If you could give yourself one gift this season, what would it be?
Happiness?
Love?
Money?
Health?
A new car?
   How about a gift that kept on giving - one giant gift that could satisfy all of the above mini-gifts? And wouldn't it be even better if it lasted all year long for the rest of your life?
   Of course it would!
   In this time of giving to others, I believe it's perfectly okay to also treat yourself.
   It can be a hectic, stressful time, but also hopefully one that brings you joy. In the midst of all the hustle and bustle, though, I sincerely hope you take a few minutes to do something great for yourself.
   Last month I had you make a list of all the things you want in your life. If you haven't yet made that list, take a few minutes to do that now. If you did make your list, take another look at it today. How has it changed in the last month?
   Think about this as your master wish list and as if money, time, location, health, attitude, etc. were not a factor in your getting these wishes. Dream big and don't limit yourself - that in itself is a good exercise since most of us are used to thinking we have to remain "realistic". I believe you can make your dreams your reality, so go ahead and dream big!
    After all, if you never ask for it, the chances you'll get it are much lower. And if you don't know what you want, how will you ever know when you've finally found it?

Tough time getting started?

   But what do you do if you're having a hard time filling up your list or getting started? Before you can focus and gain clarity, it is often helpful to reduce the amount of stress you have going on first. The success of these concepts, I believe, work interchangeably - for example, when you have more focus and clarity you are better able to manage your stress and when you are better able to manage your stress, you improve your focus and clarity.
   A simple exercise to help reduce stress begins with breathing. How are you breathing? Rapid and shallow or slow and deep? Just by slowing down your breath and aiming to breathe deeper you are sending the message through your body to relax more. Try a few breaths like this and see how you feel.
   Now try focusing on your list again. This simple technique is also great for those moments of pressure during this busy time of year - standing in line at the store, searching for a parking spot at the mall, dealing with your Uncle Carl at your family gathering - any situation that starts to weigh on your nerves. I know it will make a difference. And I know it will help you get all those goodies on your wish lists, too.

Best wishes,
Barb Marynowski

Barbara H. Marynowski is a Senior Consultant for Internal Energy Plus and a fully certified black belt instructor through Kang Nei Chin International. She is recognized as an expert in stress management, self-care and personal empowerment. Her passion is helping women live healthier, happier lives free from stress, shame, guilt or fear and she believes everyone has the right to pursue and live a happy, healthy, safe and prosperous life. Appointments and private sessions are available by contacting her directly at RoyalDragonIEP@aol.com or 866-PLUS-4-YOU x708. Join her online daily on the Internal Energy Plus Yahoo! Group at http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/INTERNAL_ENERGY_PLUS/


Introduction
Ugly is an Attitude
New Year, New List, New YOU!
Spring Cleaning
Get Focused
Stop Wishing, Start Getting
The Words You Say
The Gift You Give Yourself
Love Yourself
Your Top Qualities
Independence
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