I’m all for something that can lift us up. If a book or action can have us behave and think more positively, hey, why not? So that’s why I was particularly happy to read Think Confident, Be Confident by Leslie Sokol and Marci Fox. For those that have read “self help” books before, you’ll find more of the same motivating speech in this book. Where the book differs, however, is in a 4-step approach to conquering doubt. They take you through a series of steps (Label It, Question It, Rethink It, and Take Action.) While we sometimes know what it is we need to improve on, sometimes we cannot pinpoint it enough to change our actions. This is where Think Confident, Be Confident will help. Even people that have... [Read more]

Think you can’t have a great date near the holidays? Think again! Here are some date ideas to spend with your sweetie on or near Thanksgiving. Watch the Parade Make a date to cuddle up on the couch and watch the Thanksgiving day parade. There is lot of nostalgia with this parade which will prompt conversation topics and easy ways to get to know each other. Besides that, watching a couple hours of Broadway tunes, TV stars, and giant cartoon balloons is just too much fun to miss. Volunteer While volunteering at a rescue mission or food pantry might seem like a downer, it can actually help bond two people together fairly quickly. The key is make your outing about an hour, and no more. Under normal circumstances you should spend as... [Read more]

I just saw this article that says a bit of grumpiness can go a long way toward making a person happy. Did I lose you there? Being grumpy can actually make you more positive in the long run. This thought makes perfect sense to me. There has been a movement, ever since The Secret came out, that says if you think only positive thoughts and focus on your goal, you will attract positive things to you. This is great advice, but not always realistic. For example, sometimes life is unpredictable and even the most wonderful, blessed, positive people get slammed with something devastating. During those times, it is extremely helpful to let out your anger. Acknowledge it. Typically, our friends and family will tell us to “cheer up”... [Read more]

I’ve always said that dating is not for the faint of heart. It takes guts. There is rejection, patience, stepping outside your comfort zone… and that’s all with trying to figure out if the person you are with is the right one for you. It can be a lot. Most people have these fears and date anyway. What’s the alternative? For a select few, however, dating can cause some serious anxiety. Following are common dating fears that singles have shared with me, along with a few tips that should help. Fear of Rejection This is the biggie. Asking someone out puts a lot of pressure on the person doing the asking. No one likes being rejected, laughed out, or simply told “no.” Ease the fear: Don’t give rejection... [Read more]

Is getting through a day without feeling like you could fall asleep a struggle? Most of us would say yes. As a full-time writer, I am my own boss and have to make sure I stay motivated. Some days I feel like I could take a nap at about 3:00. The trouble is, if I do that, I have to make up the work I might have missed later when my family is home. I’ve found the following strategies help me to keep my energy at a consistent level all day. Eat Lightly Nothing sends me into snooze-ville faster than a big lunch. If you’re like me and usually eat at your desk, this can be even worse because it might mean you mindlessly consume extra calories as well. A better strategy is to eat a small snack at about 10:00. A piece of fruit or... [Read more]