I am getting married for the 2nd time in a few weeks. I’m marrying a man who has been married twice before. Seemed like a great time to talk about The Fear of Failure! There is nothing more optimistic than 2 people in their mid-50s thinking they’ve learned enough from their past mistakes to try their hand at marriage again.

It’s hard to believe that a year ago, I was having trouble going up and down 8 steps, which is what my condo had at the time. Some days, I was having trouble walking. I got tired very easily. I was gaining weight. My hair was falling out. I had severe brain fog. I had trouble doing very simple tasks. I had joint pain that wouldn’t quit.

Nothing was making any sense. I should’ve been the happiest I’d ever been! I had a thriving business and just got engaged. But I wasn’t feeling well.

After last week’s goal setting blog, I set some pretty big goals for myself. And then I looked at my schedule to see when I could work on those goals. And it hit me…I have a real problem!

I have not scheduled any time to work on things that are important to me, because I’m too busy running my business, managing employees, putting out fires, paying bills, managing my health, and keeping active in the community. I have craft projects that have literally, been sitting in a bin waiting for me to get to them for YEARS. What’s wrong with this picture? Maybe those projects aren’t as important, but I still have them. The problem is I have never scheduled time to complete them because I’m so busy trying to make everyone else happy.

Perhaps you’ve already made your New Year’s Resolutions, and perhaps you’re still thinking about making your New Year’s Resolutions. Perhaps you’ve already made the New Year’s Resolution to give up making New Year’s Resolutions! Most resolutions are broken by January 4th…which happens to be World Hypnosis Day! What a coincidence!

If you’re thinking about setting a New Year’s Resolutions for yourself, AKA “A Goal,” then please read on about how you can crush your goal this year.

These popular lyrics are often sung by those bringing in the New Year. Auld Lang Syne is from the Scots language and means “old long since.” In practice, it means “old times, especially times fondly remembered.” Robert Burns, the national poet of Scotlalnd wrote those words in a poem published in 1796. However, he took a fragment of a folk song that he heard and built more lyrics around it. Auld Lang Syne became synonymous with New Year’s Eve when Guy Lombardo and his band, the Royal Canadians sang a song with those lyrics every year on his broadcast from 1929 - 1976. He became known as “Mr. New Year’s Eve” as a result.

Ahhh...the holidays! They're here! And now, it's time to figure out what the heck is next. You've rushed around for weeks shopping, preparing food, baking cookies, and wrapping presents. Your family is on their way and it's time for the festivities. Whether your traditions are set in stone or you're looking for new ways to enjoy your time with family and friends, check out our 12 ways to make your holidays extra enjoyable.

Growing up Italian during the holidays meant special treats…I was surrounded by cookies, pasta, cakes, and breads. All of them were homemade, and each one became a comfort food. And them in March of this year, I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. One of the first things I read was the importance of removing “gluten” from my diet.

Wait…what? You’re asking me to give up everything I’ve come to know and love about food?

When I was 10 years old, a family friend asked what I wanted to be when I grew up.

Without hesitation, I answered “self-employed.”

He laughed. “What kind of business will you own?”

“I don’t know that yet, but I’m sure I’ll figure it out.”

In November of 1995 I moved to Palmetto, Florida, and began selling promotional products through another company. Palmetto was in Manatee County, and at the time, people only did business with people they knew or people they heard about. Since no one knew me, I had to be someone they heard about.

The end-of-year-holidays are supposed to be all about taking a break from work and spending quality time with friends and family. Unfortunately, with the current economy and inflation…money worries often get in the way of having a truly carefree celebration.

The holidays can bring out the best…and worst in people. For some the holidays are all about reconnecting with family and friends. For others, the holidays are a reminder of family and friends that have passed on, or pissed us off. Here are a few tips on how to make the most the holiday season…

Ever since being diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, I’ve been thinking about myself differently. My world was filled with “I can’t wait to…” is not filled with “I used to…”. “I can’t wait to go to dance class” became “I used to exercise 5x a week.” “I can’t wait to go to the club” became “I can’t want to get home and stay home.” “I can’t wait to get my hair and nails done” became “I used to feel better about myself.”