TODAY IS ELECTION DAY!!!
Not tomorrow, . . . TODAY! November 4th!

If you have concerns about:
The Economy
Global Warming/Climate Change
Health Care
Taxes
The Troops
Your Job Security
Your Family’s Well-Being
The National Deficit
Gas Prices
Retirement
Gun Control
Your Freedoms
Our Country and Its People - YOU

This is YOUR opportunity to be heard.

YOUR VOTE COUNTS!!!

No matter who you support and what you believe, voice your concerns by casting your ballot today. Take Action! Because . . . .

YOU MATTER.

And if you’re worried about the long lines - carpool with a few friends and “talk story” while you wait, bring a good book or that magazine that you’ve been wanting to read, take your ipod and listen to podcasts, meet a new friend on line. . . Don’t let anything get in the way.

Voting is your right as a US citizen. It is a privilege. It is a service. It is a gift.

I’ll see you at the polls!
Susan

Anger is a good thing.
Or rather, it is an emotion that can have positive benefits that too often (and perhaps too readily) are looked upon negatively. Anger can be unnerving and uncomfortable, but totally getting rid of anger would mean that you won’t have that certain mechanism to help self-preservation, establishing healthy boundaries, determining wants and needs, and just not getting hurt overall.

Anger can protect us from that which may be harmful.

The “problem” or issue of anger comes into play when people react with anger inappropriately or for manipulative and self-serving reasons; when anger becomes abusive. Oftentimes when we react “in anger” the result is a shift from anger to a feeling of guilt, resentment, embarrassment or even more anger. Then THESE emotions can feed on themselves and exacerbate the problem. Other times you might derive a sense of relief and release from the stress.

Either way, understanding your emotions and being able to process and control them is a part of Self Care. It follows that when we take care of ourselves, we are mentally and emotionally better able to address various challenges throughout our day. However, on the flip side, understanding our own patterns of emotions, especially anger, allows us to practice Self Care more fully as well.

The key is to understand where the anger is coming from, identify it and then learn how to appropriately express (or not express) that anger.

What are some ways you “manage” your anger?

Make Happiness Yours,
Susan

Last month PARADE (the Sunday paper insert) featured an article, “The Truth About American Marriage” by Leslie Bennett. Initially,  I thought, “uh-oh!” In the media we often hear about break-ups, affairs, divorce, and other unsettling stories of betrayal in all kinds of relationships across our country.

Whenever I hear about more negativity in relationships, I wonder, “What is going on?”
I have a wonderful relationship with my husband, . . . well, today. . .
I say that with tongue in cheek. but more so because that’s the way relationships work - there are ups and downs; some days he’s Mr. Wonderful, other days he’s “the last straw” but EVERY day I love him and we are both committed to each other, no matter what track of the rollercoaster we happen to have fallen that day.

This is just as true in a friendship just as it is true in any intimate relationship.

So, as I sat to read, I braced myself for some more negative news. . . but then, I was pleasantly surprised! Read the rest of this entry »

Usually this time of year makes me think of learning and creating. I think with school starting, I’ve always identified the Autumn with something new and exciting - a new class, a new teacher, new experiences. There’s a change in the air.

However, now that I am no longer in school, I create ways of learning and bringing new experiences to my life.

Someone once told me that once you stop learning, you’re dead.

I’m sure there are several ways to read that statement, but to me, it means if we cease to grow, to expand or to learn, we cease to exist. If you’ve ever been in a “rut” of any kind, you know what I mean. You feel stagnant, bored, tired. The memory might conjure up feelings of being one of the “living dead;” walking around and “doing” without actually LIVING.

In order to stay inspired, to take action and to move toward what you REALLY want in life, oftentimes it entails learning - learning something new, different or just discovering something within ourselves.

Recently I joined a book club and that has inspired me to read books that I normally would not have otherwise. I have to admit sometimes it takes a little while to build up the momentum, but once it starts to roll, it’s great!

I encourage you, especially if you ARE in a rut, to take the opportunity to create some excitement in the air by learning/doing something new.

It will open doors to new worlds and most likely will be fun!

Share your ideas to get inspired, find creativity and get motivated!
Would love to hear how YOU get out of your rut!

Looking forward,
Susan
Susan Kim Coaching
Supporting You To Take Action!

“Talk Story with SCORE” Where We Support Akamai Business.
Maui’s ONLY monthly radio show that offers an informative half hour of business information and resources in the state of Hawaii focusing on the county of Maui. Hear business advice and shared experiences from local business resources, SCORE counselors, and business owners who have successfully started a business with the help of SCORE.

OCTOBER 1st, 2008
GUEST - Steve Rose, Business Enrichment Consultant and SCORE Counselor
Steve Rose and Susan Kim will discuss marketing and how to leverage different strategies during economic high’s and low’s.

WHEN TO TUNE IN:
DATE: Wednesday, October 1, 2008
TIME: 12noon
LOCATION: KAOI, 1110am Radio (Maui)

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