Some of us are better at multiplication than others.  There are some equations that have been etched in my mind (6x6=36) and many more that I still need to calculate.  

Small purchases at this time of year add up... the $5 purchases don't feel like much, until they add up to more than you were expecting to pay.

Here are some good numbers to etch (or re-etch) into your brain.

$15 x 4 = $60

$35 x 5 = $175 ($35 - $40 is a common price point for gifts)

$9 x 4 = $36

Having these multiples in your mind helps you make conscious choices in the moment - so there are no surprises at the register.

Have you noticed the trend that is happening this year with large retailers closing their doors?  In Oregon our state parks are waiving their entrance fees on Black Friday.  I am wondering if there is a deeper shift occurring.

If this holiday became less about consumerism, what would be gained?  What would be lost?

I will be posting throughout December about a more thoughtful approach to this holiday season.  Until then, take a moment to explore what comes up when you consider what this cultural shift might mean for you, personally? 

Like many of you, our family will be celebrating a day of giving thanks with (most of) our family and enjoying a bounty of delicious food.

With the swirl of global events I am reminded of the luxury that this is - and how hard it can be to reconcile the plenty we enjoy with the want of so many.  It feels more critical than ever to express gratitude for all that we have, and to find ways to extend this gratitude to those we love, and those we "know" only through media channels.  It is a small way that we can balance all that is challenged: in ourselves and in our global community.  

We are encouraged to give thanks.  That deserves a moment of reflection... in it is a gift, even if we are only expressing our own gratitude.  Yet, how delightful is it when we are thanked?  It is a gift.

Love more.  What you appreciate, appreciates.  Find gratitude in all things, particularly the hard things. These are the areas I am choosing to focus my...

If you scroll down this page you will likely take note of the LACK of posting here!  Part of me squirms and cringes when I see how very neglected this aspect has been (January was my last post... oh my!).  Another part of me has to acknowledge that it just hasn't been a focus - despite my desire for it to be.  I focus on my clients (and family) first, the 'business' aspect second, and the rest a distant third.  I would not be in integrity with my values if I wasn't gentle with myself about it.  But gentleness doesn't mean that there isn't a desire for new action, and I can feel a new routine emerging already.

I am delighted that this new site draws me to be more involved in it.  I look forward to finding my voice here, sharing tips and thoughts (because I do secretly crave a space to do that...).  

So, thank you for your patience...check back in, I hope that when you do there will be more here for you to read!

January…the days at the beginning of the year hold such optimism, possibility and excitement about the year ahead.  Towards the end of January, the reality of our daily lives return – the weather is grey and cold, the trees are bare and we wonder how we so quickly were swept back into old routines.  Our progress feels lethargic in relation to our recent ambitions.

I find that taking small actions during these times to be extremely satisfying.  Here are a few nearly free ideas to create forward momentum and keep your spirits up on these winter days –

• Treat your shoes to a little shoe polish – have you done this recently? It is really quite amazing – your tired shoes will instantly have new life. I had forgotten the magic of this little chore!

• Wash your windows – really. It is probably the single best activity you can do if you have the winter blues. There is nothing like the winter sun streaming through clean...

Even if you have planned, made lists, and started shopping for your loved ones already, there comes a moment during the whirlwind and heightened emotions of the holiday season when we find ourselves making impulsive, reactive, and unconscious spending choices. We are often swept up in the mood, and hectic pace of the season and can easily loose our bearings.

To help ground you and ensure that you are making mindful choices, run the following assessment when considering the purchase of a gift. If the questions cannot be answered on the spot, it is important to pause, put the item on hold, possibly leave the store, and give yourself the time – and space – to come to a decision that feels right. You haven’t said no yet, you are simply exploring a new process of mindful spending!

Assessing a mindful GIFT

GENEROUS - Is this gift Generous in spirit? Thoughtful giving is a true art. The amount spent does not reflect your generosity by itself.

INTENTION...

Investing in stocks, bonds, 401ks, IRAs, and other avenues is extremely important for long term financial health.  When we contribute to these accounts we have assurance that our money will grow and be there to support us when we need it most.  It requires patience, and more importantly, foresight and intention when there are many immediate ways to spend our money.

I  had the incredible fortune of traveling to the Redwoods with my family this past month.  We hiked below these giant old growth trees and I was struck with gratitude for those who had the foresight to preserve what remained of those old growth trees so that we, and millions of others, could be surrounded in a wild and magical forest that could easily have disappeared years ago.

My children are rapidly growing.  There are many, many things pulling all of us in a myriad of directions: self-employment, friends, activities, school, commitments, and household upkeep.  It is a tremendous amount...