonus.
(4). Consider a card with a 0% Intro APR promotion.
(5). Use a credit card to track your holiday budget.
(6). Pay off your card as you make purchases.
(7). Protect your purchases with extended warranties and purchase protection.
(8). Use virtual credit card account numbers when shopping online.
Credit Card Don'ts for Holiday Spending:
(1). Don't spend more than you would if you were using cash.
(2). Don't run up your credit card balance.
(3). Don't forget to pay your bill.
(4). Don't delay repaying on a 0% Intro APR credit card.
(5). Don't lose track of your spending.
(6). Make sure you check your online account often.
(7). Don't enter credit card information online from a public Wi-Fi network.
(8). Monitor your credit during the holidays.
Please be sure to subscribe and support my Podcast. Your support is greatly appreciated, and you do so for as little as $.99 per month. Go out there and be great, because great is calling you and great is calling me.
Dec 18, 202234:50
Day 4- The Best Christmas Teas
Hi and welcome to Day 4 of my 12 Day Of Christmas series. The holidays are the most wonderful time of the year. The cold weather, snow, Holiday movies, family, friends, hot chocolate, Holiday cakes, Holiday music, candy canes, Santa, decorations, laughter, warm and fuzzy thoughts, reindeer, beautifully scented candles, and hot tea. I love sitting in front of the fireplace and sipping on a cup of tea. Well, honestly, I love tea all year long since I am not a coffee drinker. If you're looking for some limited-edition flavors or seasonal taste to brew in your teacup, you've come to the right place. Spread some holiday cheer this year and grab some tea gifts for friends or treat yourself to a tasty holiday-inspired flavor. You can get these great flavors from Sencha Tea at: www.senchateabar.com.
1. Apple Spice Tea
2. Cinnamon Tea
3. Peppermint Tea
4. Genmaicha Green Tea
5. Masala Chai Tea
6. Earl Grey Tea
7. Caramel Tea
8. Butterfly Pea Flower Tea
9. Lavender Tea
10. Pumpkin Spice Tea
11. White Tea
12. Hibiscus Tea
13. Oolong Tea
14. Vanilla Tea
15. Blood Orange Black Tea
16. Cranberry Tea
17. Ginger Tea
18. Lapsang Souchong Black Tea
19. Chamomile Tea
20. Winter Spice Tea
21. Licorice Root Tea
22. Earl Grey Cream Tea
23. Rosehip Tea
24. Ginger Turmeric Tea
Please be sure to subscribe and support my Podcast. Your support is greatly appreciated, and you do so for as little as $.99 per month. Go out there and be great, because great is calling you and great is calling me.
1. Apple Spice Tea
2. Cinnamon Tea
3. Peppermint Tea
4. Genmaicha Green Tea
5. Masala Chai Tea
6. Earl Grey Tea
7. Caramel Tea
8. Butterfly Pea Flower Tea
9. Lavender Tea
10. Pumpkin Spice Tea
11. White Tea
12. Hibiscus Tea
13. Oolong Tea
14. Vanilla Tea
15. Blood Orange Black Tea
16. Cranberry Tea
17. Ginger Tea
18. Lapsang Souchong Black Tea
19. Chamomile Tea
20. Winter Spice Tea
21. Licorice Root Tea
22. Earl Grey Cream Tea
23. Rosehip Tea
24. Ginger Turmeric Tea
Please be sure to subscribe and support my Podcast. Your support is greatly appreciated, and you do so for as little as $.99 per month. Go out there and be great, because great is calling you and great is calling me.
Dec 17, 202221:20
Day 3- Things To Be Thankful For This Holiday Season
Hi and welcome to Day 3 of my 12 Day Of Christmas series. Here are some things you should be thankful for this holiday season:
(1). We need to be thankful for our health. Good, bad or indifferent, our health is something we need to remember to be thankful for all year long.
(2). We need to be thankful for our homes. It doesn’t matter how big or small your home is, you need to be thankful for having a roof over your head.
(3). We need to be thankful for our families. The holidays are always a time where we get together with family.
(4). We need to be thankful for our friends. Friends are the ones who are there for us when we can't be around our families for the holidays.
(5). We need to be thankful for the food on our tables. There is nothing like spending time with family over a nice holiday meal.
(6). We need to be thankful for our Jobs. We find ourselves complaining about our jobs and we forget to be thankful for them.
(7). We need to be thankful for our traditions. This time of the year brings back so many memories of growing up.
BONUS: We need to be thankful for the ability to celebrate the birth of Christ, who is the reason for the season.
Here are some ways to show that you are thankful this holiday season and every day:
(1). Writing down something you are grateful for daily in your journal.
(2). Send a card to someone you love.
(3). Bring your loved one breakfast in bed.
(4). Plan a fun date night.
(5). Make some sweet treats for others.
(6). Plan lunch dates with your friends or loved ones.
(7). Pay for someone else’s coffee or meal.
(8). Gift your favorite book to someone.
(9). Drop off a care package to someone in need.
(10). Volunteer at a local charity.
(11). Handwrite a thank you note.
(12). Compliment others.
(13). Say thank you every chance you get.
(14). Volunteer at a school.
(15). Share your favorite recipes with others.
(16). Donate to a local food bank.
(17). Send someone flowers.
(18). Take time for yourself.
(19). Spend a day with someone you love.
Please be sure to subscribe and support my Podcast. Your support is greatly appreciated, and you do so for as little as $.99 per month. Go out there and be great, because great is calling you and great is calling me.
(1). We need to be thankful for our health. Good, bad or indifferent, our health is something we need to remember to be thankful for all year long.
(2). We need to be thankful for our homes. It doesn’t matter how big or small your home is, you need to be thankful for having a roof over your head.
(3). We need to be thankful for our families. The holidays are always a time where we get together with family.
(4). We need to be thankful for our friends. Friends are the ones who are there for us when we can't be around our families for the holidays.
(5). We need to be thankful for the food on our tables. There is nothing like spending time with family over a nice holiday meal.
(6). We need to be thankful for our Jobs. We find ourselves complaining about our jobs and we forget to be thankful for them.
(7). We need to be thankful for our traditions. This time of the year brings back so many memories of growing up.
BONUS: We need to be thankful for the ability to celebrate the birth of Christ, who is the reason for the season.
Here are some ways to show that you are thankful this holiday season and every day:
(1). Writing down something you are grateful for daily in your journal.
(2). Send a card to someone you love.
(3). Bring your loved one breakfast in bed.
(4). Plan a fun date night.
(5). Make some sweet treats for others.
(6). Plan lunch dates with your friends or loved ones.
(7). Pay for someone else’s coffee or meal.
(8). Gift your favorite book to someone.
(9). Drop off a care package to someone in need.
(10). Volunteer at a local charity.
(11). Handwrite a thank you note.
(12). Compliment others.
(13). Say thank you every chance you get.
(14). Volunteer at a school.
(15). Share your favorite recipes with others.
(16). Donate to a local food bank.
(17). Send someone flowers.
(18). Take time for yourself.
(19). Spend a day with someone you love.
Please be sure to subscribe and support my Podcast. Your support is greatly appreciated, and you do so for as little as $.99 per month. Go out there and be great, because great is calling you and great is calling me.
Dec 16, 202244:51
Day 2- How To Manage Grief During The Holidays
Hi and welcome to Day 2 of my 12 Day Of Christmas series. The holidays are a time when friends and family get together. But it’s also a time for many people who have lost loved ones, to struggle. If you or a loved one has experienced a loss around this time of the year, this year or within the last year; then this Podcast is for you. Here are some steps you can take:
(1). Acknowledge your loss. Trying to deny that your loss has happened, is the worst thing you can do.
(2). Accept the loss. Accept that this person is no longer physically here with you, but they will forever hold a special place in your heart.
(3). Honor traditions & Memories. While you should honor traditions you and your loved one shared, you may also want to create new ones.
(4). Create coping skills. Some examples of healthy coping skills could include deep breathing, yoga, listening to music, saying positive affirmations, meditating, or exercising.
(5). Volunteer to help others. Helping others who are in need may take your mind off of your feeling down and sad.
(6). Don’t be afraid to ask for help. It is completely okay to ask for help, from friends and family members during this difficult time.
(7). Show yourself some self-compassion. You have to be gentle and kind to yourself. You’re doing the best you can right now. There is no right or wrong way to grieve.
(8). Focus on the here and now. Thoughts about future holidays and things to come will cause you to feel stressed out. I need you to focus on the things that you can control right now.
How to support a friend, family member or co-worker, who is experiencing grief during the Holidays:
(1). Check in on them. Make sure they are taking care of themselves.
(2). Allow them to talk about their loss. Giving them a platform to share about their grief and loss is important. Creating a safe space and being nonjudgmental will allow them to express themselves in a way that is beneficial, for them.
(3). Make sure you listen to them without giving advice. Listening to someone and being present is priceless. People appreciate feeling heard and validated during difficult their times. Everybody needs a shoulder to cry on from time to time.
The holiday season is not always as cheerful and merry as we hope for it to be. It’s normal to feel the way you feel. You might feel hesitant to seek out help. But always know that you are never alone. Allow yourself the time to grieve in whatever way you feel is right for you. Please be sure to subscribe and support my Podcast. Your support is greatly appreciated, and you do so for as little as $.99 per month. Go out there and be great, because great is calling you and great is calling me.
Dec 14, 202251:27
Day 1- Tips For Staying Safe During The Holidays
Hi and welcome to Day 1 of my 12 Day Of Christmas series. The holiday season is always special, and it’s important that everybody stays safe during this joyous and wonderful time of the year. Here are few things to keep in mind, so that you can stay safe.
Tips While Shopping:
• Park in a well-lit area and be sure to have your keys out, before going to your car so you aren’t digging for them and not watching what’s going on around you.
• Make sure you lock your vehicle and be sure to keep anything of value locked in your trunk.
• Stay off your phone, so you can pay attention to your surroundings.
• Men need to keep your wallet in your front pocket, and women need to keep your purses in front of you at all times.
• Always keep your little ones with you. Never let them wonder off, no matter what.
• Keep an eye out for anything that doesn't look right and don't hesitate to call the police.
Tips For Traveling:
• Make sure you contact the Post Office to have your mail stopped, while you are gone.
• Let your neighbor know you are going out of town and ask them to keep an eye on your house while you are gone.
• Do not share your vacation plans all over social media. This is how people end up getting robbed.
• Use an automatic timer for your indoor and outdoor lights.
Tips For When You Are At Home:
• Always keep your doors and windows locked.
• Tear down gift boxes before you put them in the recycling can; this way people won’t know what’s in your home.
• Place your live tree’s away from all heat sources (i.e., fireplaces and vents), to avoid drying it out.
• Make sure you always have water in your tree stand. This will keep your tree from drying out and staying healthy.
• Make sure you keep candles or other open flames, away from burnable materials.
• Never leave your stove unattended, while cooking.
• Make sure you properly dispose of your live Christmas tree, after you take it down. Dried trees are a fire hazard and should not be left in your home or garage.
• Try not to overload electrical outlets, because this could cause your cords to overheat and start a fire.
Tips For Having Packages Delivered:
• To avoid package theft, consider having your packages sent to your job, a friend’s house, a family members house or an Amazon Locker. Or better yet, make sure you are home when your package or packages are delivered.
• Track your deliveries so you know when they will arrive.
• If you won’t be home when your package is going to be delivered, ask your neighbor to get it off your porch and hold it for you.
Tips If You Plan On Drinking:
• Be mindful of how much you drink and never drink and drive.
• If you can’t find a ride with someone who is sober, take public transportation (i.e. a taxi, a friend, a family member, Uber or Lift).
Please be sure to subscribe and support my Podcast. Your support is greatly appreciated, and you do so for as little as $.99 per month. As you do that, go out there and be great, because great is calling you and great is calling me.
Tips While Shopping:
• Park in a well-lit area and be sure to have your keys out, before going to your car so you aren’t digging for them and not watching what’s going on around you.
• Make sure you lock your vehicle and be sure to keep anything of value locked in your trunk.
• Stay off your phone, so you can pay attention to your surroundings.
• Men need to keep your wallet in your front pocket, and women need to keep your purses in front of you at all times.
• Always keep your little ones with you. Never let them wonder off, no matter what.
• Keep an eye out for anything that doesn't look right and don't hesitate to call the police.
Tips For Traveling:
• Make sure you contact the Post Office to have your mail stopped, while you are gone.
• Let your neighbor know you are going out of town and ask them to keep an eye on your house while you are gone.
• Do not share your vacation plans all over social media. This is how people end up getting robbed.
• Use an automatic timer for your indoor and outdoor lights.
Tips For When You Are At Home:
• Always keep your doors and windows locked.
• Tear down gift boxes before you put them in the recycling can; this way people won’t know what’s in your home.
• Place your live tree’s away from all heat sources (i.e., fireplaces and vents), to avoid drying it out.
• Make sure you always have water in your tree stand. This will keep your tree from drying out and staying healthy.
• Make sure you keep candles or other open flames, away from burnable materials.
• Never leave your stove unattended, while cooking.
• Make sure you properly dispose of your live Christmas tree, after you take it down. Dried trees are a fire hazard and should not be left in your home or garage.
• Try not to overload electrical outlets, because this could cause your cords to overheat and start a fire.
Tips For Having Packages Delivered:
• To avoid package theft, consider having your packages sent to your job, a friend’s house, a family members house or an Amazon Locker. Or better yet, make sure you are home when your package or packages are delivered.
• Track your deliveries so you know when they will arrive.
• If you won’t be home when your package is going to be delivered, ask your neighbor to get it off your porch and hold it for you.
Tips If You Plan On Drinking:
• Be mindful of how much you drink and never drink and drive.
• If you can’t find a ride with someone who is sober, take public transportation (i.e. a taxi, a friend, a family member, Uber or Lift).
Please be sure to subscribe and support my Podcast. Your support is greatly appreciated, and you do so for as little as $.99 per month. As you do that, go out there and be great, because great is calling you and great is calling me.
Dec 13, 202255:20
How to Make It Through The Holidays Without Feeling Overwhelmed
For the time that is ours to share, I want to talk about: How to Make It Through The Holidays Without Feeling Overwhelmed. The holiday season is finally here, and I am super excited. Today I will be sharing some tips, so you can have a great holiday season with your family and friends, all while not losing it.
The holiday season is finally here, and I am super excited. Today I will be sharing some tips, so you can have a great holiday season with your family and friends, all while not losing it.
1. Don’t wait until the last minute. Schedule your shopping, and decorating when can get it in. You may need to do things on your lunch break, before work, after work or even on the weekends. If you wait for the “perfect moment” it will never happen.
2. Create a budget and stick to it. Remember what the reason for the season truly is and it will help you stick to your budget. Also, you will need to decide who is getting a gift and how much you want to spend on each person. This will keep you from randomly picking up things. If possible, use cash or your VISA Check card. This will keep you from running your credit cards up to the limit.
3. It’s alright to tell people “No”. Your plate will run over very quickly, if you say yes to everything people ask you to do. If you aren’t available to help your cousin decorate her tree, then say “I would love to help you, but I have a lot of things I need to do myself. The key is to say no and be ok with your answer.
4. Get your family involved. Getting your family involved, will ensure you aren’t trying to do everything yourself. After all, sharing is caring!
5. Make sure you are getting enough rest. It is so important to make sure you get enough rest, so you have the energy needed to do all the things you need to do. If possible, try to stick to your regular sleeping routine. Don’t forget to take your daily vitamins and supplements so you can, keep your energy up.
6. Try to create at least one new idea or memory. While it’s nice to use Pinterest and YouTube for decorating ideas, it’s always nice to create your own ideas.
7. Remember in all things be grateful. That means to be grateful for all that you have, no matter how big or small it may be.
I hope and pray you find these suggestions helpful, as you start planning for a great holiday season. I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a very prosperous New Year! Please be sure to subscribe and support my Podcast. Your support is greatly appreciated, and you do so for as little as $.99 per month. Go out there and be great, because great is calling you and great is calling me.
The holiday season is finally here, and I am super excited. Today I will be sharing some tips, so you can have a great holiday season with your family and friends, all while not losing it.
1. Don’t wait until the last minute. Schedule your shopping, and decorating when can get it in. You may need to do things on your lunch break, before work, after work or even on the weekends. If you wait for the “perfect moment” it will never happen.
2. Create a budget and stick to it. Remember what the reason for the season truly is and it will help you stick to your budget. Also, you will need to decide who is getting a gift and how much you want to spend on each person. This will keep you from randomly picking up things. If possible, use cash or your VISA Check card. This will keep you from running your credit cards up to the limit.
3. It’s alright to tell people “No”. Your plate will run over very quickly, if you say yes to everything people ask you to do. If you aren’t available to help your cousin decorate her tree, then say “I would love to help you, but I have a lot of things I need to do myself. The key is to say no and be ok with your answer.
4. Get your family involved. Getting your family involved, will ensure you aren’t trying to do everything yourself. After all, sharing is caring!
5. Make sure you are getting enough rest. It is so important to make sure you get enough rest, so you have the energy needed to do all the things you need to do. If possible, try to stick to your regular sleeping routine. Don’t forget to take your daily vitamins and supplements so you can, keep your energy up.
6. Try to create at least one new idea or memory. While it’s nice to use Pinterest and YouTube for decorating ideas, it’s always nice to create your own ideas.
7. Remember in all things be grateful. That means to be grateful for all that you have, no matter how big or small it may be.
I hope and pray you find these suggestions helpful, as you start planning for a great holiday season. I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a very prosperous New Year! Please be sure to subscribe and support my Podcast. Your support is greatly appreciated, and you do so for as little as $.99 per month. Go out there and be great, because great is calling you and great is calling me.
Dec 04, 202253:41
How To Inspire Motivation In The Workplace
Motivation is a powerful energy that drives and excites everybody, especially employees. Motivation will also result in everyone’s maximum contribution. Setting and achieving goals, clear expectations, recognition, feedback, as well as encouraging management all contribute to an increase in workplace motivation. How Do We Do That:
1. Learn what it is people want. Motivation will look different for each person in the workplace. Everybody has a different motivation for why they come to work every day. However, we all show up every day because we have a need for being there. The environment in which we work, has an impact on everyone’s morale and motivation. Therefore, managers and supervisors, should learn what their employees want/need in order to build motivation in the workplace. Thought: Managers and Supervisors must first CARE.
2. Set realistic goals. You can create a work environment that provides the greatest possibility for employees to achieve individual or group goals.
3. Promote positive employee self-esteem. People who have high self-esteem are more likely to continuously improve the work environment. They are willing to take intelligent risks because they have confidence in their ideas and their competence to take on new challenges while performing their day-to-day work. They shine with motivation in the workplace.
4. Provide employee recognition. Employee recognition can increase motivation when it is offered and implemented effectively. When employees/co-workers are being recognized for their hard work, it makes the rest of the team want to work harder as well. The result is a team of hard-working people, who truly value their job.
5. Use training and development for motivation. If you want to keep your staff motivated about learning and work, then you will have to provide them with regular quality training options.
6. Create traditions. Traditions are as important in organizations as they are in families. Nothing is more important for employee motivation than annual traditions workplaces create.
7. Promote personal growth and motivation. If your workplace doesn’t promote training, then you need to encourage your staff (and yourself) to go out and find your own training. If your workplace doesn’t provide motivation, then you need to find ways to motivate yourself.
Closing: Please be sure to subscribe and support my Podcast. Your support is greatly appreciated, and you can do so for as little as $.99 per month. Go out there and be great, because great is calling you and great is calling me.
Nov 27, 202240:24