Are you happy? Do you wake up each morning with a sense of excitement about what is coming or do you look at the future as a place of probable disappointment? When presented with a new idea, are you drawn to the possibilities in it, or do you immediately begin breaking it apart and finding the negative? Do you find yourself approaching life with a sense of confidence and self-satisfaction? Do you feel adequate to complete the tasks ahead of you or do you consistently doubt your judgments and abilities? Do you live to please other people or are you happy with where you are in life despite … [Read more...]

Since Gary Chapman released his book, The Five Love Languages, in 1995, thousands of people are now able to identify their primary love language – that is, how they most prefer to give and receive love. Some people feel most loved when they are touched or embraced. Others when their special someone does a chore for them or simply spends time with them. Some light up when their significant other hands them an unexpected gift or words of affirmation. And though encouragement is a loving behavior, it brings about a different effect than receiving love. Love nurtures; whereas, encouragement … [Read more...]

Eric used to love sharing his new ideas with me. He would come home from work and immediately start detailing his latest and greatest brainstorm; but, as he was unloading his exciting new idea, I was boiling on the inside. “Another new idea he’s going to want me to carry out? I can’t handle it! Too much pressure! I’m about to explode!” So, as an unconscious means to keep us from placing too many irons in the fire (and as a way to protect myself from being hurled miles outside of my comfort zone), I would immediately begin discouraging his proposals. It took me a while to realize that while … [Read more...]

In America, it is Tax Day! Not the happiest day of the year, right? If you received a handsome refund, you may be happy you have a bit more extra in your pocket. If you owe more in taxes, you may be twitching and grumbling. At any rate, this day comes every year whether we like it or not. So, If you are an American and have not yet filed your taxes for the year, get them done today or file an extension quickly! ~smile~ Many of us cringe at the thought of paying taxes. Taxes on our food, taxes on our fun, taxes on our income, and (in some places) taxes on possessions we already own. We … [Read more...]