Six Requirements of Effective Team Membership

Business organizations looking for ways to build effective work teams need to select the right people for teams based on individual's willingness and group expectations. Only when the right members make up the best teams can organizations expect to reap the benefits of improved quality, faster production, lower costs, or increased revenue. Below are six requirements of potential team members in order to be effective working together.

1. All members must be willing to support the team mission and work toward accomplishing team goals.

Affirmations

2. Each member should understand their role within the team, as well as what skills, knowledge, and abilities they have to contribute toward the team's success.

Six Requirements of Effective Team Membership

3. All members must be willing to decide how they will work together by jointly developing a code of conduct, ground rules, or team principles.

4. Each member should commit to working within the team's plans and priorities, including attendance at meetings and training deemed necessary for the team.

5. All members must be willing to work collaboratively on problem-solving and accept change as part of process improvement.

6. Each team member should be respectful of others, welcome diversity, and establish both trust and accountability within the team.

If organizations communicate the above six requirements related to individual willingness and group expectations for team members, they will find that the team will be more effective in their joint work. An effective team with the right members should help the organization reach their goals related to improved quality, faster production, lower costs, or increased revenue. Effective teams are a vital part of conducting business.

Six Requirements of Effective Team Membership

Shirley Fine Lee, author of "R.A!R.A! A Meeting Wizard's Approach", has worked as a training and development specialist since 1986, and an independent consultant since 2000. She has extensive experience, helping organizations with their team building, training development, meeting facilitation, presentation delivery, and other communication needs. This work involves developing productivity tools, presenting workshops, and writing. For instance, she has authored numerous training manuals and guides, on a wide variety of topics. Her programs include time management, getting organized, problem solving, and team building. Find out more about her and options she provides on her website.

http://www.shirleyfinelee.com

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Words of Comfort When Someone Dies - A Personal Reflection on the Power of the Written Word to Heal

Watching someone you love die hurts.

No matter how much you pray or beg for them to live, your calls are fruitless and go unanswered. Even if your loved one is in pain, and gains relief from suffering - it still hurts.

Affirmations

Like you, I have grieved the loss of dear ones. Looking back, time does ease the sense of loss and sorrow. However at the time, it seems as if the darkness would continue forever and no matter what folks said, nothing could erase the sense of loss and anger I felt.

Words of Comfort When Someone Dies - A Personal Reflection on the Power of the Written Word to Heal

I recall friends sending me sympathy cards and letters sharing their distress, sadness and pain. Strange as it may seem, it was these cards, the quiet words written on scraps of paper which made sense. It was if the sender could feel my pain and sorrow and spoke directly to my soul.

At that time, I was not familiar with the word 'Affirmations'. My experience of reading inspirational quotes, prayers or poems sat squarely in the corner of former Religious Studies and English Literature lessons at school.

It was only during my first experience of grief that I realised just how powerful the written word is.

Can you remember the joy and elation you felt when you received a certificate for passing your exams or slip of paper to confirm you had passed your driving test?

There is something magical about a piece of paper with a message written on.

For me, when grieving and when I felt low, lonely or alone, I would pick up one of the sympathy cards or condolence letters I received and would sit and read them. Sometimes, tears would fall as I recalled happier carefree days spent with my brother and cousin; but generally, I would find a sense of grace, calm and comfort in reading and reflecting upon the higher meaning of the words.

Even today, I am still touched by the sentiments expressed, especially as the sender was going through their own grief yet still took the time and energy to send me a card or write a few words of sympathy. At the Service, the written words -poems or religious texts again came into their own. Preparing for my brother's funeral, I was not particularly conscious of my spirituality or devout follower of any religion. Yet, was moved by the beauty and simplicity of the Lord's Prayer and hymns and psalms sang at the grave side.

The sound, the quality and reverence of the texts struck deep and I felt "yes, everything is going to be alright." This is just the beginning and today is a new day.

Nothing can ever replace our loved ones, but in the process of grief and coming to terms with your loss, words can be a great source of comfort and inspiration.

If someone you know is mourning, drop them a line, send them a card and rest assured your message will be heard and deeply appreciated.

Words of Comfort When Someone Dies - A Personal Reflection on the Power of the Written Word to Heal

And now I'd like to invite you to claim your Free Instant Access to "Wake-Up With A Smile - Simple Yoga Stretches To Do In Bed To Get You Fit And Ready For The Day" when you visit http://www.yogainspires.co.uk.

From Ntathu Allen, The Yoga For Stress Management Consultant

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Adapting to Change: 5 Essential Life Skills

People who are adaptive are able to organize their thoughts in ways that generate appropriate and positive actions. Adaptive abilities are necessary as changes occur in individuals and their circumstances.

Adaptive behaviors are age-dependent skills that allow us to engage successfully in activities of daily living throughout our lives. We can also think of adaptive behaviors as skills that allow us to be flexible when change occurs in our personal lives or careers.

Affirmations

If we are adaptive, we will react to unexpected events or unconstructive actions in creative or constructive ways. An adaptive individual is able to refocus the mind in new directions and make choices based on his or her desired outcomes. He or she is open to change, knowing it is the set of the sail that matters--not the direction of the wind.

Adapting to Change: 5 Essential Life Skills

Consider these five life skills for dealing constructively with changing circumstances in daily living.

1. Stop and think to avoid misinterpretations. Give yourself time to analyze situations thoroughly. View actions and circumstances from different angles and perspectives to gain an accurate understanding of what has happened. If people are involved, communicate your concerns and ask questions to get information that might not be apparent. This will allow you to make informed choices.

2. Think long-term. Ask yourself "What if?" questions. Think about the consequences of dealing with a situation in various ways. Ask, "What will I lose?" and "What will I gain?" "How could this choice affect my family, friends, self, and future well being?"

3. Prepare for change with continuous learning. Change is a constant in everyone's life. The skills needed to meet various needs will change throughout all stages of life. We will continue to need updated knowledge in such areas as self-care, relationships, parenting, and financial.

4. Look beneath the surface. Welcome challenges. Every challenging situation brings the chance to grow wiser and more skillful. Somewhere, someone has successfully dealt with the same situation. Even circumstances that seem most devastating carry within them the seed of a new blessing. Those who search for these blessings will eventually find them.

5. Become clear on your values: the principles that guide your actions. Then look at your needs: those things that must be met in ways that remain true to your values. Ask yourself this question: "Is my reaction an attempt to meet a personal need in a healthy manner, or is it a creative solution to some other problem?" Then ask, "Is my choice of action in keeping with my core values?"

Thinking conscientiously about these skills has helped many of my clients to make positive choices in situations requiring adaptive change and problem solving. They can also help you. May every new challenge leave you wiser, more skillful, more adaptive, and more loving, today and also in the future.

Adapting to Change: 5 Essential Life Skills

© Copyright 2006 by Steve Brunkhorst. Steve is a professional life success coach, motivational author, and the editor of Achieve! 60-Second Nuggets of Inspiration, a popular mini-zine bringing great stories, motivational nuggets, and inspiring thoughts to help you achieve more in your career and personal life. Get the next issue by visiting http://www.AchieveEzine.com

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How Yoga Benefits Children With Special Needs

Yoga and kids go together. Kids want to move, explore their world, and interact physically and mentally in order to understand themselves and their environment. Yoga provides a perfect opportunity to do so.

As yoga has gained in popularity and medical acclaim, it has been implemented with positive results by special needs individuals and groups. Yoga has proven effective for children with:

Affirmations

- ADHD
- Autism
- Cerebral Palsy
- Down Syndrome, and others needs.

How Yoga Benefits Children With Special Needs

While yoga is not a "magic" cure, it will encourage physical activity, increase self esteem, provide relief from symptoms, promote positive social interactions, teach stress management, and develop muscle tone and flexibility, along with providing numerous other benefits.

Asanas

Yoga poses, or asanas, are especially beneficial for improving weaknesses while building off of strengths. Using photos of animals or small stuffed animals which coordinate with the pose name helps children focus and engage multiple learning skills. Poses can also be easily adapted to accommodate physical limitations and specific requirements.

Breathing

Teaching children yoga breathing provides one of yoga's greatest benefits. Yoga breathing increases lung function and capacity. As well, it provides a calming tool which is accessible anytime, anywhere, empowering children to meet their emotional and physical needs independently.

Relaxation

The relaxation skills which yoga teaches show children how to relax and focus. Using visualizations and affirmations helps children access internal strengths. Progressive muscle relaxation trains the mind increasing body connections and awareness. In addition, relaxation releases oxytocin, the feel good hormone, and instils a sense of peace and acceptance.

Finding a children's yoga instructor who is knowledgeable about special needs can be challenging. The best place to look may be your local Yoga Association as they have lists of certified instructors in your geographic region. Alternatively, you can approach a reputable yoga studio to inquire about classes for kids or special needs. The yoga community is one built on sharing, so even if they cannot meet your needs or answer your questions, they may know someone else who can.

As you incorporate yoga into the life of your child with special needs you will notice tremendous benefits. These may manifest physically, emotionally, or mentally. Often after just one session children will become more aware of their body and emotions. With regular practice these positive connections will be enhanced leading to improved health, better coping skills, and increased optimism.

Yoga should be used in conjunction with the advice of a certified medical practitioner. Please continue to take all prescribed medications and follow other recommended health and wellness routines.

How Yoga Benefits Children With Special Needs

For more detailed information on how yoga can be used with children with special needs visit http://www.yogainmyschool.com. Donna Freeman is a yoga instructor, teacher, mother of four, and honey to 1. She has been doing yoga since 1997 and teaching it since 2002. Passionate about yoga for kids and teens, she loves showing parents and teachers how to share the joy of yoga with children of all ages and abilities. Her book, Once Upon a Pose: A Guide to Yoga Adventure Stories for Children, includes a section dedicated to yoga for children with special needs. On the website you can also access THE PET STORE, a FREE download and the easiest, most effective way to teach kids yoga.

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Create a Personal Strategic Plan

Success is not an accident. It begins with a well-conceived plan. You can and will achieve more in the next year than you have in the past ten with a disciplined Personal Strategic Plan.

Personal strategic planning is a disciplined thought process, which produces fundamental decisions and actions that shape and guide who you are, where you are going, what you do, and how, when and why you do it. All of this is done with a focus on the future.

Affirmations

The purpose of personal strategic planning is to help you:

Create a Personal Strategic Plan

· Provide direction, meaning, and purpose for your life.

· Make decisions that positively affect your future.

· Focus your energies on what's most important.

· Achieve the greatest results in the shortest period of time.

· Significantly increase your level of performance.

· Enjoy more time, money, balance and freedom.

· Eliminate uncertainty, anxiety, doubt and fear.

· Leverage your skills more effectively.

· Enhance your quality of life, and overall peace of mind.

· Be more, do more and ultimately to have more from life.

Personal strategic planning is based on the premise that life will not go according to plan, if you do not have a plan.

A successful plan must include the following:

1. Personal Philosophy: Every person has a personal philosophy, consisting of some rules adopted from one's parents, culture, religion, acquaintance and so on.

Generally speaking, these rules, as a body are not well thought out and contain a wealth of inconsistencies and contradictions.

2. Legacy Statement: Your legacy serves as your life's defining statement. It serves a two-fold purpose. First it provides an overarching framework for all mission statements and goals to follow.

Second it answer the question, "What do I want to be remembered for?"

3. Mission Statement: A mission statement is a declaration of who you are, why you exist, and what you intend to accomplish.

In business, the organizational mission answers the big question: "What is our business?" In personal planning, the question is "What is my life's business?" In both cases, the answer must define the reason for being.

4. Core Values: Our values act as our compass, guiding us through life's terrain.

One certain way of knowing that you are living in accordance with your values is by defining guidelines and measurements for value centered living.

5. Code of Ethics: Words quietly influence our attitudes and opinions.

Codes of conduct, personal creeds, and pledges all reflect an effort to make sense of things, to organize behavior, and to better understand ourselves.

6. Lifetime Objectives: Your objectives should be written within the framework of your Legacy & Mission Statements.

The key to any Personal Strategic Plan is to visualize your desired outcomes in advance. Be sure to write and rewrite your Lifetime Objectives as affirmations of the future you are working to realize.

7. Goals: The key in writing your goals is to make them measurable, specific, and time-bound.

Goals need to be written for each of the ten critical areas of life to include: Personal, Health, Recreation, Family, Friends, Community, Career, Financial, Household and Spiritual.

8. Personal Board of Directors: A personal board will accelerate your progress by providing both wisdom and support for the attainment of a specific purpose.

9. Maintenance & Performance Check-Ups: On a monthly basis, you should pause to evaluate your performance. What progress have you made? Where have your been challenged? What do you need to do differently or more of?

It is also important to step back and consider whether any of your goals are unachievable.

10. Personal Reason Why: You won't become successful until and unless you identify, support and empower your reasons why. Your why's provide fuel for achievement, and are the reasons behind all action and inaction.

The hallmark of all high achievers is a burning why. They know what they want, how and when they will achieve it, but most importantly they know WHY they want to become successful at achieving their goals.

In Summary

You can significantly increase the odds of success in any endeavor, if you know who you are, what you want, where you are going, how you will get there, and what you will do once you arrive.

The best way to predict your future is to create it. Therefore, a well-defined personal strategic plan, properly executed, is your meal ticket to success.

In order to best prepare yourself for success, I urge you to visit My Personal Strategic Planning program. This exciting program is like having an insurance policy on success. It will focus your thinking and challenge you to reach for new heights in every area of your life.

Create a Personal Strategic Plan

Gary Ryan Blair is known throughout the world as The Goals Guy – http://www.GoalsGuy.com. He helps business owners, corporate executives and sales professionals manage their time, set their priorities, and stay focused so they can achieve their goals, grow their business, and be more successful.

If you're looking for a remarkable program that teaches you the secrets and proven methods for shaping your personal success, be sure to check out My Personal Strategic Planning program at http://www.PersonalStrategicPlan.com as well as our entire suite of resources at http://www.GoalsGuy.com

Gary can be reached for speech, coaching and media requests at 877-462-5748 or by sending an email to Gary@GoalsGuy.com.

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The Martyr Complex - A Need For Validation

A "Martyr Complex" is a trait most of us seldom recognize in ourselves and are offended when the term is applied to us. This complex describes a behavior that is selfless to the point of consistently denying one's own needs and desires to put others' needs first, or to acquiesce to someone in a situation where both of you desire the same thing. One feels noble and self-sacrificing and in some way, however trivial, conveys this feeling to the recipient of the good deed.

Women in general and mothers more than fathers, tend to suffer from this complex. Mothers, by nature, are givers. They will put their children's needs before their own and this behavior often extends to husbands, parents and friends. For this reason, I shall use the pronoun "she" in this article.

Affirmations

It is kind, generous and nurturing to deny oneself in order to enable the goals of others in certain situations. It is NOT a martyr complex when you are generous with both time and material possessions, but when this type of behaviour is dependent on constant validation and verbalized appreciation it is perceived as a martyr complex by loved ones and friends alike.

The Martyr Complex - A Need For Validation

Those of us who are labeled with this complex are also extremely sensitive to any type of constructive criticism at any level. If a boss or, (God forbid), co-worker casually remarks on some aspect of our performance or behaviour in the work environment, the martyr cannot treat a relatively harmless statement as such and move on. She perceives constructive criticism as a personal attack and allows a feeling of unfairness to gnaw at her until she ultimately seeks the reassurance of others that she has been unjustly criticized. Quite often, as well, she cannot rest until the guilty party is made aware, usually with a sarcastic remark or misplaced humor that she has been wounded far more than what is normal. The criticism of a loved one or good friend is almost a mortal blow and festers like an infected wound until we have relentlessly and needlessly made the guilty party aware of how deeply we have been hurt and receive some type of assertion that we are, in fact, still loved and respected. We are usually intelligent, humorous and quick-witted. Our humor is often self-disparaging (another tactic that invokes validation that we are liked by those we seek to please).

It is my opinion that the martyr complex often goes hand in hand with a deeply ingrained need to please others, probably formed in childhood and carried into adulthood. Low self-esteem and self-worth are character traits that have developed over a long period of time and can only be satisfied by constant validation from others that one is worthy of love, admiration and affection. Feeling good about oneself is a direct result of what others think of us. We know this is fundamentally damaging and self-defeating, but no amount of positive reinforcement seems to expunge deep feelings of insecurity and lack of self-worth. It is really unfortunate that those of us branded as martyrs or victims do not know how to change this behaviour. We know how others perceive us because loved ones and close friends will often tell us that we are chronic martyrs when we think we are just being kind and thoughtful. Being kind, thoughtful and generous are lovely character traits admired and respected by others. These traits are not the problem - it is the need for constant validation and appreciation of our kindness, thoughtful deeds and generosity that invokes disdain and mild irritation on the part of others.

With all of the self-help tools available today, one would think that recognizing this martyr complex (and that it negates in most minds whatever good we have done), we would use all of the tools at our disposal to actively work on changing this behavior. We do not like this perception of us and we don't think we deserve it. Unfortunately, our need for acceptance, verbal appreciation and validation are every bit as strong as the natural instinct to be selfless with those we love.

I have no expertise on this matter to speak of. I can only write about what I know of my own nature with its strengths and weaknesses. The next time you roll your eyes in exasperation at a friend or loved one who has done something nice for you and then cannot let you forget it (I'm not THAT bad), just remember that below the genuinely kind and loving exterior is a deep-rooted sense of needing to please to prove worthiness of your love, respect and admiration.

For some reason, regardless of how genuine the good deed, with absolutely no expectation of anything in return, there will be moments when the need to be verbally appreciated and validated will surface because that need is inherent in her basic nature.

The Martyr Complex - A Need For Validation

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Top Ten Things to Do in Spring

It must be serendipity that I am in currently in the janitorial industry and that I enjoy cleaning. I use my skills as a sales and marketing director to sell my ritual of welcoming spring.

While some people enjoy lounging, daydreaming or reading when the days are still cool but sunny I enjoy tying up loose ends and starting with a "clean" slate. So what if others do not share my enthusiastic spring dance in honor of mother-nature! Why do they insist on their own dance and will not applaud my magnificent performance? Here are my favorite things to do in spring:

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1. Spring clean & de-clutter home & office:

Top Ten Things to Do in Spring

Make a caddy of your basic tools. I use multi-purpose cleaner, microfiber cloths, lamb's wool extension duster, furniture polish, disinfectant spray, trash bag and a laundry basket to put items I am removing from the room. If your ceilings are high you may need a small step ladder. I also have a broom to get behind furniture I can't move and for carpet edges and corners. A vacuum with attachments is also very handy. Place your equipment outside the entrance of the room you are cleaning. Give each room a thorough, top to bottom cleaning. This is the perfect time to launder the curtains and bedding. If you are up to the challenge you can also flip furniture cushions, mattresses and rearrange the furniture. The best approach I have found is to start each room at the entrance door and circle the room. Start your high dusting, touching all surfaces on the walls such as picture frames, shelves, etc. If the curtains are not going to be taken down, remove the dust on the tops & fabric folds. Cobwebs can get anywhere, including the flat walls. Get under and behind the furniture with the duster and/or broom. Dust inside the window frame. Wash the windows. Use a microfiber with just a mist of all-purpose cleaner and dust the surfaces you can reach. The last thing I do is use my disinfectant spray and vacuum.

2. Get rid of clothes not worn:

I bring storage containers or boxes and kitchen trash bags and a black marker. First go through the shelved clothing, second the clothes that are hanging and third clothes that are in drawers. Make a pile on the floor of clothes that should be place in the garbage. Box up the seasonal things you are going to keep. Things you are giving away put into the trash bags. Use the marker and put your name and season of clothes on the boxes. Label the bags with the person's name you are giving them to, yard sale or Goodwill. Store away the seasonal boxed clothes, put the give-away clothes in your garage or auto so you will not forget to take them away.

3. Clean yard, porches & garage:

All of these are good for family team work, but this one especially is. The garage needs and occasional de-clutter and cleaning. You will need a broom, plenty of boxes or plastic containers, a black marker and maybe some white mailing labels to write on. If you have a large major crisis in there you may want to copy the show "Clean Sweep" and get out three tarps on the drive or yard. Tarp number one is for things to keep, tarp number two is for giving away or yard sale, tarp three is trash. When you have everything out that you can, you may now dust, sweep and/or pressure wash. Organize tools by their use and season. Keep the yard tools together, garden tools and the basic repair tools together, etc. The sports equipment and toys are also organized and the off season sports equipment and toys should be boxed and put up. Tarp number one "things to keep" will be boxed up and labeled and neatly put back into the garage. Tarp number two "things to give away or yard sale" should be boxed, bagged or price tagged for yard sale. Label the give-away or yard sale items and neatly put back into the garage. Tarp number three "trash" items need to be bagged if they can fit into garbage receptacle or hauled to the dump if necessary. Now the garage is neat and clean!

4. Thoroughly detail autos:

Have a contest with someone if you are detailing two autos! Guard yourself from the sun. Tools needed are a vacuum with attachments, trash bag, towels, paper towels, 2 microfiber cloths and a large terry cloth, two old large beach towels, a long handled car wash broom if you have one, and a stiff brush for the wheels & tires and bucket & sponge. I also fix a small caddy with window cleaner, Mr. Clean, some Q-Tips, Armor-all, Febreze, car wash, wax with an applicator or soft cloth and tire "black" spray. Start on the inside and fill up your trash bag with any garbage in the auto. Look under seats and in the cracks of the seats. Pick up items that will hurt your vacuum. Take out all the carpets and lay them down to vacuum. Then fill a bucket with about a gallon of water and an ounce of Mr. Clean. Use this water first to scrub the seats with a very damp cloth, it may remove some stains and it smells good. Then wash the dash, wheel, seat dividers and inside the doors. Constantly clean your cloth in the bucket. Dip Q-tips in the water and use to get the dash cracks, corners and areas the cloth couldn't get into. Spray Armor-All on a microfiber cloth and wipe down the dash and hard smooth surfaces made from similar material to shine up and make like new. When finished put that cloth away from the others so you will not use it again. Time for the inside windows! I use a window cleaner and paper towels to wash all the inside windows, then I go back over them with a microfiber cloth and it really polishes good. The last thing I do is vacuum the carpet. Be sure to adjust the seats forward and backward to get all areas. Last I give the fabric and carpet a spray of Febreze, carefully avoiding my windows. Vacuum the carpets that you took out. If you want to organize the trunk and vacuum, this is a good time. Now get the windows up and shut the doors. Empty your bucket and refill with plenty of water and a little carwash. Hose down the entire auto and wash by sections. Immediately rinse off each section as you go around the auto. When you think you are done walk around the auto for any touch-ups. Now use your stiff brush and scrub the wheels and tires a few times, then rinse. Hose off the carpets you removed and let air dry. Use a beach towel to dry off all areas of the auto. After drying and no water spots it is time to wax. My favorite auto wax is the new spray on wipe off type, but if you are using the paste wax it is done the same way. Put wax on a section at a time, and then remove it with the second beach towel. Let the paste wax dry before buffing off. Again check all around the auto for any areas that need touched up. After waxing I wash the windows with paper towels and then polish with the microfiber cloth. Your wheels and tires should be dry by now so you can spray your "black" spray on them. Now that is a sparkling beauty!

5. Get planting beds & flower containers ready:

You can start seedlings indoors or wait for the nursery centers to stock your favorite plants. Guard yourself from the sun. Tools you may want for the large planting beds are a tiller (if large area) rake, shovel, garden claw, landscape fabric or plastic, gloves, trash bag potting soil (my favorite is Miracle Grow with the water holding material). First pull all weeds and place in trash bag. Rake the surface of leaves, old mulch and debris, put in trash bag or compost bin. Use shovel or garden claw to turn the soil (till if large area) and mix in your potting soil. After the area is complete, cover with the landscape fabric or plastic. When you are ready to plant, cut holes in the landscape fabric or plastic and place plant where you want. To finalize your flower gardens, cover the fabric or plastic with mulch or rocks. For the flower containers, if they have previously been used they must be washed and let air dry. When the weather is warm enough you can plant. Place some large stones or broken pottery pieces in the bottom for drainage. Fill pots ¾ of the way full. Decide where to place your plants and surround them with potting soil and firmly press down. Give a good drink of water. Check on weekly to remove dead material and water if needed.

6. Start seedlings indoors:

Pick a few seeds you want to start, veggies, herbs, flowers (Burpee is my favorite brand). You can use a sun lamp, although I never have. Just don't start too early or they will grow too large before you can transplant. The easiest way is to get the jiffy pots ready for water and seeds. You can also use a rectangle receptacle like a cake pan and fill with potting soil and sprinkle on the seeds and water. Pour off excess water. Save your seed envelopes to mark your plants or you won't remember what you are growing and where. When the weather is warm enough and all chances of freezing are over they can be transplanted either in a prepared bed or container.

7. Write down new things to do in the summer and fall:

I like to write down things I haven't done in a while, new things or things to do with particular friends and family; go to museum with mother; watch movie with Linda. Learn how to rollerblade, take a painting class, run a marathon, go boating and so forth. I have things to do indoors for rain and outdoors for sunshine. Keep your list next to your calendar and when you want something to do check one off. Make arrangements a week or so ahead so you will have a full social calendar.

8. Begin a customized fitness plan:

First schedule a check up with your family doctor and make sure you are okay to become more active. Define what you want to accomplish and a date to accomplish this by. If you have more than one goal, do this for every goal. Example: I want to lose 30 pounds by August. Next step is to plan out how you will accomplish this. Example: I will clean out my kitchen and replace with healthy low calorie foods. I will walk one mile every day. I will lift weights thirty minutes every other day and so on. Keep positive affirmations and motivational post-its on your bathroom mirror and refrigerator.

9. Get a new hair cut, hair style or color:

Be browsing the magazine for cuts and color you like to get an idea or two. Visit your favorite hair salon or one that a friend refers. Ask the stylist to recommend a cut and or color for your complexion, lifestyle and budget. Ask questions regarding maintenance before you decide. Your cut must be quick and easy to maintain if you lifestyle is very busy. If you are young you can easily go more dramatic and bold. If you are more mature or have a career you may want to stick with some classic styles and color, but different than you usually get. This is a great ego boost and when you are confident and happy, it will rub off on everyone around you.

10. Take a long walk, hike or bike ride in a scenic area:

This is a great family outing, or couples and friends outing. Bring your dog if you can. If you have a favorite park or recreation area, plan a day and a picnic for this event. This could ba a great way to scout out a camping area. Take the basics, sandwiches, fruit and water. Dress for the occasion and don't forget sun protection. Bring a rain jacket or wind breaker in case the weather suddenly changes. Let someone know where you are going and bring a cell phone. Bring a Frisbee or football to mix things up. Just enjoy the time to spend with good company and appreciate the beautiful earth.

With a "clean" slate completed there is still ample time to soak up all the crisp air and sunshine. I feel I have accomplished something great and it makes me feel terrific about the next great season!

Look for more articles coming soon!

Top Ten Things to Do in Spring

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Positive Thinking Affirmations For Women

Changing your mindset is the single most powerful and important step you can take to change your life. The power of positive thinking has been studied by the psychiatric medical, scientific and spiritual community and they've all determined the same thing - positive thinking has power. Of course, changing the way you think is easier said than done. That's where positive affirmations become a very useful tool.

What Is a Positive Thinking Affirmation?

Affirmations

A positive affirmation is a statement you can use to replace a commonly held negative statement. For example, if you're always saying, "I feel fat," then a good positive affirmation to replace this sentiment might be, "I am comfortable with my body and am the perfect weight for me."

Positive Thinking Affirmations For Women

Positive affirmations help you change your thinking by giving you something to lean on. They help you stay aware of your thoughts, which is the first step to changing them.

Finding the Right Affirmations for You

The next step is to determine what your negative thoughts are and to replace them. Here is a great list of positive affirmations for women.

o My body heals quickly and easily
o I am the picture of good health
o The more grateful I am, the more reasons I find to be grateful
o I know that I deserve to be loved
o I give out love and it is returned to me tenfold
o I have a wonderful partner and we are both happy and at peace
o I am the perfect weight for me
o I make positive healthy choices for myself
o I express my needs and feelings
o I am my own unique self - special, creative and wonderful
o Everything comes to me easily and effortlessly
o I love and appreciate myself just as I am
o I accept all my feelings as part of myself
o I love doing my job
o I always communicate clearly and effectively
o It's okay for me to have everything I want
o I am getting wealthier each day
o I have an abundance of energy
o My mind is calm
o My thoughts are under my control
o I am successful in whatever I do

As you look through the list of potential positive affirmations, are any compelling? Do any of those affirmations ring true to you or cause a stir of emotion? The affirmations which resonate with you are good ones to start with. For example, if you've been struggling with your weight, spend some thing thinking about the negative self-talk you have around that issue and find a few positive affirmations which give you the strength and motivation to move through this challenge.

Affirmations are the first step toward changing your thoughts, however with any process; it takes time, practice, patience and a love and acceptance for yourself. Negative thoughts will slip in from time to time but as you practice, it will get easier. Trust yourself and the positive affirmation process. It will change your life.

Positive Thinking Affirmations For Women

Being positive truly has great power and the Gratitude Circle Blog can help you find those important positive affirmations for your daily life. While you're there, join the Gratitude Circle Gratitude Circle Newsletter, a newsletter and blog, full of inspiring stories, articles and tips for maintaining a happier, more fulfilling life.

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