Celebrating Our Spectacular Senses

As we age, we tend to try to seek out what is more important in life and put smaller issues aside. Although chocolate is near the top of my list as to ways to get through the trials and tribulations of life, so are companions that light your way and anything that evokes your senses in a positive way. As I approach my 45th birthday, I hope to let my senses, including intution, lead the way in the next phase of my life.

Who in your life do you enjoy being around? Savor old friendships but be open to new ones. Companions who ease a heavy heart with a kind word, reassuring smile, and hug are essential. The power of touch is undeniable – hold hands as often as you can! (OK - not with your boss - but I think you get the point.) Seek out others who light your path and keep them in your life. And when you get that feeling that you've known someone longer than you actually have - try to spend a bit more time with that person. They are most likely in your life for a reason.

Surround yourself with wonderful smells that evoke memories of good times. Hate your commute? Fill your car with a fantastic scent and listen to your favorite songs to soothe the soul and free the mind. Singing aloud to “Defying Gravity”, “Boogie Woogie Shoes”, and “Bohemian Rhapsody” can change a bad mood into good – I know – I’ve tried it. Use soap or anti-bac hand gels with scents that make you smile. Heck - I even brought my favorite yummy smelling soap to the bathroom at work to relax me when taking a break. Consider a calming scent like lavender vanilla to spray on your bed sheets to ensure sweet dreams throughout the night.

Explore sights that inspire and make you think – stop to look at a sunset or sky filled with stars. If you’ve always wanted to see the Eiffel Tower in person, start to save and plan for it. Even putting a few dollars aside each week can add up over time. Changing the backdrop is a great way to get out of a funk. Take a drive and open your mind to new possibilities – view your life from a different angle. Take a chance and go on a new adventure!

And that brings us to taste – savor the splendors that life has to offer. An apple from a local orchard, fresh baked bread, stinky cheese, a great glass of wine, and don’t even get me started on ice cream and chocolate. Looks like we always end back at where we started – chocolate. I think you’ve figured out how I’ll be celebrating my birthday this year!

September - the month that celebrates our organized Virgo friends, back to school and routine, and the beginning of autumn. We enjoy some wonderful cool and sunny days, trying to sneak in some late summer fun before the New England weather suggests otherwise. Here are some ideas to help ease back to school and work without feeling like you're giving up too much.

How about a canoe or kayak ride on the Ipswich River (Foote Brothers) or taking a hike to find a "treasure" stamp (letterboxing)? Go apple-picking and make a homemade pie. After homework is done, venture over to Richardson's at Jordan's Furniture in Reading, swing on the trapeeze, and try a back-to-school peanut butter and jelly frappe. There is still time to play skee-ball and enjoy a chop suey sandwich at the Salem Willows or visit a zoo to bring out the animal in you (Capron Park-especially great for little ones or Roger Williams). After sneaking a peek at the foliage, enjoy dinner in a jail cell at Margaritas restaurant in Concord, NH. Taking time to explore or try something new helps renew your spirit while getting you back into the swing of things. For more ideas and detail on what I just mentioned, click here to visit my recently updated webpage with over 200 ideas for things to do.

If your kids are having a hard time adjusting to school, spending time with them makes a difference. Eat dinner together. Go for a ride and chat along the way. When talking is not their thing, try one or two of the activities on the list to get you out and active together. Imagine your teen's face when you suggest going indoor skydiving together!

For tweens and teens who could use a boost to their self-confidence, I'm offering group workshops limited to just four participants at a time. In four 90-minute sessions, we'll discover talents and strengths, learn how to make and keep worthy friends, improve current relationships, and explore esteem-building activities. Days and times of the groups will depend on the participants' schedules. Contact me to learn more.

May your transition to fall be easier than you thought. Enjoy the crisp air and autumn colors, and be sure to take some time for you!