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Dear Friends of Balancing Act,
If you're like me, Thanksgiving is over and you're not even prepared for Halloween.
So...here are a few ideas, all courtesy of those positive psychology courses I'm taking, to help you boost your energy and simplify your life.
They boil down to a couple of simple concepts: Focus only on what matters, and take good care of yourself.
All the best for a balanced and happy holiday season!
Pat
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Counting On What Counts
 If you're feeling overwhelmed with holiday consumerism and its budget-busting possibilities, The Center for a New American Dream has a challenge for you. The non-profit, which seeks to redefine "the good life" in a less consumer-driven, more collaborative way, has issued a Simplify The Holidays challenge, complete with an online pledge form that lists 15 ways you can pledge to simplify your life.
Whether you sign the pledge or not, the site is packed with ideas for focusing more on other people than on things.
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What Are Your Six Words?
 In the spirit of holiday simplicity, here's a delightful site that allows you to write - and read - memoirs that are only six words long.
A listed "Best Confession" memoir, for example: "I rehearse conversations I'll never have." And a heart-tugger: "I still make coffee for two."
So while you're walking (read on), you can also be writing a memoir in your head. Or better yet, figuring out a life purpose statement so succinct and poignant you can take it with you anywhere. |
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10,000 Steps A Day
 One way to gear up for holiday demands and give your health a boost is the time-honored 10,000 steps-a-day exercise program supported by Shape Up, America! As with all exercise programs, it's wise to check in with your doctor first and build up your time, but this is a program you can work into your daily routine without expensive equipment. Click here for some smart tips on ways to walk more without even noticing it. |
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Leash Law Number 35: Share Holiday Joy
 Since men seem less stressed over holiday preparations, it's time women let the men in their lives take over and do what they do best: procrastinate painlessly. Three requirements, though: clear instructions, no second-guessing and lavish praise. Sisters, is that too great a price to pray to reclaim a life when it's your own? Brothers, are you up for this?
This is one of 74 leash laws offered in Pat's book, The Dog Ate My Planner: Tales and Tips from an Overbooked Life.
Copyright 2011 Pat Snyder
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PUT A DOG
UNDER THE TREE
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Have an overbooked friend or loved one in your life?
Want to send them a smile with some light, quick reads?
Then Pat's book, The Dog Ate My Planner, might be just the thing to cheer them up.
You can read excerpts and order autographed copies from
the book's website,
with delivery in time for the holidays.
HANUKKAH-
CHRISTMAS TALE
If you're scratching your head over an interfaith gift, check out "Hanukkah Lights Bring Christmas Miracles," Pat's story in Cup of Comfort for Christmas
MEET
MS. NOVEMBER
Pat's "Ms. November" in the 2012 "Twelve Women You Should Know" calendar put out by Women for Economic
and Leadership Development (WELD)
Seats look familiar?
Go Bucks!
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