We’ve been hearing a lot about how many people are in serious debt and others struggle from month to month to pay their bills. So it might seem that the problem is purely about having a certain amount of money. However, an answer can be found in having a positive attitude towards finances and a satisfaction with what we already have. I know that financial establishments, such as banks, savings and loans, and credit card companies are being monitored right now, and I am certainly pleased about the government’s regulatory role in this critical situation. But I have to say that as consumers we have a responsibility for our own money management. The first step is to reduce any debt. Being beholden to a lender can weigh you down with monthly payments that can drag out for years. The hard truth is that it can take a very long time to pay it off. So,  it is essential to develop a plan to free yourself of such a weight. One way to do this is to pare down the number of credit cards you maintain. If you have several cards, the main objective is to get them paid off as quickly as possible, preferably paying off the higher interest cards first. In any case, getting at least one card paid off and then closing that account will give you a satisfying feeling and encourage you to continue with your plan of getting your finances in order. You’ll also want to curb impulse spending. Before making any new purchase, give it some thought. How important is this purchase to you? Can you get it for a better price? Hopefully by thinking before you buy, you will end up buying far less, thereby saving more. Interestingly, you probably won’t miss most of the items that you momentarily craved, and if you do, then you can set aside some money from every paycheck towards buying it. Another important step is to create a budget to help you choose where your money goes and help you to keep track of your progress. Be sure to put a small amount of money aside for your enjoyment and to reward yourself for your efforts. Of course,  the big reward will be when you realize how much headway you have made towards being in control of your money — and your life.

The global economic downturn has makes many  individuals  taking  an opportunity to re-assess their life’s worth, upgrade their skills and academic qualifications, and spend more time with family and loved ones. It’s still tough to get a job, any job.  Such a surprise to many, considering the current, tough economy, especially , with the recent layoffs, it seems that more people than ever are looking towards education as a chance for a fresh start in a competitive market. Community colleges and universities are seeing a surge of students returning to school from the workplace or starting college in hopes of securing better employment opportunities in the future. The fact is,  that the more you know and understand about the field you want to work in the better chance you will have to be successful at what you want to do. So, even though times are tight, education is the priority for those who want to be employed in a satisfying job that will also bring them that much needed paycheck. A good education helps turn knowledge into opportunity by building your understanding of the world around you while giving you access to new avenues in life. Education helps you to gain insight into your own life and to turn experiences into a learning opportunity. Plus it can provide you a better understanding of other cultures and civilizations. There is no doubt that a good education is a gift of knowledge that can enlarge your choices in life. Those of us who live in developed countries may take education for granted . That’s because we have easier access to it, especially higher education. In developing countries, a higher education is highly valued and sought after because it promises higher standards of living, better health care, scientific advances, useful inventions and more. In fact, the countries that are taking a stand in the global community are doing so through better education of their citizens, which usually begins with the children and then extends to higher education. I completely believe in taking advantage of educational opportunities that come my way, be they astrological courses, interesting books and articles or even information to help me to better care for my own body and physical fitness. There is no doubt that continuing my education makes me a better-rounded person and keeps me sharp.   Whether you seek education for work purposes or just because you want to learn something new, you’ll always find education to be a way to better yourself and your life.

Are you familiar with the expression “to live in the moment?” This is the ability to be fully present and aware of yourself and your surroundings as you live each moment. Achieving such a state requires observation, appreciation, patience, quiet, and the ability to turn off the clock and put away the calendar. While most of us don’t experience such times frequently, this is when we feel the most alive. In theory,  being present involves learning how to pay attention, and the process of getting there is far easier than you might think. There are a few simple things you can do right now to help you stay in the present and pay attention to your life experience in a very positive way. Start by setting a few quiet minutes aside each day to close your eyes and take stock of what you are feeling, no matter how good or bad those feelings may be. Don’t judge your feelings, just allow yourself to become aware of the emotions behind them. Next, send your attention outward and become aware of things around you. Notice if you feel warm or cold, what your clothing feels like against your skin, the feeling of the air moving in and out of your lungs. Let the sounds around you filter through you and notice the underlying noises that you may have been tuning out. Next, open your eyes and notice the colors and sights around you in this same subtle, attentive way. By the time you are halfway through this little exercise,  you may be surprised at how much you actually notice about your internal and external presence. If you try this, you will probably find that “paying attention” will take on a whole new meaning, and it will be a very nice one at that. I hope that you can take some time this week to practice “living in the moment.” I feel sure that it will change your experience in “now” time. Enjoy, and don’t forget to spend some time with your loved ones.

Do take a few moments to imagine something you really want to happen and then use your imagination to follow it through in your mind’s eye. What is it you are dreaming about? Who is involved? How does it play out? Now let’s think about the direction your imagination took. Did you focus on the positive aspects of your dream or did you end up thinking about the things that could go wrong? If you found that you had a constructive mental process,  my hat goes off to you! On the other hand, if your imagination turned your dream into a disaster, let’s think about why that happened. First off, I don’t want you to be down on yourself. You might be surprised at how many of us are in the habit of imagining the worst as opposed to the best, unless our thoughts are directed differently. It is said that energy flows where the attention goes  and this is the key to getting positive results in any situation. When you can visualize exactly what it is that you want, you fuel the energy of your creation by seeing all the wonderful aspects of it coming into reality. You can see yourself experiencing your desire in detail, imagining the events, sights, smells, and feelings around it. And, if a negative thought creeps in, you can simply erase it, replacing it with thoughts of what you want to have happen instead. In addition to visualizing, other things can help reinforce the positive outcome you desire. For example, you could keep a daily journal and write what you desire to have happen in your life. This is a very good way to keep your focus. Another technique is to make a picture page with images of what you want, along with good things that are part of your dream. You can cut out photos from magazines or draw pictures. When your little poster is completed, put your page in a place where you will see it frequently. Just seeing these visual suggestions regularly will stimulate your imagination. By making a point to imagine on a regular basis the positive things you want to bring your way, you will draw wonderful things into your life with surprising frequency. Not only will you experience more success in your life, but you will also feel more confident and in charge of your own destiny, and that is your  goal !

Regular exercise is very important to our sense of wellbeing, and in this time of economic crisis, it is absolutely essential. Right now, I am really encouraging my  friends and readers to take positive steps to keep their bodies fit and strong by doing whatever form of exercise best suits them. My preferred choice of exercise is a good old-fashioned brisk walk. Interestingly, walking and running are the two most popular forms of exercise,  and both are very good ways to keep fit for very little investment. All you really need is a good pair of running or walking shoes. Some people like running or jogging to burn more calories, but I prefer walking because it offers numerous benefits and I still get to take in the sights along the way. In many ways, walking is a perfect form of fitness training because it is low-impact and gentler on the body than running. However, don\’t think that just because it\’s slower that it\’s less beneficial. Walking can help us manage our weight, lower blood pressure, lower bad LDL cholesterol, raise the good HDL, reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and even boost our moods. Now that\’s quite a lot of advantages for an activity as simple as taking a long walk on a regular basis. That said,  while walking is an easy activity, it is important to follow a few simple rules that will protect your health and help you gain the highest benefit. First, choose comfortable clothing that is appropriate for the weather you will be walking in. If you will be walking at night, be sure to wear bright clothing or consider a reflective vest or reflective tape to make you more visible to drivers. Before starting out on a walk, do some leg stretches to warm up your muscles, and start out easy if you are new to walking. Going on a long trek when you haven\’t built up the stamina could result in soreness that will deter your taking on a walking routine. In the beginning, start with ten-minute walks and build up your time to 30 minutes or an hour three or more times a week. When things interfere with your walking, as they sometimes do, it is important to pick up where you left off and get right back into your walking regime. Otherwise you could lose your momentum and drop off in your exercise. And it may not hurt to walk with a friend or vary your routes to keep things interesting. Just be sure to let someone know which route you are taking when you are walking alone.   I hope you will consider giving it a try. All you have to do is take those first steps,…….enjoying the benefits of walking .

Simplifying life is something I hear a lot about lately both from friends and family. And there is no doubt that it is a very important step that demands a concentrated effort. A while back I had an experience with my younger sister , who needed to do just that. My sister  had taken on too much and was feeling overstressed from juggling a busy schedule and too many demands. I gave her  an advice  : if you want to feel more in sync with life, you need to take steps to simplify it. First, I encouraged her to prioritize her commitments and eliminate at least one. Right away, she  eliminated one commitment and then later decided to let go of two more. She said she felt a little guilty at first, but in the end freeing up valuable time was a huge relief. Next,  she   took stock of her rather lengthy “to-do” list . Long to-do lists can make you feel like you are drowning in a sea of work that will never end. She decided which tasks she would cross off, as well as what she could delegate to someone else or simply put on hold until later. She later told me that shortening her list had made it easier for her to complete tasks, and that gave her a feeling of accomplishment. My  sister  also began to de-clutter her physical environment. Clutter creates a feeling of chaos and can prevent you from being relaxed and happy. Rather than trying to tackle the whole house at once, she chose to focus on one drawer, cabinet, or closet at a time. She only kept the things she really loved and used, and then sold, donated, or tossed the rest. By de-cluttering her space, even a little at a time, she soon created a more pleasant living space. When I last spoke to  her , she sounded much less stressed and more peaceful. She thanked me for my suggestions and said that her quality of life had greatly improved since her simplification overhaul. As you would imagine, I was and am very happy for her.  Most of us can stand to simplify our lives to some degree or can help someone close to us who is in need of doing that.

Rainning days are quite common here. However, the idea of a gray day can apply to more than just the weather. Cloudy, gray days can also refer to blue, listless feelings so that even those who live in the sunniest of climates can experience gray days. Fortunately,  there are things to help combat these “gray day” doldrums. One surefire way that works for me is to go outside, even if it’s only for a few minutes, to take in some fresh air. Natural settings can be very calming and  I find it particularly inspiring. You can also break the monotony of a dull day by changing your schedule around or doing something out of the ordinary, such as a creative activittities . For example, you could record thoughts in your journal, do an art or crafts activity, or take photos of something that catches your eye. This kind of stimulation can have you feeling better in no time! Another idea is to take an exercise break,  because exercise helps your body release endorphins that can improve your mood. When you exercise, you increase the amount of oxygen that goes to your brain and boost your overall metabolism. Having a higher metabolism helps to make you less lethargic. Of course, if you are experiencing one of those gray days where you really can’t get yourself moving, sometimes just a day of plain old rest can be extremely therapeutic and all that you need to get yourself back on track.  Do try out  these suggestions if you feel the need,  you may also  have your own remedies to combat a gray day.  Make it a  good for initiating and putting plans into action, and for enjoying Mother Nature, as well  , of course!

    Several months back ……..My sister  were having communication difficulties with her daughters .  When they  arrived they  were already involved in a heated discussion, which ended with the daughters  accusing the mother of treating her like a child and the mother telling her daughters that she needed an attitude adjustment.

    Needless to say, I didn’t really do not  understand what was going on.  Later after listened to their conversation, it was obvious that there was a serious lack of effective communication between them.  So, in addition tried patiently listening to their sides of stories , I spent time sharing ways they might communicate more openly and respectfully.  Most of us run into communication problems every now and then, and it never hurts to review how we can communicate better.

    In the case of my sister and her daughters , I asked them to consider their tone and the clarity of their messages to one another as well as the vibe they were giving off.  I wanted them to think about what they wanted to say before actually saying it.  For example, instead of the mother saying, “What do you mean by that?”  she could rephrase that thought with, “Can you repeat what you just said.  I am not sure I understood it all.”  And instead of her daughters  replying, “Just forget about it, you never listen,” the daughter could say, “Is there a particular part you aren’t sure about or should I just start over?”

    I also advised them to consider the best time to approach heavier or more sensitive subjects.  For example, if you need to bring up a touchy subject, pick a time when all parties involved are able to give their full attention to the topic.  Creating appropriate time and space for important communications is a necessary step.  For example, talking over a cup of tea will certainly produce better results than a rushed conversation during a hectic day.

    The last point I coached the mother and daughter on was to listen to one another without interrupting.  Finishing someone’s sentence or breaking into the middle of their statement with a counterargument can be extremely frustrating and cause even a minor communication to escalate into a nasty exchange.  At the end of that day , they  agreed they had work to do.  And I am happy to report that they have apparently made progress on their communication skills.

    At times , a little patience along with a willingness to listen and plan for important discussions can go a long way toward improving communication and building closer ties.  We can all stand a little help at this every now and then.

People seem to pull together when times get tough, and the current economic crisis is no exception.  One of my friends recently had an experience that illustrates this point well.  My friend lives in a lovely house with a granny flat on the back of the property, which he rents out to  university students .  Things had been going fine, but recently over the course of a few weeks of our current financial crisis, the students lost his tution earnings and were laid off from their part~time  jobs.

    Around that time  my friend  had a plumbing leak that caused a lot of ceiling and wall damage and was faced with a huge and expensive repair job.  Fortunately, as it turns out,  he  ran into his tenants, and while chatting, they both shared their problems.  As it turned out, the lad had done construction work with his father during summer breaks from school, so they agreed to a barter exchange.  My friend is getting his wall repairs done for the cost of the supplies, while the  students  gets a big break on their rent, allowing time for them  to find works  and get back on their feet.

    As a kid, I remember my Mum and Dad telling my brother and I stories about bartering goods and services during hard times.  Mum used to sew for neighbors who in turn provided her family with as eggs, milk, and other foodstuffs.   We may not be experiencing a major world war or a great depression, but many people are finding themselves between a financial rock and a hard place these days.  So it makes sense to look at ways to get goods and services that don’t require cash.

    For some it might be trading babysitting for housecleaning or repair work or for others offering a free ride to the job for help with bookkeeping or taxes.  Offering services to a friend, coworker, or a professional in exchange for something they could in turn provide for you is an excellent way to get what you need even when cash flow is low.

    Should you find yourself a bit short on cash during these uncertain times, or if you simply wish to keep your overhead down, you might want to consider a little bartering.  Think about a special talent or service that you could offer.  Then think about services you could use at this time and how you could barter for them.  In addition to saving money, you’ll also build ties in your community.  It can be a win-win situation for all.

        I’d like to bring up one of life’s small pleasures that actually provides quite a bit of satisfaction: the houseplant. Have you ever noticed how houseplants make a décor more warm and welcoming? There’s something pleasing and comforting about them. The Chinese have long believed that houseplants generate positive energy,  and modern scientific studies support the value of having plants in homes, offices, or environments such as hospitals, schools, and other institutions. Actually, there are many benefits to having plants around us. As plants take in the air around them, they actually remove some of the airborne toxins and replenish the environment with oxygen. Peace lilies, bamboo, palms, and spider plants are thought to be especially effective at clearing the air of unpleasant toxic chemicals. In addition, studies have shown that plants also have a positive physiological effect on us, by providing relief from anxiety, lowering blood pressure, and adding to a general sense of well-being. Plants in school and work environments have been credited for boosting productivity, shortening reaction time, increasing spatial perceptions, and building concentration. Students who study with plants nearby are more likely to be in regular attendance, while people who work in offices surrounded by plants tend to enjoy their jobs more than employees who work in more sterile environments. Personally, I think the nicest thing about plants is the simple fact of having these living, green organisms growing in my home and office. I hope you are already enjoying the calming and pleasant benefits of your own houseplants. But if you haven’t been exercising your green thumb, maybe it’s time to get your hands a little dirty .