A Time for Renewal

During the holiday season, take time to renew your vows - to yourself. Take time to relax and renew your mind. Do something that you enjoy. Here's a "tiny" article written for and published in The National Association for Executive Women Magazine.

I unwind in a most unorthodox fashion. I write. To many people, this seems like more work. For me, it's the best therapy on the market! After churning out my first book, I have geared myself up for the second. When I return home from a very hard day, my routine includes talking to my dogs and getting out the laptop as soon as I can. Mental exercise works best for me. Dogs listen well and they’re always so glad to see you. A sincere greeting makes a big difference, especially when work doesn’t treat you so kindly. You can always count on a soft pair of eyes and ears that are perked - ready to listen. The good thing about using my dogs as a sounding board is that they don’t judge and whatever you say in “Vegas” stays in “Vegas.” Second to writing comes reading newspapers from other countries. Reading various perspectives and various viewpoints are very high on my “intrigue” list. None of these things take the place of the true joy, which is to listen to my children hold conversations with each other. I am a teacher, yet they teach me about life.  

Think of measurable and achievable goals for 2011.  

Surround yourself with positive people and good things will return to you.