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The Power of Music

You've seen posts from me before about music and the important role I believe it plays in our mental health. Music has the power to inspire, motivate, support, nurture, to allow emotion like nothing else can and yes, to make life bearable and hopeful.

Shawshank Redemption for the first time. The movie is about sustaining hope in the most brutal of circumstances. There is a scene in which music suddenly enters the bleak environment of the prison. This video runs about a minute and a half too long, but those first five... My favorite part is when Andy turns the volume up.

Congratulations! You Got Engaged!

The holidays are a prime 'getting engaged' season.  Love and hope are are in  the air. A beautiful ring makes the ultimate gift. Decorations and bright lights provide a perfect backdrop. Friends and relatives are conveniently gathered so that making the big announcement and showing off the ring can be done with maximum effect.

Besides, it's romantic!

Now the wedding plans are under way but what about the marriage plans? How can you two give your life together the best foundation possible? 

In the next six months, from now until June, I will periodically post tidbits to help you prepare for your marriage adventure. A sampling of topics to come:

• Make your arguments work for you not against you.
  
• Money. How to merge your economic styles.
  
• Sex. Is it working for you?
  
• The In-laws. Supportive or toxic? How to handle both.
• Your place or his? How to build you love nest.
  
• Get the wedding you want without having someone hate you.

Bringing two lives together has it's challenges. I want to help you be ready to meet them and make them work for you. There will also be links to helpful resources and services, like my pre-marital coaching program. My hope is to help you have a great start to your life together with confidence and style! 

Please leave a comment or suggestion.

New Year's Resolutions and Self-Esteem*

Resolution |noun|  1. a firm decision to do or not do something.

I am not a big fan of New Year's resolutions. My self-esteem doesn't allow it. The word 'firm' in the definition doesn't help. If the definition said something like 'a wishy washy decision to do or not do something' I'd be set. I can do that. No problem.

Last year I resolved to wear bolder colors.

So what am I wearing right now? Faded jeans, a black turtle neck sweater and a grey fleece vest. Oh, and black slippers. Yeah. My bad.

Still colors are always a good idea and I kept it in mind the few times I went clothes shopping last year. It just wasn't a good resolution. Building a new wardrobe takes time, unless you're invited to be a fashion victim on What Not To Wear (My secret dream. Hear that, Clinton?). There is still a closet full of neutrals to deal with which I can't afford to totally pitch. Besides, I love my fleecy grey vest.

Anyway...the point is...for my self-esteem's sake I look at resolutions more as guidelines.