When was the last time you did a self-check?

I don't know about you, but my list of "to dos" is never blank. It seems like there is always some errand to run, some item to maintain, or something to keep up. One of the ideas behind the "to dos" is to make life or our things run more smoothly.

We learn early on to get the oil changed for our car every 3,000 miles, we get our teeth cleaned every 6 months, women should have an annual checkup and physical with an OBGYN, men should have annual physicals, and we schedule routine haircuts every 6-8 weeks. Doing all these things ensure that our things work properly, we stay healthy, and it's good to take preventative measures. In the long run, regular maintenance helps reduce the chances of headaches and frustration down the road. However, what about mental or emotional check-ups for yourself? Or what about maintenance sessions for your relationships?

Time to dress up

With only 3 days to go, bags of candy are flying off the shelves, costumes are being put together, and people are eagerly awaiting the next best party of the year. This time of year is fun for the young and old alike. Like no other holiday, Halloween provides us the thrill of tapping into our inner diva, superhero, or mystic and going out on the town as that persona.

Some of my greatest memories of Halloween involved dressing up as a gypsy with my gold coin jewelry clinking together every time I moved with a scarf wrapped around my head or the time I was Jeannie from "I dream of Jeannie" and whenever I pretended to grant a wish I just nodded my head and my pony tail came flying. Granted, I was an Asian version of Jeannie, but Jeannie nonetheless. From the time I was a little girl, playing dress up has provided an outlet for make believe and creativity to come alive.

Debunking therapy myths

Have you been thinking about getting into therapy? It's an anxiety producing process to think about going to someone and talking about whatever is bothering you. In addition, a strong stigma exists in our society about getting help. Well, in an effort to start normalizing the therapy process, I thought I'd address some common myths of therapy.

Daily Chaos

Daily chaos will never cease, rather than struggling against it, find your own rhythm. -10 Thoughts on Whole Living section of Whole Living Magazine, July/August 2010.

It's funny reading that. Right now I have a few different and big projects in the works. Each week I find my stress level increasing and my energy level depleting more quickly. Sound familiar? In my head I know that I cannot continue working this hard or taking this much on, but something inside me keeps pushing forward...I mean, what is the alternative?!

Money and stress

Finances are a major concern to individuals, couples, and families. Especially in our present state, unemployment is at an all time high, everyone is focused on ways to create jobs, and most everyone is changing spending habits. Even in a healthy economy, the issue of finances can make us feel pressure, stress, and anxiety.

Way of looking at your life

Every now and then I find an article that makes me pause. Today was one of those mornings when an article caught my eye. "Life isn’t a project to be completed; it is an unknowable landscape to be explored," wrote David Brooks, the Op-Ed Columnist for the New York Times. 


Click here to read the article or click on the link below. 


http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/03/opinion/03brooks.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=the%20summoned%20self&st=cse


How do you view your life?

Define Success. Then redefine it.

How do you define success? At first glance, the question looks simple enough; however, once you start pondering it, the answer begins to lose its clarity. Success has different meanings for different people.

I hear many people say that they would like to be successful in life. In fact, I say, "I want to be successful in life." There aren't many who would not want to be successful in or at something. Right?