Speak up and take back control!

The basic difference between being assertive and being aggressive is how our words and behaviors affect the rights and well being of others.
- Sharon Anthony Bower, author


Many people feel uncomfortable being assertive, which often leads others to take advantage of them. Do you ever feel like you shouldn't say something because you might hurt someone's feelings? Does your spouse shirk their responsibilities around the house and expect you to pick up the slack? While it is important to serve others often, being someone's lackey is unhealthy and it's up to you to break that cycle. Kindly address situations where you think someone is taking advantage of your meekness. Being aggressive is a negative quality that people respond to with hostility. Making your voice heard maturely and positively is a trait that will take you far and build respect among your peers. 

I am NOT a Millennial!!!!!

Check out this great article in the Kansas City Star!


Marketing Campaigns Now Tailored For Millennials


So I very much agree that marketing has evolved quintessentially especially with the advancement of sites like Facebook, Twitter, etc...But seriously, the "experts" need to realize that people born in the 80's should not be lumped with those born in the 90's.


We share different values, different life experiences, and we did not grow up online and with cell phones (these things came about and developed popularity when we were in high school/college). In fact, some of the most popular online fads were created by 80's babies (Mark Zuckerberg, born 1984).


And it seems to me that the Baby Boomers seem to judge us by the Millennial label, thinking that we are always texting, always tuned out to what is going on in the real world. While I know there are those my age that tend to over do it on the texting, Facebooking, etc, I also know the majority of us exercise logic and restraint. These things were introduced to us after we were kids. We know what it's like to live without and we know the importance of sometimes just doing things the old fashioned way.


We don't NEED to be connected to technology 24/7, even though we do realize the great advantages of being connected. We know how to go without, and we often get fed up with it at times and just turn it off! How do you think we have time to come up with all these new innovative ideas?


If anything 80's babies relate more to Generation X simply because a lot of us have siblings from that generation. Just a thought to ponder, but I think they need to come up with an entirely different generational name for 80's babies. Maybe Generation Innovation?

Enjoying the Marathon

You can't do anything about the length of your life, but you can do something about its width and depth. - Shira Tehrani

Life is like a marathon. We run and run, not knowing where (or how far) the finish line lies. We focus so intensely on prolonging the race but sometimes--despite our best efforts--the race is cut short. Too often we don't relish the path of and enjoy the details instead of just pounding the pavement of life. What personal boundaries can you expand to help you enjoy your life? Today meditate on the simple joys: a warm bath, reading a book to a sleepy toddler, or spending quality time with your family and friends. All of life contains bumps in the road such as losing your job or an unforeseen illness. But it is up to us to determine the quality of our lives. Remember, we don't always determine the distance, but we can determine the path.


(Spark People's Healthy Reflections)

Who is standing in your way?

Something we were withholding made us weak, until we found it was ourselves.
- Robert Frost


Imagine someone regularly tying small weights around your ankles as you try to climb a mountain. Doesn't sound fair, does it? But that's exactly what you can do to yourself, a little bit at a time, if you don't watch out. When you think of who and what is standing in the way of your dreams, it's easy to forget your own responsibility. Even the best of us can be guilty of unknowingly hurting our own progress. Procrastination, lateness, being disorganized, pessimism, not being honest with yourself, severe self-criticism, downplaying achievements, focusing only on weaknesses while ignoring strengths, keeping goals a secret, demanding perfection, giving up after a small setback--these are all ways you can make it tough to be (and do) your best. Smart systems, the right attitude, and a promise to keep going no matter what will make a world of difference. 

The power of having a dream and a vision

We've all worked with people who just show up to fill space. Uninspired and stuck going through the motions, they pick up a paycheck on Monday and wait for Friday. Some are just killing time until retirement. Maybe you even find yourself in this mindset. Not a very satisfying way to spend your days is it? Sounds like an easy life--except that in life, retirement can be permanent and unexpected. In your life, are you actively heading straight for your goals, or are you puttering around vaguely? Nothing is wrong with hard work; determination and elbow grease are what make the best dreams possible. But it's interesting that most work makes us look downward, while dreams lift our eyes to the sky. While you're keeping that nose to the grindstone, make sure you keep your head up to see where you're going.


(SparkPeople's Healthy Reflections)

The biggest obstacle to your momentum

Farmers rotate different crops on the same piece of land to give the soil a rest and let it replenish nutrients. How do you replenish? How much sleep did you get last night? Two-thirds of Americans get less than the recommended 7-8 hours of sleep each night. Sleep can set the tone for your actions for days and weeks to come, not to mention your mood and brain power. Even small amounts of lost sleep add up to a sleep debt that muddles your brain and fatigues the rest of you. The negative cycle created by sleep debt may be the No. 1 way people destroy their healthy lifestyle momentum. Regular amounts of good slumber set a sleeping/waking rhythm that energizes you in the daytime and relaxes you at night. The more your body gets into the rhythm of regular sleep, the more the rest of your life can find a similar, consistent rhythm. So hit the pillow and hit your stride.


(SparkPeople's Healthy Reflections)


Signup for SparkPeople.com FREE! This is really a great source of inspiration and motivation as well as a good way to track your results as you lose weight or even if you are just looking to maintain. Check it out!

What a Great Run!

So, it has been awhile since I gave the old "break out the running shoes, and let's get moving" speech. To tell the truth, the weather delayed me quite a bit from my original plans of hitting the pavement. But I've officially been back out running for a month now, and it feels great!

I had the best run last night, and it reminded me of why I enjoy it so much. I've never been much of a runner, in fact I used to despise the mere thought of having to run anything that involved more than a short sprint. I started running purely because I knew I needed to be more active with my workout. I tended to slight myself and not break much of a sweat. After getting into it, I really started to enjoy the little things. Getting outside, enjoying the nature around me, listening to all the outdoor sounds (and yes this includes the cars as they fly by); This is what I love about running!

I love getting to be in my own element where nothing else can bother me. I can think about things that are stressing me out and find a way to relax about those situations. I can also choose to think about nothing and just clear my mind of all the noise. It's wonderful to have this time to myself and yet still be around other things that are going on in the world.

I just hit the point last night where I'm picking up my speed and going to need to increase my running route so that I am still running the same minutes. I love when I can feel good about myself. I'm getting faster and that's a great accomplishment to celebrate.

So what do you do to get that "me" time? Whether it be a time that you set aside to go shopping or to just walk outside and clear your head, we all need that personal space and time to get away and appreciate ourselves. You should give it a try if you don't already...It feels great!

I'm leaving you with this Springtime treat: I love funny commercials and this one just makes me laugh every time!