Tag Archives: improve

Feb23

How To Sharpen Up Your Senses

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How To Sharpen Up Your Senses

Like the old saying goes: You don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone. This is certainly true of your senses, which is why it is so important to look after all five of them in the best way that you can. In this blog post, we will give you a general overview of how you can protect them so that these senses can always stay sharp:

Sight:

Beyond the age of 45, your eyes tend to dry out resulting in light sensitivity, blurry vision, and burning eyes. A diet rich in omega-3s such as fish or walnuts can help to keep this condition at bay. You can also get prescription drops as a way of stimulating tear production. Taking supplements such as vitamin C can help to prevent cataracts in the future. You should also try to avoid prolonged sun exposure by taking regular breaks and investing in a good pair of sunglasses for driving or outings.

Smell:

The older you get, the weaker your sense of smell becomes. You should be aiming to minimize your contact with smoke and household chemicals. There is also some evidence that the more you seek out different scents, the better you can protect your sense of smell. A couple of things that you could include in this sniffing exercise include peppermint and cinnamon. You could also make potpourris to place throughout your home to help keep your sniffer strong.

Taste:

The first thing that you should do to protect your sense of taste is practice good oral hygiene. This will help to keep your tongue in good condition and protect your taste buds from infections. Though there isn’t much that you can do to reclaim your sense of taste, what you can do is add extra spices and flavorings to your food. If you find that you are suffering from a dry mouth, you should aim to reduce your intake of dehydrating substances like caffeine and alcohol.   

Hearing:

You should have a hearing test if you notice any issues or if you simply want to gain some peace of mind. Prevention is important when it comes to hearing, so you should wear protective devices when you are exposed to any loud noises. Don’t listen to music through headphones at too loud a volume or for too long. If you have already damaged your hearing, you should speak to your doctor about being fitted with a hearing aid.

Touch:

As you start to get older, your skin becomes less elastic and you are likely to lose sensitivity over time. A few of the ways that you can help to prevent it include a healthy lifestyle full of regular exercise, a low-fat diet, and not smoking. Taking aspirin will dilate blood vessels and improve circulation therefore increasing stimulation of the dermis.

Of course, age-related sensory decline is an inevitable fact of life, but there are plenty of ways that you can protect all five of them in the best way possible. Following some of the advice in this article is a great starting point!

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Feb23

Ways To Keep Your Mental Health In Check

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Ways To Keep Your Mental Health In Check

Your mental health does not have to stop you from living your life. When you’re struggling within your own head, the outcome of a long term solution often looks bleaker than it actually is, and you’re just going to need to trust us on that. But, what we want to talk to you about is the fact that you can still live your life and make it a beautiful one even when you’re struggling. Not sure how? We’ve got you covered:

Get Enough Sleep:

We want to start by recommending that you’re getting enough sleep. You might think that this sounds extremely obvious, but there are many people that struggle with sleep and this alters their mood and the way that they feel. If you’re having trouble sleeping, you need to start looking into solutions for this as it can be incredibly beneficial. This is going to include things like setting yourself a bedtime and trying to wake up at the same time every day so that your brain gets into a routine. A lack of sleep can always make everything feel worse, but if you’re getting those seven hours per night, things might seem a little brighter.

Acknowledge How You’re Feeling:

The next thing that we want you to do is acknowledge how you’re feeling. The thing that people forget when it comes to their feelings is that you shouldn’t be pushing them back, but instead you should be feeling them. You need to acknowledge how you are feeling and deal with it, rather than suppressing it and then having to feel it overwhelmingly later down the line. It’s important to know how you feel as well as having a handle on your emotions or at least be able to name them and identify the why to help better support your mental health.

Get Help:

Last but by no means least, you might need to get help. Not everyone will, but if you know that you’re struggling, then this is the right thing to do. You can reach out to a professional, see what they have to say, and take it from there. It’s entirely possible that you’re going to want to back out of this a few times, but it will be okay once you find the right treatment. For example, you might find that behavioral therapy is a good fit for you or you might find that a new ketamine treatment helps. You won’t know until you get your feet through the door first.

Improving your mental health can be done in small steps that add up to make a huge difference!

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Feb23

Are You Looking After Your Hearing Right?

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Are You Looking After Your Hearing Right?

Protecting your hearing is a huge part of protecting both your mental and physical health and there are a lot of things you might want to think about to ensure that you are doing this effectively. In this post, we are going to consider some of the main ways in which you can look after your hearing with best practices you can start today. Like the following:

Slow Fading:

Hearing loss is rarely dramatic at first. It tends to creep in. High-frequency sounds usually fade before lower tones, which means consonants like “s,” “f,” and “th” become harder to distinguish. Conversations start to sound muffled, especially in places with background noise. You may still hear that someone is speaking, but clarity drops away. The brain works overtime to fill in the gaps. That mental effort can be surprisingly exhausting. Many people attribute the fatigue to stress or poor sleep, never suspecting that straining to hear is draining cognitive energy throughout the day.

Noise Is Louder Than You Think:

You do not need to stand next to jet engines to risk damage. Prolonged exposure to everyday noise can be enough. Traffic, construction, power tools, loud gyms, concerts, and even constant headphone use all contribute. A good rule of thumb is this: If you need to raise your voice to be heard at arm’s length, the environment is probably too loud for prolonged exposure. The same applies to headphones. If someone sitting next to you can hear your music clearly, it is too loud. If you are using them for hours a day, even moderate volume can become an issue over time.

^^^ Pexels Image

Importance Of Hearing Tests:

One of the most overlooked parts of hearing care is simply having a hearing test. Many people wait until they notice a clear problem, but by that stage, changes may have been happening for years. A professional hearing test is quick, painless, and far more detailed than most expect. It measures how well you hear different frequencies and volumes, identifying patterns that might indicate early-stage loss, noise damage, or other issues. Even if your hearing is currently fine, a baseline test gives you something to compare against in the future.

Small Habits:

Looking after your hearing does not require drastic change. Often, it is about consistent small habits. Lower the volume on personal devices and use noise-cancelling headphones rather than turning music up to drown out background sound. Wear proper ear protection when using power tools or attending loud events. Give your ears rest periods after exposure to high noise levels. Be mindful of ear hygiene too. Cotton buds can push wax deeper into the ear canal, potentially causing blockages. If you suspect excess wax, professional removal is safer than attempting to clear it yourself. Hydration, general cardiovascular health, and avoiding smoking also play a role. The inner ear relies on healthy blood flow, and what benefits your heart often benefits your hearing as well.

Can you hear me now? Good! Keep it that way with these tips!

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Feb20

5 Technologies That Can Improve Your Health

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5 Technologies That Can Improve Your Health

There’s no doubt that technology is making our lives easier – but the right tools can also make us healthier! If your priority is to look after your health, form better habits, and improve your living space, some technologies can make it easier to improve your well being and prevent future health problems. In this guide, we’ll look at a few investments worth making this year. Let’s dive in:

Wearables:

Wearable devices like smartwatches play a key role in helping you take better charge of your health. They can help you track essential indicators such as step counts, heart rate, stress levels, sleep quality, and more. Some specific devices, such as wearable alarms, can also improve safety levels among older people and those with mobility limitations. Make sure to find the best model for your needs and consult a doctor to understand how to best use your wearable technology to support your health.

Smart Home Technology:

Smart home devices can create a healthier home that fosters healthy habits. As well as adding convenience to everyday life, these technologies can help you control temperature, lighting, air quality, and safety features. Some investments worth making for your health and well being include:

  • Air Purifiers: Improve indoor air quality, reducing the risk of allergies and respiratory issues.
  • Smart Thermostats: Maintain temperatures for better sleep quality and overall comfort.
  • Smart Lighting: Support healthy sleep cycles and mood regulation.
  • Voice-Activated Assistants: Help with reminders for hydration, exercise, medication, and provide hands-free emergency assistance.
  • Sleep Trackers: Monitor sleep patterns for better sleep health.

AI Hearing Aids:

Did you know that unaddressed hearing loss can lead to significant complications, including an increased risk of dementia? However, deciding to wear hearing aids is not always an easy choice, as it can impact your confidence and comfort. Thankfully, newer models are less noticeable, more efficient, and fully adjustable. For instance, AI hearing aids can adapt to different sound environments, filter out background noise, and even learn your listening preferences, making communication much easier and natural.

Telemedicine Platforms:

Telemedicine has been a game changer for both healthcare providers and patients. Over the past few years, it has contributed to overcoming common barriers to treatment, including long travel distances, childcare or eldercare, busy schedules, and mobility limitations. Telemedicine allows you to consult specialists within your area and beyond from the comfort and privacy of your home. Patient portals can also help in scheduling appointments, getting test results, asking questions to your provider, and repeating prescriptions as directed. Consult your primary healthcare provider to understand what telemedicine systems they offer.

Digital Mental Health Tools:

Last but not least, technology can help in supporting mental health, too. Thanks to guided meditation apps, online therapy platforms, and support from mental health professionals available via chat or video calls, getting support at any stage of life is easier than it has ever been. Be sure to explore the best tools to boost your health and make calculated investments in the technologies that can provide support in the long term.

Improve your life and health with the technology above and you will be sure to notice a huge difference!

Featured Image By: Freepik

Feb17

Small Things That Can Cripple Your Confidence (And How To Overcome Them)

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Small Things That Can Cripple Your Confidence (And How To Overcome Them)

Confidence can be an unpredictable force that either propels us towards great heights or pushes us down into self-doubt and anxiety. We all experience highs and lows. Some unexpected small issues can erode even the most confident person’s sense of assurance. From missing teeth to challenges with speech that seem minor to some can feel like everything to the person experiencing it. In this blog, we will look at some of the common confidence killers, their causes and effects, and how best to overcome them all:

The Smile Struggle – Missing Teeth:

Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you, making a missing tooth an internalized flaw and source of insecurity in every interaction. Although others might take no notice, those dealing with missing teeth might feel exposed and think it represents neglect or imperfection. But dentistry has quickly advanced with solutions such as a single tooth implant, veneers, and bridges, which can restore your confidence and smile simultaneously.

Words That Waver – Stuttering and Speaking Challenges:

Communication is at the foundation of human interaction, so struggling to express yourself, whether through stuttering or even mild anxiety, can quickly undermine your confidence levels. Worries over judgment only deepen these feelings of discomfort further, making social or professional settings crippling. Speech therapy, support groups, and public speaking practices can work wonders in rebuilding confidence for those feeling held back by their voices.

Posture Problems and Body Language Blunders:

Slouching may not seem significant, but even slight adjustments in your posture can have an enormous effect on how you and others perceive you. Hunched positions often communicate feelings of insecurity or powerlessness, while upright ones show confidence. Fidgeting too frequently or avoiding eye contact can make interactions feel awkward while reinforcing feelings of doubt about yourself. Practicing better posture or altering body language might seem like superficial solutions, yet these techniques could greatly alter how you carry yourself as well as how others respond to you.

Skin Deep Concerns – Acne and Blemishes:

Facial issues such as acne, scars, or prominent blemishes can make anyone self-conscious. Even when people around you do not seem bothered, feelings of inadequacy can persist through social media’s constant emphasis on flawless appearances. To address such concerns requires self-compassion as well as consulting dermatologists or skincare experts in order to feel at ease in your own skin.

The Culprit of Self-Talk:

Sometimes the greatest threats to your confidence don’t originate externally but come from within. From an inner critic who exaggerates every failure, highlighting any perceived shortfall. A critical inner voice can magnify minor insecurities into larger ones that threaten your security and well-being. Cultivating an awareness of negative self-talk while replacing it with affirming messages is important for maintaining your sense of well-being and building your self-esteem.

Confidence doesn’t come from never faltering. It comes from finding courage within to stand tall once more regardless of the challenges. Each step forward shows resilience, proving no insecurity is too powerful!

Featured Image By: Laura Chouette on Unsplash

Feb17

What Kids Really Need To Succeed In School

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What Kids Really Need To Succeed In School

When people imagine what success in school is, they’ll usually think about things like grades (obviously), test scores, and overall academic achievement, which is all very important. But the truth is, it’s a bit more complicated than that. Kids aren’t going to thrive in school just because they’ve got the right textbooks or a strict routine – they succeed when they feel properly supported, understood, and confident enough to keep trying. With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at what kids really need to succeed in school:

A Sense Of Safety And Belonging:

Children learn best when they feel really secure, and that means feeling safe in the classroom, accepted by their friends and peers, and supported by teachers who understand them. When kids feel anxious, isolated, or they’re constantly on edge, it’s going to make learning a lot harder, which means a school environment that prioritizes well being as well as academics makes a massive difference and kids will probably do better there.

Encouragement, Not Pressure:

Kids need plenty of motivation, but they also need to be allowed to be human. If they’re under constant pressure to perform, that’s going to make them feel stressed and actually lower their confidence over time. Encouragement is the best thing, and much better than trying to make kids perfect (they won’t be perfect because no one is). Children do best when they’re praised for their efforts and progress and not just the results that come from their work.

Strong Relationships With Adults:

One of the best ways to know a child is going to be successful at school is if they’ve got at least one trusted adult who really believes in them. That might be a teacher, a mentor, learning support, a staff member, or anyone else. The point is, when children feel like they’re understood and supported, they’re more likely to engage, ask questions, and keep going even when things are a bit more challenging. Schools like KIS Reignwood Park tend to place a strong emphasis on nurturing these types of relationships, and that’s going to make the entire learning experience a much better one for everyone.

Learning That Feels Relevant And Engaging:

Children usually succeed when the learning they’re doing feels relevant, which is why a curriculum that encourages creativity, critical thinking, and real engagement is something that’s going to help keep kids interested and motivated. When students feel that school is something they actively play a part in rather than just something they sit through, they’ll get a lot more confident in their abilities and what they can do.

A Home Environment That Values Learning:

Parents don’t have to be teachers, but children are definitely going to benefit from a life that places a high value on learning and being curious about things. That could mean you read together, you talk about your day, and you show an interest in what they’re learning – it all creates a positive idea about school and learning, which is helpful. If kids feel supported at home, they’re going to enjoy school more, and learn more as a result.

Fostering a love for learning and a secure setting can make a big difference in your child’s academic life!

Featured Image By: RDNE Stock project

Feb16

How To Make Your Career Go Further

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How To Make Your Career Go Further

Making your career go further doesn’t always mean working longer hours or getting louder in meetings. You don’t also suddenly become a thought leader on LinkedIn, because that’s just cringe. But sometimes it’s just about making the smarter moves that stack up and put the odds in your favor without burning yourself out or pretending to love the hustle culture that we all prefer not to involve ourselves in. Careers tend to store when the learning stops, not because you’re not capable, but because industries evolve faster than most job descriptions. New tools are appearing every day, but the expectations are shifting with them. Skills that were impressive five years ago become just fine now and basic knowledge. Staying curious and adding fresh knowledge is one of the easiest ways to stay relevant and employable, and this is why options like an online graduate certificate in public health appeal to professionals who want to level up without putting their lives on pause. Let’s take a look at some other tools to help expand your career:

Education:

Furthering your education is not just about collecting credentials like Pokémon cards. It’s about sharpening how you think. And learning teaches you to solve problems faster and spot patterns sooner. From here, you can make decisions with more confidence in whatever career path you take. Employers pick that up. So do clients, collaborators, and promotion panels. So you don’t need to become the smartest person in the room. You just need to be sharper than you were last year.

Direction:

This is another underrated career booster. Plenty of people work hard, but they tend to drift. Taking time to learn something new can help you to clarify where you’re actually going in your career. Are you aiming for a leadership role? Do you want a career pivot? Are you looking to have more impact, or do you want to make more money? No judgement, it costs a lot to live these days. Education gives you a structured way to explore what’s next rather than panic applying for random roles at midnight. You also have to consider your confidence when you invest in yourself. You show up differently for everybody around you, you speak with moral authority, and you volunteer for projects that you might have dodged before.

Flexibility:

Being able to go with the flow really does matter. Modern careers rarely follow a neat ladder anymore. They zigzag, they pivot. People swap industries, go freelance, step into a hybrid role, or combine skills in unexpected ways. Education that fits around work and life makes it much easier to adapt without blowing everything up. You don’t need to quit your job or disappear for years to move forward. Remember that careers are marathons, not sprints. Big leaps often come from small, consistent upgrades. Progress doesn’t always look flashy, but it does add up to big wins.

If your career is feeling a bit stuck, it’s not time to panic. You don’t need a dramatic reinvention, you just need momentum and intention with it, and a willingness to keep learning. The glow-up will always follow through!

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Feb3

New Year’s Resolutions Follow Up

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New Year’s Resolutions Follow Up

Hi! I like to make New Year’s Resolutions every year. They are never anything major, just small goals that I know I can achieve. So, rather, I like to make New Year’s Small Goals every year lol. We are a month into 2026 and I’m pleased to report that my goals have been going swimmingly. I might not meet each of the four tasks I set for myself every day, but I am definitely doing better than I did before and I’ll take it! Baby steps, baby. Let’s follow up and see where I’m at:

Replace Screen Time:

This is probably the most difficult Resolution I have because it’s all too easy to put on a show after work or scroll endlessly on my phone. Especially when the weather is freezing cold! I’m more lenient on myself for evening screen time but I think I have made some big improvements in the morning. Normally if I’m all done working in the AM and have time to kill, I’ll put the TV on and watch until I have to leave for my in person job. Now I’m spending more time scheduling posts far in advance on lifewithlilred, creating content for TikTok, and reading as much as I can of whatever book I’m tackling. It has made my mornings feel much more productive to do something I enjoy like content creating as opposed to just being done once my tasks are done. I might not be as committed to replacing my evening screen time but I think this is a good trade off. 🙂

Keep Moving:

When the weather is warm you can almost always catch me outside walking and hiking with my clients. It’s my favorite form of exercise and there is nothing like enjoying the great outdoors and feeling the sunshine on your face. Of course, being outside is a lot harder to do in single degree temps but I am making an effort. Even when it’s REALLY cold out, I am still bundling up to walk the family dog around the block. I have also been consistently going to the gym with my brother to put in some laps on the track. It isn’t the home workouts I intended on but that’s okay! I was able to modify my go to work out despite the weather and I feel great about that because it’s a lot more than I would normally do in the winter.

Mental Boost:

Engaging in more positive self talk was one of my goals and I think this is the one I’m doing the best at and I can tell! I have always had a hard time speaking kindly to myself and am my toughest critic by far. So, when negative thoughts begin to form I have been trying my best to redirect it. Rather than lament about going to work, I turn it around to that I’m going to have an excellent day. Or, perhaps something nice might happen and instead of questioning the motive or my worthiness, I shift it to “why not me?”. Thinking things that allow me to smile has made my work days go by quicker and I feel like I am enjoying myself way more than normal. A simple change of phrase has been most helpful and I am working hard to focus on maintaining more positive self talk. Soon, it will be second nature!

A New Job?!

I had a job interview in the middle of January and guess what?! Your girl is back in the social media management game and I could not be happier! I am so excited to be partnering with a local business and can’t wait to see what kind of fun we create together. We are still in the preliminary stages at the moment but be sure to keep checking in soon so you can take a look at the pages I’ll be revamping. Hurray!

After examining my New Year’s Resolutions closer, I can see that I’m doing a much better job than I thought and I can’t wait to keep improving more!

How are your New Year’s Resolutions going? Is there a small goal you are working towards? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan15

3 Things To Consider When Looking At Your Finances

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3 Things To Consider When Looking At Your Finances

When it comes to finances, we know that it can be hard to keep yourself on the straight and narrow. There are so many unknown elements to factor in. Will you get a raise at work? Will one of your kids need to go to the ER for stitches? What should you spend on and what should you save for? The answers to these questions are not black and white. In this article, we’re going to be taking a look at three of the things that we encourage you to consider:

Finances Won’t Stay The Same Forever:

We’re going to kick things off by saying that your finances are not going to stay the same forever. If you’re struggling financially at the moment and you’re finding it really hard to keep pushing forward, then you need to remember that the situation can improve. Things will get better, the tide will turn, and there will come a time when managing your finances doesn’t make you feel like tearing your hair out. If your budget isn’t stretching as far as you would like it to, or you feel as though you’re constantly behind where you should be, just remind yourself that it’s all temporary, and your time will come soon. For now, you just need to do your best.

Ensure Your Taxes Are Done Correctly:

Another thing that you’re going to need to do is make sure that your taxes are done correctly. Taxes are complex, and it’s always advisable to have an accountant on your side helping you with them. We understand that this seems counterproductive to some as you’re just adding another expense to your list, but it actually does help. This will ensure that you get all of the breaks and deductions that you are entitled to. It’s worth looking at an individual income tax service for yourself, seeing what is out there, and watching how much it benefits you. We’re not saying that you don’t need to know how to do your taxes though, as it’s still an important life skill, just that help is available.

Saving Is Your Best Friend:

The last thing that we want you to consider is that saving is your friend. Yes, it’s hard to save money, and yes, you may feel as though no matter what you can’t save. If that’s true, refer back to the first point that we mentioned and keep pushing forward. If you can save and you’re just choosing not to, that’s a whole other issue. Take a look into all of the options for saving, and see what you think would work best for you. At the end of the day, budgeting is a skill and you cannot improve if you don’t practice.

A new year is a brand new opportunity to better manage your finances. Get started with these tips!

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Dec26

My New Year’s Resolutions

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My New Year’s Resolutions

Howdy! 2026 is right around the corner? Are you ready for a brand new year? Have you made your resolutions and are they actually ones that you can keep? I have never been one to set extreme goals for the new year. Rather, I turn to small achievable tasks that are easy to keep while still making positive changes. What’s the point of a New Year’s Resolution if you’re going to bail out after one month! Here are my little goals for 2026 and maybe they will help inspire you too:

Replace Screen Time:

The past few months I have felt like I have been on my phone constantly and I don’t like it! Whether it is scrolling aimlessly on Facebook, playing on apps, or shooting off texts I have turned into a phoneaholic and now that I recognize it – I can do something about it! I plan on replacing at least some of my screen time with reading a chapter or two of a book instead. Rather than participate in brain rot, I can tuck into a good book and share even more Lil Red’s Book Clubs. Talk about a win/win and a simple but effective resolution!

Keep Moving:

It is SO easy to get home from work, sit down on the couch, and not move until bedtime. Especially in the frigid winter months! This has been my MO and I think it could benefit from some changes. I have no plans on sacrificing my TV time but modifying it because who says you have to watch it sitting down? Completing a small workout or even just walking in place while your shows play can boost your health and mood, increase your energy, and provide a better night’s sleep. This is a particularly positive improvement for me as I love to hike when it’s warm out but hibernate all winter long. Even fifteen or so minutes of movement after work can make a big difference and I can do it from the comfort and warmth of my home!

Mental Boost:

I am my toughest critic and I have always been that way. I find it difficult to speak to myself positively even when I know I am doing great and that is no way to live. Engaging in kind self talk is a goal that I really have to put my mind to literally and metaphorically because I’m just not used to it. However, I do need to pat myself on the back more often and that starts now. Instead of focusing on every little thing I might have done wrong, I need to remind myself that I did the best I could and that is good enough.

A New Job?!

I am potentially starting a new job in January and will obvi be filling all of you in on that as soon as I can. My biggest goal? To absolutely CRUSH it!! I have felt the desire for change for a while now and a fateful email opened up the potential for it. Just the thought of a brand new adventure is exciting and I am keeping my fingers and toes crossed. A new job is a totally different change of pace and all I can do is put my best foot forward and rock it. Hey, that sounds like positive self talk to me!

These New Year’s Resolutions may not seem like much but they are to me. These goals are meaningful because I know I need to work on them and I know that I will succeed! 🙂

Do you have any resolutions for 2026? What is a positive change you made recently? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah