As most of you probably can relate, I often get requests for advice or insight because of the work I do. Here are a few of the issues I’ve worked on with clients over the years that have helped them create the changes they want.

Some are reminders and some are taught.

• Remember if you definitely want change/improvement/transition, you will have to change the way you think in some areas. An outside view can be invaluable; and sometimes our habits, beliefs and thoughts limit us more than we can know.
• Sometimes secrets don’t need to be secrets. They can do more damage than good. It helps to talk it out with someone who can’t be affected by it and go from there.
• Have you ever heard the term “he/she sucks the energy out of the room”? We are very energetic beings. Whether we let people’s toxic energy affect us or let someone drain our energy is completely up to us – we have a choice.
• Breathing is something you can always use to instantly put you in a more resourceful, calmer, clearer state of mind. Breathing in deep through the nose, holding for a moment and blowing slowly out your mouth can change things immediately.
• As a former chronic insomniac and someone who uses a successful Sleep Quality Program with clients, I’m reminding you that quality sleep makes a significant difference. Make it a priority consistently, as it will affect your health, energy levels, decision making, moods, and overall quality of life. Figure out how many hours you need each night and have them. If you are a light sleeper, use a white noise CD (www.purewhitenoise.com) instead of a sound machine that plays the same 5 second clip repeatedly. A wedge pillow can help with minor breathing discomfort.
• Everyone needs down time. This makes you better to yourself and your loved ones. Be an example to your children and teach them that “me time” is sacred.
• Been suffering from those respiratory allergy issues? In addition to medical care, Neilmed bottles and sinus packets can make a big difference. This helps with relief by gently cleansing and soothing nasal passages. Hypnosis can help to decrease the body’s reaction to allergens.
• Forgiving someone doesn’t mean you’ll forget. It doesn’t mean what they did was right or good. It doesn’t even mean you have to have a relationship with them. Forgiveness is letting go of the hold it has on you. Forgiveness is accepting that you can move on without carrying the negativity that someone else has caused. It’s something the offending person has to live with, learn from or atone for. Once you accept that you have no part of that, you can be free of the burden of a grudge. Grudges don’t protect, they damage.
• Kids are heavily influenced by their peers from pre-teen age. It makes most of the difference in how they begin their lives as adults. It’s important for you to provide environments and create situations for them so they can connect with children who have healthy habits and behaviors. Expose your kids to other kids who are thrilled to learn, to improve and excel, and who are positive and supportive young people. Definitely stop any harmful associations before they can develop.
• If you have people who love you in your life, you are truly blessed. Don’t ever hesitate to tell them how grateful you are for them or how much you love them. This only feeds the love that is so very important to you.