Getting what you want.

Just in case the weather is bad where you are. .. .

It's a cool, rainy day where I am. There are a couple storms coming in- all of which will help the dry land here. So, I think it's a very nice day to stay inside and drink cocoa with little marshmallows and contemplate things.

While rain may have it's disadvantages, I have long believed rain regenerates life- the green outside and, for me, a chance to reaffirm life's good points and a time to make goals. I call it the spring cleaning in my head. You may laugh at that, but there is one good reason I say that: good feelings follow good thoughts, which is followed by improved quality of life.

Winter may cause many people to suffer from SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), brought on by shorter days and less sun. Which is why now is the perfect time for you to do a 'spring cleaning' for yourself.

If you really think about it, WHAT are you thinking when your having a bad day? Really think about it. . . . How is that different from when you are having a good day? Chances are, when you are having a good day, you are thinking about good things and not dwelling on the negative things.

During your spring cleaning, you can imagine it as a meditation of sorts. You can focus on the next few months (which is what I usually do), and think of all the goals you have in life. Where do you see yourself? How do you see things changing in your life?

An example here would be looking at your finances. Do you see yourself getting out of debt or finally saving for that emergency fund you've always wanted to start? Make day to day goals for reaching that goal that are reasonable and flexible. Think positively and reward yourself when you make reach part of your goal.

While you start looking forward to your goals, it is important to keep in mind your positive thoughts. It may be tempting to think negative thoughts, it is important to realize negative thoughts won't get you anywhere but a bad mood. On the other hand, a positive, attainable goal and good thoughts will keep you moving in a forward direction.

Even if the weather on the outside may be bad, things don't have to be bad on the inside.

Beauty IS in the eye of the beholder

Do you sometimes feel uncomfortable with how you look and are self- conscious? Is it affecting your self esteem? There are a few simple techniques that can help you overcome some of the body image issues that you have. . .

The first thing you want to do is to look in the mirror and assess the issue you have. Do you have a problem with a double chin? Are you carrying a few extra pound around your waist? Or maybe you are unhappy with some new age lines that are popping up?

An easy way to feel more confident is to invest in clothes or makeup that flatters you and minimizes your flaws. For example, there are a few makeup tricks that a makeup artist can show you to minimize (or draw attention away from) any flaws you feel self- conscious about- even double chins and wrinkles.

Using specialized undergarments can also help you out for whatever problems you have- for example a little extra padding in key areas or Spanx in other areas might just do the trick. If you’re a man, there are also specific undergarments that can minimize certain areas (like a little extra weight around the belly) and other garments that would flatter you with a little padding, like your pecs.

While changing your makeup and clothes may seem like a quick fix, a makeover just might be what the doctor ordered.  It can be especially helpful for those who have not figured out their style, anyone who has had a weight change, or for anyone who hasn’t changed their style in a while.

Another trick to help raise your self esteem (and confidence) is, while looking in the mirror, point out all the things you do like. If you like your smile, tell yourself you like your smile. This can also work for personality traits as well. If you think that you’re a good friend, tell yourself what a good friend you are. These little self encouragements will help keep you positive and raise your self- esteem.

A good thing about telling yourself that you like certain parts of your personality or you looks, is that it will subconsciously distract you and get you to not think about the negative things (or at least, a little bit less).

Most of all, as my title begins, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so in order to feel beautiful and confident, you must believe it yourself first.

Apart from how you actually look, another thing you can try to help boost your confidence is to be around supportive friends and family. Being around positive people can mean the difference between being comfortable and happy with who you are or being uncomfortable. Seriously!! Positive people will make you feel better because they will tell you all the good things they like about you and not try to bring you down.

Even if you can’t avoid negative people, remember their reflection of you shouldn’t be your true reflection of yourself, so don’t let their negative thoughts bother you.

Try these things out and see what a positive impact small little changes can make. Need more ideas? I have plenty. . .please feel free to contact me.

Happy new year!

I wanted to wish everyone a happy new year. :)

Hello! A little introduction to myself.

I wanted to introduce myself to all of you here on Live Advice. I am so happy to be a part of this and to help you out with any questions or problems you might have.

I feel that, as a woman, I have a unique perspective that I can offer to my callers. Why, do you ask? I can offer a woman's perspective. Women are complicated, I know. That's why I'm here- to help you sort out all the complexities you encounter everyday to help you understand the women in your life.

I am also great at listening. If you have some secrets you just want to get off your chest, or want some unbiased opinions, give me a call. I know the holidays are coming up, and I would like to help you if you are feeling a little bit lonely, stressed, or just overwhelmed.

I hope that I can help you with whatever issues you are facing with an open mind. Since it is almost Christmas, I will give new customers 5 minutes free to start out with- please email me first. Thanks!

If you'd like to ask me a question but are too nervous to call me, follow this link:
http://www.ingenio.com/Mail/Action.aspx?mailId=183352&cd=4%2b%2bV%2bZmKHXpOi11c1WpSKQ%3d%3d