Talking about technology this month has brought out the “geek” in me – who doesn’t like the bright and shiny objects that dangle in front of us? However, sometimes we purchase the “upgrade” just because it’s there, not necessarily out of purposeful intention or because it is a good choice.

The important questions to ask yourself are:
How does it benefit your life TODAY?
Does it upgrade your lifestyle?
What systems in your life need to be “tweaked?”

Distinguishing between trinkets that serve you and enhance your life VS. those that make your life more difficult and stressful, is a great tool to have. It helps you to make choices on a daily basis that suit you and makes life EASIER for you.

Make Happiness Yours,
Susan

Technology used to benefit our self care can make a huge difference in how we organize and plan.

1 1/2 years ago when I changed from carrying a separate cell phone and palm pilot to ONE Palm Treo that served both for me, it was the best thing I could have done! I had always utilized various systems to help me organize - Franklin Covey, Day Planners, the Palm Pilot – but the Palm Treo helped me take it one step further and really helped me be more efficient throughout my week.

The fact that I have all my contacts in one place makes it easier to update/revise and/or access my contact information. It was cumbersome to maintain when I had three separate places for my contacts: my pda, my cell phone AND my contact software on my laptop. Now it’s all in once spot, saving me time, energy and sweat! With the extra time, I do a little more yoga or walk my dog.

TAKE ACTION! CHALLENGE:
Life does not have to be hard work. Instead of working hard to maintain technology, let technology work hard for you.
How can you improve your daily “system” to incorporate technology for you to enhance your life, to “upgrade” life?

Another example would be my coffee maker. I purposely bought a coffee maker with the brew timer. It’s easier for me to set up the coffee the night before and have fresh brewed coffee ready for me in the morning when I wake up! Now I just have to get someone to bring it to me in bed. . .

Make Happiness Yours,
Susan

We have an e-cycling event coming up this month, where they collect unwanted electronic equipment. Last week I dug out some of my own boxes of old trinkets and I hit the motherload! I pulled out at least 4 old palm pilots, 2 cell phones, a Bluetooth and about 10 extra USB cords and adapters, not to mention a dozen accessories I no longer use. I could start my own little electronics store business!

It got me thinking, why do I have all of this stuff? Other than the obvious answer – I bought it! Or rather . . I’d been sold!

Through constant marketing campaigns and my fondness for new shiny things, I got sucked into the “next versions” and “newer models.” I realized it was my version of “Keeping up with the Jones’.” I was just “Jonesin’” for cool stuff or in today’s language, . . . I wanted to upgrade.

Made me really think about what I need vs what I want vs what is pure vanity.

In my personal Self Care practice, I’ve tried to reduce my clutter and pack-rat-ness. Now I’m slowly moving toward what is “natural” and moving away from technology for the sake of the shininess of it all. To be fair, since discovering the Palm Treo about a 1 1/2 years ago, I have not needed another palm OR cell phone (the Treo is both for me now). I like to think that I’ve reduced my carbon footprint by at least 50% but . . . don’t hold me it just yet (wink).

Granted, technology is a hobby for some and a lifestyle for others. But I challenge you to think about:

What “trinkets” in your life are serving you. . . and what doesn’t. And how does it benefit (or inhibit) your Self Care?

Make Happiness Yours,
Susan

Part of many vacations is about trying new things, going out, and SPENDING MONEY on food, activities and accommodations. However, with the state of the economy (and perhaps the state of your pocketbook!) many are looking for ways to be frugal, without giving up their vacation. There are a lot of activities and ways to save money on vacation without making you feel like you’re missing out.

The key that I have found is to budget and plan ahead of time. I realize that when I plan ahead and know how much I’m willing to spend, it makes the trip a little more fun and a LOT more affordable! It certainly reduces a lot of that impulse buying and eating!

Here are 5 tips I do to save money on vacation:

1. Use discount hotel rates when planning. I’m not afraid of asking about special rates or discounts, like with AAA. Sometimes the savings can be up to 20% which is a great savings!

2. I also look for condos. Condos tend to be a bit cheaper and if you’re traveling with family, it’s important to have the extra flexibility of making some of your meals “in.”

3. Bring your own snacks, water and liquor! Or at least buy them from a supermarket instead of purchasing them at restaurants/hotels. Again, it just takes a little planning and an extra stop, but it can save you a LOT of money, especially if you plan to buy your own beer/wine instead of spending every night at the local bar or tikki torch place.

4. Use the hotel facilities! If you’ve got kids, they LOVE the pool, the gameroom, or just running around the hotel. Also if you’re an adult, it’s a nice way of winding down during your vacation instead of being on the GO all the time.

5. Have an allowance for spending – and that goes for both kids AND adults! Instead of shelling out an indefinite amount of money every time you or your kids see a “cool” trinket to buy (which can, and will, add up), create an allowance. This will reduce the whining for money or to buy things and it also teaches them to think about their purchases. Some spendthrift adults can also use the same lesson – You know who you are (wink)!

Now it’s your turn.
What tips do you have for saving money on your vacations?
Share your personal money saving tips here. . .

Make Happiness Yours,
Susan

Technorati Tags: saving money, tips to save money, vacation, travel, planning a vacation, frugal tips

A friend, who also happens to be a mortgage specialist, sent me her newsletter with some great information, “How to Select a Pet Sitter.” I believe the original information came from a site called RISMedia which has various information for professionals in the Real Estate industry.

This information was very pertinent to me because I have a dog and a bird and when I go away for more than a few days at a time, I’d like to make sure they have someone reliable to care for them. They’re a part of the family and I want to make sure that they not only get their food and water, but they get the playful attention and exercise they need.

Here are the 10 steps they mention (in summary):

1. Ask friends, neighbors and family for suggestions. Sometimes a reliable and trustworthy sitter is right under your nose.

2. Ask local professionals such as pet-groomers, veterinarians and pet clubs. They are a great source of information.

3. Ask other professionals you hire, such as a housekeeper or landscaper. They may know someone OR they may be willing to do some side work and take care of your pet while you’re away. If your pet already has a good relationship with this person, it’s an added bonus!

4. Follow Up Recommendations. Word of mouth recommendations often indicate that the Pet Sitter is good, so follow up on others’ referrals.

5. Interview your potential pet-sitter and keep an eye on how they interact with your pet(s). These first signs can be a vital sign to you as to how they treat your pet while you are away.

6. Observe YOUR pet(s) reactions to the potential pet-sitter. Is your pet happy? Agitated? Angry? Calm? Skittish?

7. Ask questions. You deserve to know the level of expertise and experience of your pet-sitter. Some sample questions include: Have you done pet-sitting before? For what type of pets? Do you have other pets you are currently sitting? Do you have a set time for visiting pets that you care for? How long do you spend? Do you understand the dietary requirements of my pet(s)?

8. Ask for references. Contact or meet their references if possible.

9. Test your own feelings. Did YOU feel good with the sitter? Do you feel you can trust this person with your pet? Trust your instincts. If you are not pleased, keep looking.

10. Agree on a fair price. This is not the time to haggle. Be aware of the going rate for pet-sitting in your area and be prepared to pay it. Some may charge more for quality care, but in return, you can ask for a written confirmation of obligations the pet-sitter must meet.

Once you’ve found your pet-sitter and you feel confident, before you leave, prepare a checklist of daily tasks that the pet-sitter can check off each visit. This will help ensure they remember each step, particularly if there is medication or special dietary requirement involved.

Hope that helps with your search.
If you have some other tips to find pet-sitters, let us know. Simply comment on this blog to share.

Next week, I’ll share “Tips to Save Money on Vacation”

Make Happiness Yours,
Susan

Technorati Tags: finding pet-sitter, taking care of pet, vacation, tips for travel, resource, information

In Kaikoura we swam with the dolphins! Not in a tank or a huge pool – we swam with the dolphins on THEIR terms, in THEIR natural setting – the Pacific Ocean.

The staff donned us with our wetsuits and snorkel gear, drove us out into the middle of the ocean where we found a pod of about 100 dusky dolphins. We jumped off into the middle of the swimming pod and did our best to grab their attention, with the staff’s recommendations – making funny noises, diving (as dolphins would), swimming and trying to catch their eye. At first I was skeptical that their suggested methods would work – how could WE get THEIR attention and entertain THEM? Then we caught the attention of our first dolphin and my husband flipped, spun and held their eye contact. . . it worked! They spun right along side of him!
I thought, “This is amazing! We’re actually communicating with them by speaking THEIR language!” And it made sense. We’re in their environment, so it only makes sense that we adapt our communication style to how they would understand us. Once we did, the interaction was a lot easier and mutually entertaining and fun.

TAKE ACTION! TIP:
When you find yourself in a new setting, a new environment or amidst strangers, feel more comfortable by learning to speak THEIR language. Do this by asking them questions and listening. Everyone has their own personal “language.” Once you open up to that language and start relating, in no time you’ll find that you’re interacting more easily and building a solid relationship.

Make Happiness Yours,
Susan

Technorati Tags: communication, meeting new people, perspectives, dolphins, communication lessons, interaction, adapting, relating

There is nothing like taking a two week trip – without email, cell phone, laptop. Can you say. . . “AH!”

Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE my laptop and the convenience of all of my electronic tchotchkes, but I realized that time doesn’t stop without them. . . REALLY! And in fact, time did not have a problem moving quickly without them either - time flew!

Fittingly, I spent the technology deficient weeks in gorgeous New Zealand where the rolling green hills, the beautiful glaciers and the grazing sheep represent a pure land without the amenities of modernization. If you want a flavor of New Zealand, check out the movie, Lord of the Rings. Much of the movie was filmed in director’s Peter Jackson’s homeland of New Zealand and they did not even need cgi to enhance it.

My husband and I rented a camper van and got back into nature and how inspiring it is! Believe it or not it was not only personally and emotionally inspiring, but it was also professionally inspiring, giving me great energy and motivation for business. Just imagine the clarity of thought swimming with dolphins, walking in glacier country and seeing the nocturnal migration of penguins. Naturally awe inspiring.

Imagine being dropped into the middle of 100 dolphins swimming. . . and trying to entertain THEM to get their attention! Inspired me to build better practices of communication. . . read how next week!

Next week – “Swimming with Dolphins”
Make Happiness Yours,
Susan

Technorati Tags: inspiration, travel, New Zealand, energy, self care, motivation, communication, clarity

Sometimes the internet can be OVERWHELMING!

Online searches can often bring up hundreds of links to websites for almost anything (and I mean anything). Google is a terrific resource for searching the web, but you can get lost there too. Have you ever started a web search and 3 hours later realized that you’ve clicked yourself away from your original search? It can be fun, but certainly time consuming and confusing!

Here are some websites that will help you navigate the web, as well as some sites that I find interesting and noteworthy. Some have inspired me, while others have just made me laugh.

SEARCH ENGINES:
www.google.com - this is my favorite, more out of habit and ease. Every once and while, click on “I’m feeling lucky.” Doing this will direct you to what Google thinks is the site you’re looking for, based on your search parameters.

www.dogpile.com - this is a compilation of multiple search engines, combining the search results from Google, Yahoo!, LiveSearch, Ask and others.

www.goodsearch.com - this search engine donates 50% of its revenue to the charities and schools designated by the user, YOU! It’s cool, check it out.

INSPIRING SITES:
www.teamhoyt.com - this website is for Team Hoyt. The story about Dick and Rick Hoyt is absolutely amazing. Dick has pushed his disabled son, Rick in over 85 marathons and has completed multiple ironmans with Rick. It’s an amazing story of love and commitment. Read the story and watch the video: http://cjcphoto.com/can/

www.lifeischange.com - this is the official site of inspirational comedian, Judson Laipply. His “The Evolution of Dance” video is a classic and has made the email rounds quite a number of times. If it doesn’t inspire you to dance, it will at least bring a smile to your face.

FUN SITES:
Here are some sites that are just for fun and when you have a spare moment or just need a little get away. I am convinced these help with hand-eye coordination.

Penguins - with the click of your mouse, Big Foot swings the bat and the penguin flies! See how far you can get the penguin to go.

ESCAPA! - another fun game of movement and creativity and memory! The longer you keep at it, the better you get.

www.funnyordie.com - this site was developed by Gary Sanchez Productions, which is made up of Will Ferrell, Adam McKay, and Chris Henchy. If you like comedy, this is definitely a site worth checking out to exercise your laugh muscles.

www.eepybird.com - you’ve probably seen the Mento’s and Diet Coke fountain videos. Here are more fun videos of people with amazing skills and interesting ideas. Watch out, some can be quite silly.

USEFUL SITES:
www.timeanddate.com - with daylight savings time on March 9th (in the USA), it’s nice to have a resource that will give you the exact time, no matter where you are in the world.

www.about.com - provides information for just about anything you’re curious or concerned about. Experts contribute articles to share their wealth of knowledge.

FOR MORE SITES TO CHECK OUT, VISIT MY WEBSITE’S BLOGROLL.

Wishing you Happiness, Inspiration and Laughter,
Susan

Technorati Tags: resources, websites, inspiration, laughter, games, fun, goodsearch, google, expert, information

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!

Love is in the air. . . and I’m not referring to the heart shaped candy boxes or the long stem roses that we often see around this time of the year. The “love” I am thinking of is toward our neighbor, our friend, our family and our fellow human being.

This year is the 10th Anniversary of V-Day (www.vday.org), a global movement to end violence against women and girls that raises funds and awareness through benefit productions of Playwright/Founder Even Ensler’s award winning play “The ‘V’ Monologues.”

Two years ago I had the honor of being a cast member of the V-Day production on Maui, Hawaii. The experience opened my eyes not only to the terrible abuse toward women and girls that already exists in our world, but also showed me the love and support available to victims of violence. The performance united people of different race, religion and political association. Talk about non-partisanship! This year I am volunteering by helping with the production and fundraising for V-Day 2008 on Maui (www.vdaymaui.com). The magic is happening again. We have our public servants and administrators from both parties, contributing to the performance and reading for the event.

Two things I want to point out:
1. Throughout the violence and destruction that we often see and read about in the world today, know that at the same time there is also the birth of love and support that shows up just as strong, if not stronger.

2. A common purpose, that comes from love and support, can unite even the most steadfast opponents.

Silence empowers violence and creates victims.
Awareness and Action empowers victims to become Survivors.

Some ways you can Take Action!

1. Find a local event.
Visit http://events.vday.org/search.php to find an event near you.

2. Spread the word.
Share your local event with your family, friends and colleagues. Just by spreading the word, you can save a life and help support someone to survive. Also, participate in the “V to the Tenth” event on April 12th, 2008 in New Orleans.

3. Get the facts.
Violence is an issue that plagues all women and men in every part of the world. Here are some statistics about rape, incest, battery, FGM, sex slavery/trafficking. Also for more information, here is an Anti-Violence Resource Guide (http://www.feminist.com/antiviolence/).

4. Organize a V-Day event.
If you would like to host a V-Day event in your College, Community or High School, you can find out more and register here: http://v10.vday.org/take-action/organize-a-local-group

5. Get help.
If you are in need of immediate medical attenton or police assistance in the United States, dial 9-1-1 on your telephone.
If you or someone you know has experienced violence in the United States, call:
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233
Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN): 800-656-HOPE (4673)
For assistance in other countries or to learn more, please visit the Anti-Violence Resource Guide (http://www.feminist.com/antiviolence/)

Wishing you Love and Happiness,
Susan?

Technorati Tags: VDay, Vagina Monologues, life coach on Maui, Hawaii events, stop violence

You already know my feelings about resolutions. . .
Fuhgedaboudit!
At least “fuhgedaboud” the “old” resolutions that do not pertain to your life RIGHT NOW. And “fuhgedaboud” those goals that weigh you down, year after year (see SOAR).
Instead, create intention and purpose around what you want.

Five years ago I worked with my coach to create a “Living Theme.” A theme is a motto or mantra that supports you every single day. It is an intentional focus that empowers you throughout the year. Every day, when you wake up, your theme inspires and motivates you to move forward.

It is about setting an intention based on what you want the year to be about. As an example, here are some themes I created:

• “Be Great” – The year I created this theme, I moved to Maui, bought a house, started my coaching practice and established myself as a professional speaker/trainer. Each step of the way I was thinking of “being GREAT!”

• “Get Involved” – My “Get Involved” year was amazing! I started working with (and getting involved with) community organizations I care about, like the Maui Humane Society and American Cancer Society. I also got more involved professionally by volunteering my time to work with entrepreneurs as a business counselor/coach for the Small Business Administration offices of SCORE and SBDC.

A theme empowers and inspires through purpose and intention all year long!
To start creating YOUR Theme, brainstorm with the following ideas:

1. Think of what you want right now. Brainstorm words and phrases that are relevant and touches you personally.
2. Challenge yourself (refer to SOARing, December blog) – Think of how you want to stretch yourself in the coming year.
3. Think of 3 quotes that speak to you and what you’re about today.

As you brainstorm, your theme might pop out at you or you might have to find a common connection among your ideas. Either way, this will get you started.

Have a wonderfully, intentional Year!

Technorati Tags: intention, theme, resolutions, goals, stay inspired, motivation, challenge, success, purpose, inspiration.