First30Days - New Directions

Easy Spirituality

2008-12-03T11:49:55Z

One of the most "spiritual" interactions I've experienced came during a drive with my then four-year-old godchild, Chloe. I was complaining about the gloomy day, and I said to her, "Rain is so yucky, huh?" And she said, so wisely, "Yeah, but it's what makes the flowers grow."

Whoa! I never thought of it that way. She sure did make me look at the icky rain a bit differently. I can't help but smile every time I start to whine about the rain. Chloe had unknowingly enlightened me in such a huge way.

Many people define spirituality as some sort of transcendence, a divine intervention by a higher power. There is a certain mysticism to the whole concept—something that seems unobtainable. But history shows that enough attention paid to spirituality means you just might achieve a soulful way of living.

Spiritual teacher Andrew Cohen prefers a new definition of the meaning of spirituality. He says the way to spiritual enlightenment is, instead, achieved when people begin to interact with the modern world. It's an interesting concept, and one that Cohen practices on a daily basis. He is a musician, speaker, founder of the nonprofit EnlightenNext and the editor EnlightenNext magazine.

In an interview with Common Ground magazine, Cohen suggests people participate in the greater movement toward achieving spirituality—an ever-changing process—rather than focus on achieving simply peace of mind. For example, Cohen says that he encourages people to view their day-to-day interactions from a "higher perspective." This means that a simple situation, like a conversation with a child, may also be an opportunity for enlightenment.

I am curious: What recent everyday experience has helped you achieve a higher level of spirituality?

—Caroline Shannon

Why Do You Love Change?

2008-12-03T11:11:49Z

We tend to get a little wistful and nostalgic this time of year, thinking back on what's been. That's the great thing about change, as we see it—you can look back and really think about how far you've come! For some of us, it's been a rough one. There have been changes to relationships, unexpected moves, losses of loved ones and career challenges galore. But rather than dwell on what scares us, let's look at the upside. It certainly makes change easier when you try to regard it positively!

What do you love about change? Is it the way it reveals a strength you didn't know you had? Is it the fun of an unexpected adventure? Tell us what change brings into your life that's good, real, strong and true. We'd love to hear all about it...and we promise to share a little more of our own positive experiences with you, too!

The Price of Going Green

2008-12-02T09:59:30Z

Going green is a worthwhile effort, but changing your lifestyle requires just that—effort. The way you heat and cool your home, serve up dinner, do the laundry and clothe your family all take time and money.

In Britain, Rebecca Neysari and her family jumped right into the green movement, swapping higher heat for a warm sweater, putting foil behind the radiators and more. She even traded her conventional washing machine for a Hotpoint energy-efficient unit. All these changes resulted in a 53% decrease in their energy consumption. Wow!

The catch? She didn't pay a dime for these changes. Thanks to a gift of 8,000 pounds ($12,340) worth of home improvements from British Gas, decreasing the family’s energy consumption was a breeze.

Neysari is honest: She says that if her family was not given the equipment to go green, like a solar thermal water heater or loft insulation, then they wouldn’t have been able to afford the changes.

Going green does not always have to be pricey. In fact, Neysari’s husband said one of the most important things they do is just “turn things off we’re not using.” Not a bad idea, considering that unplugging unused phone chargers and shutting down computers can slash energy consumption with a literal flick of a switch.

We want to know: What price would you pay to go green? What would be the first three changes you would make if you had an endless budget? [Reuters]

Say "Om" to Cure Disease

2008-11-28T09:43:57Z

Meditation may be your way of nixing stress or easing a bit of anxiety. But for some people, meditating is the key to helping them ease the effects of various diseases. The breath, visualization and blissed-out feeling of meditation are reasons enough to adopt the Zen-like habit.

But some people are also leaning on the practice to help ease painful disorders like fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue. Both of the ailments are known to lead to pain, fatigue, and even depression. The good news? Meditation is known to help ease such symptoms. And the proof is in the numbers: 51% of 77 fibromyalgia patients reported a moderate to considerable improvement in their symptoms.

Finding a meditative state is a way for someone to find a spiritual connection, whether it is with the universe, God, or your own core self. However, meditation is not all about deep breathing, although that is one of the factors. Many forms of the exercise also use visualization, the repetition of a mantra and peaceful sound meditation, like playing specific music.

Your gain? Meditation can make you more relaxed, clear-minded and peaceful. The emotional benefits include decreased depression, less stress and anxiety, increased energy, and fewer mood swings. When it comes to the physical benefits, you'll notice a reduced heart rate, lower blood pressure, better sleep and a more stable immune system. All of these factors make chronic disorders a bit less painful.

Experts say all it takes is 20 minutes a day to start noticing the effects of meditation.

We want to know: How has meditation helped to make your life more manageable?

Holidays and Transition

2008-11-26T13:15:14Z

For a lot of people, this is anything but the most wonderful time of year. Those of us in periods of transition—even positive ones—are especially susceptible to the feelings of loneliness, frustration, depression and the stress the holidays can elicit. From our friends at The Frisky, a few of life's biggest slaps in the face, and tips for surviving the holidays if you're faced with one or more of them:

You’re recently unemployed.
The national unemployment rate in the U.S. is the highest it’s been in over 14 years, which means you’re far from alone. Take comfort this season in favorite holiday traditions that don’t cost much. When it comes to holiday gifts, agree on a spending cap with your friends and family and consider making gifts this year (Do you knit? Make a few scarves! Mixed CDs, baked goods, a thoughtful photo album, or even a heartfelt letter are other great options).

It’s your first holiday season with a new partner.
Whether you’re stressed about meeting his family for the first time or concerned about an appropriate gift, it’s important to remember that this is a great time of year to have someone special to share it with. To avoid awkwardness when meeting a significant other’s family for the first time this holiday season, ask about appropriate attire (you don’t want to show up in a party dress if everyone in his family is in jeans and NASCAR sweatshirts). Also inquire about anything unique you should be prepared for (like a cousin with a Tourette’s Syndrome who’s likely to twitch through the meal), and whether there are any topics you should avoid with certain family members. For bonus points, bring a dish and a small gift for the hostess.

You’re pregnant.
While it’s a wonderful, exciting time for you, your pregnancy may add more stress to an already overwhelming time of year—and you can’t even drink the eggnog to take the edge off! So be sure to give yourself some extra pampering this season: schedule a prenatal massage, treat yourself to a holiday manicure, and hit the salon for a kick-ass hairstyle to highlight how glowing and gorgeous you are.

You’ve recently lost a loved one.
There’s nothing like the holidays to make us miss the ones we’ve lost more than ever. If this is your first holiday season since losing a loved one, it’s especially important to do something to honor the person (or pet...they're loved too) who’s passed away. Bake his favorite cookie, make a donation to a charity in her name, and share favorite memories with others who were close. A great way to help deal with your grief is to do something for someone else in need, so consider volunteering at a shelter or soup kitchen or delivering meals to the elderly.

Finally, keep in mind that there are no rules or laws regarding the holidays. Social obligations aside, you decide what and how much you want to do this holiday season. Your loved ones are still going to be there for you even if you don’t have it in you to make their party this time. After all, it’s not as if the holidays are like the Olympics and only come around every four years (but wouldn’t that make things easier?).

Holiday Style is a Cinch!

2008-11-26T10:55:22Z

Sometimes changing your look requires a drastic overhaul, but a new you doesn't always have to mean major drama—or major cash. In lean economic times, you can make over an outfit for the holidays (or just everyday) with a new accessory, like a belt.

Yep, that's right: Those pencil thin belts that cinch the waist are all the rage this fall season, and it may just be the one accessory that can give your look the pinch of pizzazz it needs.

Fashion gurus say that skinny belts can also be the perfect accessory because of the extra layers that chillier weather can bring. Because you will more often be donning a coat or sweater, the ever-popular chunky belt should not be the accessory of choice.

Try adding a skinny belt to a jacket, dress, cardigan or blouse. These accessories can also be ideal for adding a flash of color to an otherwise blah outfit. Want to make your look – and your waist – look streamlined? Then make sure to wrap your belt around the natural inward curve of your waist, making your silhouette look totally sleek. If you are short-waisted, however, then you may want to try dropping the belt a bit lower to create a longer appearance.

And men, you obviously will not be wearing a skinny belt, but keep in mind that the right belt can always create a slimming effect for you too. Be sure to choose one that fits your waist just right and keeps you pants in place. You'll give your outfit a final touch or create a diversion from your cookie-and-eggnog-stuffed belly–no problem!

So...what accessories are you donning this year to jazz up old outfits?

*image via BrownGirlGumbo

The Best Cities for Jobs

2008-11-25T11:44:22Z

You've exhausted the possibilites where you are, and now you're looking to move to a new city to find that dream job. Have you considered a small town instead of a big city?

Careerbuilder.com says that job seekers on the move should look to the middle, as the following cities have the lowest unemployment rates:

1. Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Unemployment rate: 2.4%

Job growth: 2.1%

2. Rapid City, South Dakota

Unemployment rate: 2.5%

Job growth: 1%

3. Idaho Falls, Idaho

Unemployment rate: 2.5%

Job growth: N/A

4. Bismarck, North Dakota

Unemployment rate: 2.6%

Job growth: 2.2%

5. Houma, Louisiana

Unemployment rate: 2.7%

Job growth: 1.1%

6. Morgantown, West Virginia

Unemployment rate: 2.8%

Job growth: 1.8%

7. Logan, Utah

Unemployment rate: 2.8%

Job growth: N/A

8. Fargo, North Dakota

Unemployment rate: 2.9%

Job growth: 1.6%

9. Casper, Wyoming

Unemployment rate: 2.9%

Job growth: N/A

10. Billings, Montana

Unemployment rate: 3.0%

Job growth: 2.9%

They list 15 other options, all of which seem just as chilly, remote and uninspiring as these. But who knows? Maybe the quality of life in the Dakotas is better than we think it is, and life in a small town certainly isn't without its charms. Would you consider moving to one of these cities if there was a good job opportunity? Sound off in the comments...especially if you live in one of these places and can tell us if it's really like a Coen brothers film!

Easing Kids into a New School

2008-11-24T08:53:11Z

Getting set up in a new city is tough. And if you have kids along for the ride, you can bet they, too, are going to have a difficult time adjusting – especially in a new school.

Moving to a new city requires a complete adjustment. You have to locate a new favorite coffee spot, find the best grocery store with the lowest prices and learn the names of streets and highways just so you can get from point A to B.

But if you are bringing kids along to your new locale, then you are not the only one who has to make a few adjustments. One of the toughest changes will come when it is time to send your little ones off to school. A big move is scary enough for children, but a new school opens up a whole new realm of fears.

Here are a few ways to help ease your tots school woes:

*Take a trip to the new school. Before you send your child along on the big yellow bus, consider visiting the new school. Set up a meeting with school officials and take a tour of the school. Point out your child's classroom and even his or her desk so that it will feel more familiar when the first day rolls around. Another option is to visit fun spots, like the playground and identify of your child's favorite areas, such as the swings or slide.

*Send along something special. Some kids find comfort in keeping their favorite stuffed animal in their book bag, or finding a reassuring note from mom or dad in their lunchbox. These things may your child to feel more comfortable when confronted with unknown faces.

*Join a play group or club. Local children's groups can be the ideal setting for helping kids to meet new friends and adjust to new surroundings. You may also want to set up play dates with kids around your neighborhood. Identifying a familiar face will make going to school that much easier.

We're curious: What have you done to help your child adjust to a new school?

Stop Struggling!

2008-11-24T08:44:43Z

If change was lickety-split, no problem at all, then many more people would be exactly where they want to be in life, right?

But the truth is, change can be difficult. Sometimes, life gets in the way, but more often than not it's because you are afraid to make the next move. Yep, that's right: The road to change is often blocked by fear, meaning that you are what is keeping you from making a change for the better.

Well, you better stop that nonsense – it's time to get real and change your life for the better. Here are a few ways to get your ch-ch-ch-changes under way.

1. Go get your dream job – kind of. Consider getting a part time job that is connected to what you would like to be doing. Volunteer or intern at your dream company. You'll still be paying the bills with your day job, but gaining experience in a sought after field in the mean time. It's a win-win.

2. Get some friends. Like, the kind who will help make your transition a bit easier. Leaning on a buddy who knows what you are going through can be nice when the going gets tough. Pal up with a friend to lose weight together or ask an experienced friend to give you advice about a new job.

3. Set yourself up for failure. Not that you plan to fail...Instead, be prepared for a few letdowns. It's going to get tough sometimes. But if you're ready for it, you'll be able to dust yourself off and keep going.

4. Pat yourself on the back. As small accomplishments come along throughout your process, be sure to celebrate. Get yourself your favorite treat or buy that blouse you've been craving – you deserve it.

5. Get a grip. Pay your bills, get your health under control and organize your work space. Feeling like you are in better control of your life will help make your change easier.

We want to know: Who or what has helped make your life changes easier?

Sustainable Change

2008-11-20T10:11:44Z

“I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do.”-Helen Keller

If we're going to pick up a mantra around going green, this one might be it. It sums up our philosophy about this change pretty nicely...you, the individual, can do at least one thing to be more eco-friendly.

If you've ever felt overwhelmed by global warming, landfills brimming over with plastic or the challenge between eating locally vs. organically, welcome to the club. With green being more of a buzzword than a lifestyle sometimes, it's no wonder you'd rather just keep doing things the old way.

But as Ariane told CTN Green recently, going green really does start with small changes. The lighbulbs in your apartment. Drinking from a glass or portable, reuseable bottle instead of plastic bottles. Bringing a cloth bag to the grocery store. These are small, real steps that anyone can take, that don't cost an arm and a leg and that make lasting change. And if you want more to do, there's plenty! After you've finished our article in CTN Green, read the rest of the magazine and take a deeper look around the site. It's one of our new favorites that proves you can go green and still live the life you love.

Tell us how you're keeping up with caring for the earth, especially during the holiday season. Are you giving eco-friendly gifts? Traveling less? Foregoing wrapping paper (or at least recycling)? We want to know!

Thirty, Flirty and Thriving

2008-11-19T12:49:48Z

Believe it or not, life doesn’t magically come into focus the second that you’re no longer 20-something. Creating the life you want in your 30’s takes work. To make change a little easier as you head into the next decade of your life, follow this month-long plan from The Frisky's Wendy Atterberry (a First30Days expert, b-t-dubs):

Day 1: Celebrate
It’s your birthday! Celebrate the way you want — go away for the weekend, have a big blow-out with all your friends, or share a bottle of champagne over an intimate dinner with your sweetie.

Days 2 - 7: Indulge a Little
You’ll quickly discover that hangovers are far worse in your 30’s than they ever were in your 20’s. So get in the habit of downing a glass of water for every alcoholic beverage you drink. In the meantime, to cope with any anti-climactic, post-birthday blues you may have during the first week of your 30’s, schedule an indulgence or two. Get a massage, treat yourself to a facial, buy yourself a late birthday gift (preferably something sexy and fun).

Days 8 - 15: Set Goals
In the second week of your 30’s, take the time to sit down and write your goals for this new decade...it’s time to get serious about making the mark you want to leave on the world and create the life you’ve always dreamed of. Be specific about your goals and write them in the positive (“I will,” instead of “I want” or “I might”).

Days 16 - 23: Get a Physical
As awesome as it is to be 30, your body is aging. Risks for a number or diseases and ailments increase dramatically in your 30’s, so schedule a physical with your doctor this week and discuss what you need to know about your body and how to keep it as healthy as you can for as long as possible.

Days 24 - 26: Create a New Beauty Routine
Skin care should be a big concern in your 30’s. If you aren’t already, be sure to wear sunscreen every single day (even in the winter!), and remember that moisturizer is key to keeping aging skin supple and smooth. The skin around your eyes is getting especially sensitive; invest in a good eye cream and apply it every day.

Days 27 - 29: Create a New Fitness Routine
If you aren’t exercising at least three to five times a week in your 30’s, your body’s going to suffer. It’s one of the cruel facts of life that as our world expands, so do our asses. If the thought of going to a gym sends you reeling, sign up for some fun classes designed to keep you flexible and in shape while you blow off some steam.

Day 30: Have Some Fun
It’s been a month since you turned 30, and if you’re like most women, you’re realizing this decade is going to be so much better than the last one. Besides having more financial and career stability, you’re a sexier, more confident, determined version of your 20-something self. Go out and have some fun today! You’ve earned it.

Pop on over to their site and share your experiences—what did turning 30 do for you? How did you handle it?

Green-i-licious Face

2008-11-18T11:12:28Z

Waking up to an unsightly blemish smack-dab in the middle of your nose can be a bummer, especially when you have that hot date tonight, right? But treating it with harsh, chemical-laden pimple products can also be a pity for your skin. That’s because traditional products are whipped up with yucky stuff, like parabens, which can actually do more harm than good to your skin.

The Earth doesn’t like them either. You might think that your face products only stay on your face, but those ingredients make their way to the environment, too. According to Ideal Bite, the cosmetics industry has only tested for safety about 11% of the more than 10,000 ingredients that are used in your personal care products.

That said, you might want to take some advice from Michael Pollan, author of In Defense of Food, who says "If you can't say it, don't eat it." In this case, if you can't say it, don't put it on your face. Can you say hydroxyethylcellulose or ethoxydiglycol? We didn’t think so, but those are just two of the ingredients in the ever-popular ProActiv acne treatment system.

Here are a few face- and eco-friendly options to try instead:

* Daniel Kern Starter Kit: Think of it as ProActiv minus the parabens.

* Desert Essence Green Tea Facial Cleansing Pads: Made with pure essential oils and natural botanical extracts.

* Burt’s Bees Herbal Blemish Stick: The ten natural herbal ingredients will make your face totally buzz-worthy.

We want to know: What natural cure do you have for your worst facial woes?

Finding Compassion in Religion

2008-11-18T10:56:52Z

It would be nice to think that all religious matters were peaceful and holy. But take a look at the news or slip into any religious culture, and you will sometime find a bit of small-mindedness. That’s because, according to experts, religion has a history of intolerance. But the promising factor is that every religion also has built-in principles for defeating intolerance.

In a new effort called “The Charter for Compassion,” religious leaders and followers of all sorts are joining together to help people tap into those principles and build a more peaceful global community. The charter even released a video to help explain their purpose.

“Compassion is at the heart of every religion,” says one speaker on the video. “And religion, when it’s done in a healthy way, should enhance that.”

The premise of this movement is to follow the Golden Rule—do unto others as you wish to see done unto yourself. Following such ways of living will in turn help anyone to live more spiritually.

We want to know: How have you learned to find compassion within your religion? Do you live by the Golden Rule?

The Happiness Paradox

2008-11-04T14:16:21Z

No matter how hard you try, putting a smile on your face can feel like a bit of an impossible feat. Your job has got you down, life has thrown in a few wrenches and all you want is a darn burrito but your favorite joint is closed.

Gretchen Rubin at "The Happiness Project," says being happier is a process full of perfect contradictions.

For example, Rubin subscribes to the idea that you should learn to stop taking yourself so seriously, but also take yourself seriously. At first, you might be saying, "Umm … huh?" Think about it. Perhaps it is possible to find a happy medium between being a Serious Sally and a Reckless Reba. Discover it and you will find happiness, or at least that's what Rubin says.

Here are a few others:

1. Get organized, but also keep that junk drawer. Cleanliness really is next to happiness, but sometimes a little organized chaos can take some of the stress out of always being orderly.

2. Be efficient, but take time to laugh, play and relax. That's because efficiency is key to getting things done, but if that's all you are ever doing, then you will miss out on opportunities to enjoy life which leads to happiness. Duh!

3. Think about yourself, so you can forget about yourself. If you don't take a little time to focus on you, then all of those feeling will just keep nagging at you.

It might seem like a far-fetched notion, but these small changes can make some of the big problems in your life seem a lot more manageable. Rubin also says that you should "Accept yourself, but expect more of yourself" in order to constantly find new happiness.

What little changes do you make when you need to get happy?

A Happy (Organized) Ending

2008-10-31T14:51:25Z

It doesn't matter if you only have a few books on hand or your own little personal library—your favorite reads can go from legendary to clutter in no time flat. Here are a few ways to help your books go from one big mess to happily ever after.

* You only have a few books. You like to read, but you only keep a few of your favorites on hand. You're in luck because you have an opportunity to pair your tried-and-true pieces of literature with some of your best keepsakes. Try holding a couple novels in place with a family photo or lay two books flat on a high shelf and place a pretty tea cup on top. Mix books and attractive pieces on the shelf, or try painting the insides of the shelf a contrasting color. These are great ways to make the most of a sometimes-blah piece of furniture.

* You like to mix books and other media. You are a book lover AND a DVD guru. Take your collections and blend them together on the shelf, but keep things organized (and fashionable, too). Put stuff that isn't so pretty—wires and USB hookups—in pretty boxes and make sure the stuff you use more often is readily accessible. It's nice to sort CDs by genre, or devote one shelf to a mix of your timeless books and DVD collection.

* You always dreamed of being a librarian. Admit it, you fantasize about spending an entire night in Barnes & Noble all by yourself. That doesn't mean your rampant love for literature has to be in chaos. Take a mix and match approach—think antique novels interspersed with new ones—or categorize books by subject. Learn to break the line by sprinkling in a few bookends or framed photos. The monotony of book after book can be bo-ring.

We want to know: What's book can you not live without? [Real Simple]

Be My Pal

2008-10-29T15:24:58Z

You're unpacked, your new place is set and you finally figured out the quickest ways to get around your new neighborhood.

Now you're yearning to bond with new friends. It's a weird concept when you consider the fact that the last time you might have felt this nervous about making friends was in grade school. Still, there are a few ways to ease into it. Here are some to get you started.

*Take Fido for a walk. Getting out and about with your pooch is a great way to meet new folks. Not only will the animal lovers flock to meet your furry friend, but it will also give you an opportunity to introduce yourself and chat for a bit.

*Sign up for a class or group. Name your passion and there's bound to be a group for it. Running, cooking, reading—whatever you pleasure is, getting together with other people who share your hobby is a fabulous way to make instant friends.

*Say yes! You may want to spend time setting up your home or you may just naturally be a homebody, but when you are in new city it is imperative that you accept invitations. Join coworkers for dinner or attend the neighborhood barbeque. You will be glad you did when you walk away with some new pals.

The bottom line is that it's tough to be the new guy or gal, but the good news is that most people have been in your situation at some point in their lives. Be confident, put your best smile on and say, "Hi!" You'll be glad you did.

We want to know: What are your tips for making new friends?

Do You Believe In Ghosts?

2008-10-29T15:23:38Z

Some call them ghosts, others call them spirits. With Halloween coming up on Friday and the popular Dia de los Muertos celebration in Mexico over the weekend, surely the thought of coming into contact with a spirit has crossed your mind.

A recent Associated Press poll found that nearly one-third of American believe in ghosts, but not necessarily of the Casper variety. Many believe that these are spirits or souls with unfinished business or a message to pass on, and many believe that coming into contact with these phantasms can be a great spiritual experience.

Though there is no resesarch to prove the existence of ghosts, the stories of haunted houses and visions of lost loved ones persist. Of course, we here at First30Days don't assume to have all the answers, but we are curious to hear other people's experience.

Have you come into contact with a ghost or a spirit? Did it affect your spirituality in any way?

Buzzing with Spirit

2008-10-22T15:43:20Z

Author Sue Monk Kidd's The Secret Life of Bees hit the big screen this past weekend, leading fans to rush to the box office to see the novel brought to life. The story calls on 14-year-old Lily Owens, played by Dakota Fanning, and her housekeeper, Rosaleen, to tell readers about their journey to uncover mysteries linked to Lily's mother before she was accidentally killed.

The women end up at a home inhabited by beekeepers known as the Boatwright sisters. The characters are played by Queen Latifah (August), Sophie Okonedo (May) and Alicia Keys (June). Here, Lily discovers the love for which she has been looking, and within that the reader learns several lessons from her and those of the Boatwright sisters.

Some readers have claimed The Secret Life of Bees is a spiritual experience. This assumption would not be too far-fetched, seeing as how Kidd is known for a spiritually based novels and writings in publications, such as Guideposts. In addition, the Boatwright sisters are known for regularly praying to the Virgin Mary, a black Madonna that is repeatedly featured throughout the story. Other readers and Bees admirers simply view the story as a well-written novel.

We want to know: Has a book or movie ever helped you to discover your spirituality? If so, which one and why? [Spirituality and Practice]

It's 10:04 PM

2008-10-22T10:39:57Z

We recently read that 10:04 pm is the time when your brain is at it's most creative. [Ed note: this explains so much about why our mornings are so unproductive and fueled only by coffee.]

While the article didn't tell us who came up with this magical survey, we did read what seemed like some very interesting facts—namely, that the least creative time of day is 4:33 pm (so precise!), and that most people tend to stay up late in order to be creative.

And how do we get the ideas flowing? The shower is popular, as is writing down ideas immediately. We're for both of those, though an informal office poll says going for a run, taking a nap and having a brainstorm or changing the scenery work too.

What do you think? And more important, what were you thinking at 10:04 last night? Tell us when you're at your most creative and how it affects your mood throughout the day.

Inside Out

2008-10-20T10:38:05Z

There are ways to let go of what you've been taught and bring your best self forward. Don't believe us? Just look at all the makeover shows out there!

Seriously, though...if you've been visiting us for any amount of time, you know that we believe that there are things that hold us back from making sincere and lasting change. That includes changes that might seem "frivolous" like changing your look! But it's not all about new clothes or a haircut. Transforming the way you present yourself is really about choosing to believe that you deserve to look and feel your best.

Ariane recently shared her thoughts on transformation with Teri Hausman on the Beauty Now podcast. During their chat, they spoke about everything from what happens when we are forced to change to how to let go of the fears surrounding change. Beauty, she says, isn't about what's on the outside. Changing your look "is beauty from the inside out. It’s about aligning yourself on the inside with your outer world. It’s about radiating who you are. It’s about not connecting into the fear, the blame. It’s about showing optimism. It’s about knowing when you are connected to other people."

Is this how you feel about the way you look? Take a listen to the rest of the podcast and then let us know what changes you'd like to make.

Drive a Hard Bargain

2008-10-17T13:38:54Z

Breaking news! The economy completely stinks right now. It’s nothing new, and neither is the fact that Americans across the nation are fearful of losing money, whether it is in the stock market, on their home or in their retirement plans. If you are moving to a new city and have yet to close on a house, apartment or posh condo there are a few things you need to consider before signing that contract.

The number one thing to do? Play hardball. Now is the time when you need to call on your best negotiating skills and drive that price down a bit. Think it’s impossible? Not so, say housing specialists. In fact, one couple who was purchasing a New York City condo for $2.65 million was able to bargain for the sellers to pay the $20,000 assessment that was required to replace windows. Analysts say a year ago the sellers may have refused, but today committed buyers are hard to come across and experts say, “Take the money and run.”

Don't be afraid to drive that hard bargain. Ask a seller to pay a portion of closing costs or negotiate that price until it fits your budget. You may also want to see if they will throw something in for free, like a dishwasher, refrigerator, washer or dryer. If you are too timid, take a friend with you who will have your back. You’ll be glad you have someone to lean on for bargaining support.

We’re curious: What’s the best item you ever bargained for? [New York Magazine]

TED Prize Winners Announced

2008-10-16T12:18:31Z

What if you could be granted one wish to change the world? The TED (Technology, Education and Design) Conference does just that...the TED prize is awarded annually to three exceptional individuals who each receive $100,000 and the granting of “One Wish to Change the World.” After several months of preparation, they unveil their wish at an award ceremony held during the TED Conference. These wishes have led to collaborative initiatives with far-reaching impact.

This year's winners are Jill Tarter, the woman leading the world's search for extra-terrestrial life; Sylvia Earle, the deep-sea explorer who's spent her life campaigning for the oceans; and Jose Abreu, the maestro who's transformed the lives of tens of thousands of kids through classical music.

If you had one wish to change the world, what would it be?

Poverty Is a State of Mind

2008-10-16T11:36:23Z

If you watched last night's final presidential debate, you heard both candidates speak to the fact that we are in the hardest economic time since the Depression. It's got many of us—and you—worried about finances and the future. For those who were already barely getting by, things are devastating. For those who are used to being moderately comfortable, preparing for a less cushy lifestyle is a challenge.

Either way, there's something to be learned from bloggers around the web today, who are putting up posts in support of Blog Action Day. Today thousands of bloggers will unite to discuss a single issue-poverty. They aim to raise awareness, initiate action and to shake the web! Sounds like a plan to us...

Poverty is a very real and critical issue facing people globally. As Americans, we cannot ignore the fact that there are those right here at home who can't afford the basics of food and shelter. Then we must grapple with the fact that our basics and basics in other countries aren't quite the same thing. A family of six living in a trash dump in the middle of Managua, Nicaragua, is happy just to have a little lean-to for shelter and one meal a day. We'd never expect people here to live that way.

Today, we can recognize the need to eradicate poverty, while remembering to be happy for what we do have instead of wailing about what we don't have. Yes, times are hard. For some, times are unbearable. But the majority of us are doing alright, even if we're living paycheck to paycheck or collecting unemployment. Things could always be worse.

Poverty is described as the state of being extremely poor, but it's also the state of being "insufficient in amount." You may or may not be living in financial poverty...but what about your state of happiness? Are you insufficient in amount when it comes to the way you view your life and the world? If so, maybe today is the day to challenge that state. What do you think?

Rock the Youth Vote

2008-10-16T11:26:28Z

At Manhattan’s Hunter Science High School, teacher Kevin Froner is showing his students that change is possible, no matter what your age is.

He started the Youth Vote Project, an organization aimed at getting every high school senior in the country registered to vote. His students called every high school in a number of swing states across the country to get all their 18-year-olds registered. “Student voter registration is so critical,” Froner says. “A vote equals a voice, which is why I started the Youth Vote Project—I want every young person to have a voice.”

Knowing that the youth vote could be a big decider in this election, Froner and his students have now turned to YouTube to remind kids that just because they’re registered doesn’t mean their work is over! They created this video, titled “Why Vote?” and hope to get it out to millions across the country.

But this video is just the first step, Froner says. “The long-term goals are a country fully registered and voting and a government that truly represents the people.”

Take a look at the video and let us know what you think!

New City, Same Stuff

2008-10-14T16:19:55Z

As you're considering relocation, how are you going about figuring out whether a city is right for you? You could ask friends and family for advice, visit the city, or just wing it. Or, you could visit Neighborhoods.Homethinking.com and compare your current location with a few others.

Just type in the name of the city in which you live and the one you're considering. The site will then give you a listing of neighborhoods in your city alongside neighborhoods in the prospective city that are similar. We tried it with Brooklyn and Washington DC, and the results were fairly spot-on.

The drawback is that the site doesn't account for all cities. We didn't see Dallas, Houston, Austin (what...you don't like Texas? Or is it because it's a whole other country?) No Kansas City or Indianapolis either. Strangely, Naples is a choice...

Would you use a service like this to choose a new neighborhood when moving to a new city? And are you looking for something just like what you're leaving, or does a move mean a total change of lifestyle for you?

Ten Ways to Handle Change

2008-10-14T16:06:37Z

Everyone experiences change — it may be a job change, relationship change, health change, or a change you've initiated that suddenly seems daunting. If you find change difficult, you're not alone. Many people think change is hard. But it's possible for the change you're going through to be easier, smoother, and less stressful — you can find the positive in transitions and learn to love your life more... you can become a Change Optimist. Site founder Ariane de Bonvoisin tells you how:

1. Remember That Change Happens to Us All
Change happens every day, to everyone; it's the one constant in life, the thing that connects us all. And whether life has thrown a change at you or you've sought one out, it's natural to find it difficult.

But I believe change is positive, that anyone can change (you're never too old or too young), and there are always ways to make change easier. It's time to learn one of life's most important skills: how to navigate change!

2. From Every Change, Something Good Will Come
People who are good at change always focus on the positive that will inevitably come from any transition. The gift that comes from change may not be related to what you're currently going through. For example, you may lose your job but find yourself in a rewarding new relationship that you wouldn't have had time to pursue.

Change may lead you to new people, help you develop a stronger faith and belief in yourself, give you new opportunities, or inspire you to live a healthier life. It's important to be on the lookout for good changes, and not necessarily where you expect to find them!

3. Your Beliefs About Change Are Your Foundation
What you think about change will have a direct effect on how easy or hard you find the process. If you believe that change is difficult and terrible, then you will probably have a difficult and terrible time. But if you believe that change exists to teach you something — to make you a better person and put you on a new path — the transition will not be so daunting. Identify your beliefs — what you think and say to yourself and others during change — and turn them around.

For example, if you are having financial trouble, you may think "I am incapable of managing money." Or if you're going through a difficult break-up, you may believe "I am unlovable." But you can trade these disempowering beliefs — and their accompanying negativity and complaining--for thoughts that will give you strength and hope.

4. Get 'Unstuck' with the Change GPS
Because of emotions brought up by change, it's easy to get stuck in the past and to lose your ability to move forward. You may feel trapped by these Change Demons, but you can get unstuck by turning on your Change GPS! A GPS navigator only asks two questions: "Where are you now?" and "Where do you want to go?" Your Change GPS helps you move through transitions by alerting you if you're off-course and encouraging you to focus on your final destination.

If you're hoping to lose weight, for example, be honest about where you stand today (how much you need to lose and the most realistic approach), then create a plan and stick to it. The GPS won't tell you what you did wrong yesterday or what you could have done differently; it simply keeps you moving along the path to your ultimate goal.

5. Turn to Your Change Support Team
It's normal to feel isolated during change. We often think what we are facing is so unique that no one else can help or understand us. But change is easier when you let other people in. Whatever the situation, there is always, always, someone who can help.

One of the quickest ways to embrace change and move through it is to surround yourself with a team of supportive people. They can be family, friends, clergy members, therapists, co-workers — or anyone else who might help you through a change. These people are there to listen, support, and encourage you. They believe you can change, they want you to change, and most importantly, they will keep you on a path of hope and optimism as you move through the transition.

6. Change Demons Are a Healthy Part of Change
Change Demons are disempowering feelings that arise during any change. These emotions — fear, doubt, impatience, shame, blame, and guilt — can wreak havoc with your self-esteem and destroy hope. But they also remind you how you don't want to feel during change so you can return to how you do want to feel.

When Change Demons visit, remember: 1) they are temporary; 2) they encourage you to make a choice — you can choose to feel better or worse than the emotion you are currently experiencing; and 3) they can be replaced with better, brighter emotions that will help you move through change with ease and grace. Faith, patience, endurance, and honesty are some positive emotions that can replace Change Demons.

7. Use Your Spiritual Strength
When everything is changing, it's important to find the part of yourself that doesn't change — your calm, centered, spiritual side, your higher self. It's the part that's connected to something greater and uses your intuition as a guide. You need to reconnect to it through prayer, meditation, nature, silence, or journaling... anything that helps you go back inside, where your true spirit and power reside.

While your lower self may slip into self-pity and hold grudges, your higher self doesn't allow you to become a victim, to blame someone else when things get difficult, or to get lost in anger. This side helps you shine in strength, compassion, and clarity. During change, make an effort to act from your higher self and ask: "What would the better, wiser, calmer part of me do or say or think right now?"

8. You Have a Change Muscle
Everyone is born with a will to survive, get better, and be happier — I call this the Change Muscle. It helps you accept the reality of your situation and find your center again. Every time you are faced with a change and move through it, you are activating that muscle. And once you flex it, it's strengthened for life — you can never lose all that you have gained from experience. Next time you're faced with transition, remember that your Change Muscle will give you the strength to get through it.

9. Accept Change
When change happens, you often look longingly back to what used to be. You don't like where the river of life seems to be taking you, so you cling to the rocks or row vigorously upstream — that's what makes change tough! Accept change by taking in your new circumstances without fighting, arguing, explaining, or asking "What if?" It may be difficult at first, but you will soon see that life will lead you through this change and into a place of greater happiness and peace.

Go in the direction that life is taking you. If it's a divorce, accept it; if it's a health diagnosis, accept it — only then can you focus on re-aligning yourself with a plan and an optimistic view that focuses on the future, not the past.

10. Take Action
People who are good at change stop talking and take positive action. Whether life has thrown you a change or you want to make a shift, get a journal and start writing down your feelings. Then make a plan that feels right and is realistic and hopeful. Next, start moving physically. Getting some form of exercise is an absolute must when going through change — don't forget the S.E.E.D of all change. (Sleep, Eat Well, Exercise, and Drink Water).

Doing something for someone else — helping a neighbor, calling a lonely friend, spending extra time with your child — will also help to keep you moving forward during change. You can also try something brand new — a new route home, a new class at the gym, a new restaurant, to get things flowing. During transitions it's also helpful to create a "wall of change" with images of what you want to shift and work towards.

Change is a natural part of life. From your birth, to your education, to starting and losing jobs, to falling in and out of love, change has been with you from the beginning. Who you are today is the sum of all the changes you've experienced — the fun ones and the difficult ones, the big ones and the small ones. Going forward, change doesn't have to be hard; you have access to tips and wisdom from others who have been there, as well as expert advice on making change easier that will help get you through any change.

Tap into Eco-Friendliness

2008-10-14T16:00:02Z

Tap water is not exactly a preferred beverage of choice. It often comes last on the list of offered beverages, after orange juice, soda, and even milk. Kind of like, "Oh, yeah, and we have tap water." (Insert wrinkled nose here.)

It turns out that water from the tap is just as safe as bottled water, and easier on the environment, too. After all, it's frequently tested for viruses, pesticides and icky chemicals. And when it comes to saving the Earth, drinking tap water helps cut back on the 2.5 million plastic bottles of water that Americans consume per hour.

Here are a few ways to make tap water work for you:

* Filters are your friend. If bare-naked tap water is not your cup of agua, then consider investing in a water filter, like a PUR water pitcher or hookup for the faucet. If you're unsure if your water filter is up to par, do some research at NSF International to check it out.

* Buy a reusable bottle. But avoid bottles made from hard plastic when making your purchase. They might contain bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical that is tied to several health conditions, including cancer and birth deformities. Purchase a BPA-free bottle or make the switch to a stainless steel sipper, like the ever-popular SIGG.

* Recycle, recycle, recycle! If you absolutely have to lean on a throw-away water bottle for your parched tongue, then at least toss the bottle in a recycling bin. According to experts, only about 12% of water bottles are recycled, with the rest finding a home in landfills or ocean waters.

If you are working on going green, then changing up your mode of water consumption is the way to go. It's a small change that can make a huge earthly difference. And if you are concerned about drinking from the tap, then consider checking out your city's water quality at the Environmental Protection Agency's site. That way you can feel safe about kicking back with some tasty tap water.

Are you a tap drinker or a bottled water devotee?

Zen-Like Tunes

2008-10-14T15:49:08Z

Whether you are a beginner meditation enthusiast or an experienced practitioner of the peaceful art, the right music can add just the right touch to take your routine to the next step.

Soothing tunes can help bring you into a deeper meditative state, in addition to helping you relax and stay calm. This can be especially helpful if you are new to meditation, and, if you are a pro, then tranquil music will only help to further your understanding of the mental discipline.

Here are a few melodies that you may want to add to your next meditation session:

* Living Meditation: Guided Meditations with David Harshada Wagner: These tracks will help guide you through meditation, step-by-step while listening to some deep, meditative music.

* The Secret Universal Mind Meditation: The music master, Kelly Howell, is known for her spiritual healing powers through music.

* The Soul of Healing Meditations: This album is compiled and narrated by New Age-guru Deepak Chopra. Enjoy his delicate voice and delicate Indian-inspired tones.

*Write Spirit: Download free meditation music at this site, including tunes from the popular British group Shindhu.

If you are feeling the meditative state of mind, but you're not peaceful with your budget, then consider using some tunes that you already own. Soft voices, like Sheryl Crow, Jewel and Enya will help you relax.

We want to know: What music do you rely on to prep you for practicing meditation?

Information Overload

2008-10-13T09:17:21Z

Around here, we talk alot about the things that affect people. We think about how an endless news cycle of gloom-and-doom changes the way we see the world and how it makes us feel about ourselves. As Ariane recently noted in her blog, when we are faced with times of crisis, our primary emotional patterns will come out even more strongly during the upheaval. So, angry people will become angrier, people who blame will blame even more, people who are full of fear will become more fearful. And people who are grateful will become more grateful, people who are focused on helping will find more ways to help.

Geting caught up in the 24-hour news cycle will exacerbate emotions, too. And it's easy, when watching a debate or a news program, to start talking back or yelling at the television (c'mon, you know you do it too.) And if you watch the news while you're getting ready for the day, and then refresh headlines all day at work, you're carrying the negative energy and tension with you.

Some of us have decided to stop watching the news in the morning, stop letting it pervade our every hour. It's not that we don't want to know what's happening in the world—but we want our mindsets to be positive going into the day! How about you—is the constant bad news getting you down? How are you coping with that, and do you think there's something to be said for making news less of a focus in your life? [New York Times]

Quick Fix for Tough Times

2008-10-10T13:19:21Z

When you think about changing your look, you might feel like it requires a dramatic haircut or a brand-spanking new outfit. But sometimes just a few small changes can make you feel like a million bucks. Shape magazine has a couple of great tips for how you can look great fast, without emptying your wallet.

1. Shape up those brows. The dreaded uni-brow or simply an untamed mess above your eyes could be adding years to your face. Try an at-home brow kit or lean on a professional for some shaping and waxing. You may also want to try a popular salon trend called "threading" which is known as a painless way to get rid of pesky hairs.

2. Moisturize, baby! A simple moisture mask can work wonders on a tired face. Let it sit on your face for five minutes and you'll be out the door and looking fresh in no time!

3. Brighten those pearly whites. A whitening boost to your chompers is what some dentists like to call "an instant face-lift." If laser whitening at a professional's office is out of your budget, try an DIY treatment, like Colgate Simply White which is about $15 at drugstores.

We want to know: What quick fix do you rely on to revitalize your look?

'Tis the Season

2008-10-10T13:18:20Z

Fall is upon us and with the autumnal season comes a load of yummy foods. We're talking pumpkin pie, apple cider and turkey with gravy. Seasonal foods are in their prime when they are at their peak, in terms of their harvest or flavor, during specific times of the year. This means that the foods will differ depending on the climate and geographical location in which it is grown. Add an organic label to these foods and you are eating food in its greenest and healthiest form.

The bonus for eating seasonal and local organic foods is twofold: The foods are healthier for you because you are eliminating pesticides and chemicals from your diet. Plus, the planet will be smiling down upon you because the emissions that are produced when shipping non-seasonal foods are severely polluting the air and clogging its precious earthly pores.

However, produce is not the only seasonal food. You will find that nuts, olive oil and even meat are seasonal. That's right, not all meats are available everywhere, year-round. For example, lamb is considered at its best during the fall season.

If you would like to see a complete guide to seasonal foods in your area, then check out Sustainable Table or the Natural Resources Defense Council's Eat Local program. You can also test out your seasonal food knowledge by taking this Green Guide quiz.

We want to know: If you could have one food be seasonal, local and organic year-round, what would it be? [Green Guide]

A Trashy Way to Go Green

2008-10-07T13:17:57Z

The fall season brings with it a beauteous array of autumnal colors, but, eventually, they meet their fate and fall to the ground. Once the neighborhood kids have their fun, you're the one left to clean up the mess. While it might seem that tidying up your yard is the best way to keep the planet tidy, you might not be doing the green thing after all.

Consider this for an eye-opener: Up to 50% of the waste we send to landfills is biodegradable and compostable. That means that instead of crowding the dump, you could be using your leaves to grow a tree or colorful spring flowers.

Instead of bagging your foliage, shred your leaves with a lawnmower or leaf shredder. Add some grass clippings (since they help leaves biodegrade more quickly), and you have yourself a recipe for growing trees, flowers and shrubs. Just spread mulch four to six inches deep around trees, and two to three inches around flowers and shrubs.

The bonus? Mulching with leaves will help keep garden water usage to a minimum by as much as 25%. It also pumps soil with nutrients and it helps control weeds by keeping sunlight at bay.

If you don’t have the pricey equipment to shred leaves, check out Earth 911 to locate a waste management facility that will pick them up curbside. Just enter your zip code and the word “compost.” [Ideal Bite]

Saving a Buck

2008-10-07T13:00:35Z

Moving to a new city is tough enough without having to think about spending a load of money to relocate. Some estimates say it can cost as much as $10,000 or more. When one Silicon Valley blogger moved from a four bedroom home into a new home that was only thirty minutes away, he had to spend $1,500 for one mover’s truck and two or three movers for the day. What happens if you move to a new state or country? Here are some tricks to help keep your moving costs to a minimum.

1. Make the boss pay. If you are moving for your job, find out if your employer is willing to pay the costs of your move.

2. Know your numbers. Understanding the cost of living in your new city is key to helping you know if you will be able to maintain your current standard of living. Check out this nifty calculator to see how much it will cost to live in your new locale.

3. Timing is everything. Just like a wedding or vacation, there are on- and off-seasons for moving. If you can move between October and April, then you will be more likely to get a discount on moving fees. Be sure to get quotes from several different companies and check out your movers with the local Better Business Bureau.

We’re curious: How were you able to keep your moving costs low? [The Digerati Life]

Making Goals Habits

2008-10-07T12:29:19Z

Some people make pursuing your dreams sound so easy. It does seem simple enough. After all, you have a goal, you are passionate and you set your mind to do it. What else is there to it?

A bit of an extra push might help. Top motivational experts say that shove might come from making your goals into habits. In fact, author Charles C. Noble once said, “First we make our habits, then our habits make us.”

When author Leo Babauta wrote his Ultimate Guide to Motivation, he found many people commenting on his idea that people should focus on one goal rather than many goals at a time. Babauta says that once he has really focused on a goal, he can put them on “autopilot,” meaning that the goal has become a habit, or something that he does on a regular basis without thinking.

For an example, when he started training for a marathon, he broke his goal down into two habits. First, he made running a daily habit. Second, he checked in with friends and family who would hold him accountable to sticking with his running habit.

Babauta says it took him about a month to set his running goals into place, but once he did his goal became his primary habit. Other goals were sent to the backburner, and he was able to complete a marathon. He says you can apply these principles to any goal, including debt reduction, weight loss and getting organized.

We want to know: Babauta recommends clearly writing down your goals, thinking about them, assigning actions to accomplish them, and so forth. What rules do you stick to in order to accomplish your goals? [Guideposts]

Walk This Way

2008-10-03T10:15:21Z

Everyone has his or her own definition of spirituality, but if you're still determining what it means to you, that's OK. Spiritual leader and best-selling author Marianne Williamson has said, "Everyone is on a spiritual path; most people just don't know it."

Changing your mindset on your spirituality to think of it as a journey and not a destination can be difficult, but there are ways you can help facilitate this journey. Here are a few suggestions to help you put your spirituality into practice, no matter what it is.

1. Forgive and forget. When you harbor a grudge, spiritual leaders say you also give refuge to toxic feelings like resentment. You don't have to let the person off the hook, but instead, stop passing judgment and let spirituality take over.

2. Say thank you! Make a habit of writing down three things you are grateful for. Then, count your blessings out loud. This helps you reflect and make them feel even more real.

3. It's better to give than receive. There may be no one better to lean on for this lesson than Mother Teresa. She wrote in her book, A Simple Path, "It is not how much you do but how much love you put into the doing and sharing with others that is important." Smile at someone who looks sad or bring your friend some flowers. It will make your heart soar.

4. Take a day off. You already work your bum off six days a week. Honor the Sabbath and take time to be at peace with your spirit.

Williamson says "Everywhere you go, there is a conversation about spirituality." Do you think people are more in tune now with their spirituality than ever before? [Discovery Health]

A Change Could Do You Good

2008-10-02T17:41:18Z

We're always trying something new here at First30Days! Here are two new elements in your profile that we bet you haven't noticed yet!

Cheer!
A new feature we added is the "cheer" ability. If you see someone who is going through a rough time and you'd like to show your support, you can give them a cheer and root them on! It's also a way to let someone know that you're thinking about them.

One of the best ways to get through a change is to gather support from friends and family, and as a member of First30Days you've now just gained thousands of supporters who want you to succeed!

Favorites
As a First30Days member, you have the ability to mark your favorite members on the site. You can even mark an expert as a favorite if you particularly like his or her advice.

COMING UP MONDAY: What is a Changing Booth?

Mercury Retrogrades

2008-10-01T17:34:37Z

To appreciate a Mercury Retrograde, one needs to recognize what it symbolizes astrologically. Mercury rules mental capacity, how the mind works, attitude, reason, body language (gestures), spoken and written communications, self-expression, and travel.

When Mercury is positive in a person’s birth (natal) horoscope, s/he can possess eloquence, literary ability, good memory, and a quick wit. When it is negative, there can be deceit, gossip, indecision, nervousness, and the inability to express oneself clearly. Mercury rules two signs, Gemini (nervous system, hands, arms, shoulders), and Virgo (intestines, spleen).

Energy is flowing inward instead of outward, so Mercury isn’t as efficient as it usually is. We need to help it by being more efficient in our own lives, and by not moving forward too impulsively. Astrologers believe that planets in retrograde are more powerful and more introspective in their natures. Mercury goes retrograde about 3 times per year on average and each time is retrograde for about 3 weeks. To get the most out of these retrogrades, it is important to be retrospective, nostalgic and forward-looking all at the same time.

Mercury Retrograde Suggestions for Positive Changes

Business Tips

Re-confirm all appointments you have made.
Leave telephone numbers where you can find them easily
Keep all sales slips in case you need to return an item.
Ask questions to clarify about the time, place and purpose of upcoming meetings.
Read the fine print on agreements and contracts.
Research facts and check the background material.
Go back over your records of the past few months and re-contact customers and clients who failed to respond, or give them information that was previously not available.
Edit and resubmit writing or proposals that were not previously accepted.
Back up all important files on your computer now.
Leave with extra time to get from one appointment to the next.
File all those papers on your desk.
Go over all past records to make sure they are in order.
Get your tax papers up to date.
Research. Go to the library or online to do any research that you have put aside
Be clear about what you need to say to your colleagues at work. Communications can be unclear during this time
If you are a salesperson, call old leads now, the ones you already spoke to before that didn't respond.
Keep a TO DO LIST on your desk where you can’t miss it. Write every day what you need to get done, especially anything from the past that is unfinished.

Personal Tips

Re-connect with yourself and others. Call that sibling or friend you haven’t spoken to in a long time.
Resolve issues that separate you from others. Words unspoken between you and someone else causes a separation.
Relax. If you haven’t taken time out for yourself, now is the time to do it. Pamper yourself. Refresh your mind and body.
Clean out your closets and get rid of whatever you never wear.
Clean out the drawers in the kitchen, your bureau, desk, etc.
Bottom line: Get rid of anything you no longer need. Use it or lose it!
Keep a notebook handy and write down information so you remember the details.
Examine your goals and re-evaluate future plans.
Restart a diet or exercise program that has been neglected.
Finish projects that have been hanging around for a long time.
Listen carefully to others, because you could misunderstand them. Many silly arguments can take place during this time. Don’t take it to heart. It will pass.

Travel Tips

Bring a map: Detours and traffic jams are possible.
Use carry-on luggage.
Check all safety equipment.
Check tire pressure and all fluid levels in your car.

Mercury Retrograde is about re-organization. Look around at your life, be honest and admit to yourself where you need to make changes and get organized. No procrastinating now! Once you are proactive, the results will manifest. Effort and determination are the keywords here. Re-Do whatever needs redoing in all areas of your life. Mercury gives you the time out to do this when it pushes everything back in time. It’s sort of like a time machine. Whatever you didn’t complete the first time, now you have a second chance to get it right! The big benefits begin to show up after Mercury has gone direct again. Check the dates below to know when to move back and when to move forward. It will make your life a lot easier.

MERCURY RETROGRADES IN THE FUTURE
2008…This is the final Mercury Retrograde for 2008: 9/24/08-10/15/08.
2009-2010…1/11/09—2/1/09; 5/7/09—5/30/09; 9/6/09—9/29/09; 12/26/09—1/15/2010.
Source: Kathryn Howard, www.allgoodthings.com, and Jeffrey Brock, www.jeffreybrock.com

Ch...Ch...Changes!!

2008-09-30T16:50:20Z

If you haven't already figured this out, we're all about change here at First30Days. And our tech team has been hard at work updating the site to make it an even better experience for you!

We figured we'd take some time this week to explain these new features to you. So for the next four days, we'll explore a new element to the site and ask you for your thoughts.

Your Profile
This is where our tech team really went to town! But of course, to see all these great changes you have to sign up!

Once you log in, you'll see a profile link on the top right of the page, just underneath our search bar. Consider this to be your new starting point at First30Days. Here, you can leave a status message letting everyone know how you're feeling about change (or anything else on your mind), and you can fill out your Changeography, or what we like to call your Change Resume.

Your change resume is your message to the world about the changes you've experienced and the changes you're going through, plus it gives us a glimpse into your personality. For example, charmer, a twentysomething from Lexington, SC, says the best change he's ever made was joining the Navy. Tiagomarques from Portugal says his favorite people in the world are his children and his favorite guilty pleasure is ice cream. And eluetzow says her best friend would say she's "bubbly" and her biggest change was moving to Australia.

Also on your profile page, you can see all your Q&A and tip submissions, as well as change your personal account information.

So play around on your profile, and heck, check out someone else's Changeograpy. Let us know what you think of this new setup in the comments below.

COMING UP THURSDAY: Did you know you can show encouragement to others on the site? On Thursday, we'll tell you how!

Brain Benefits

2008-09-30T15:34:27Z

The health benefits of meditating are constantly being investigated and challenged, but only in the last 30 years or so have they been possible to pinpoint. In addition to stress reduction and relaxation, The Washington Post reports that meditating may actually improve brain functioning, something that has long been suspected, especially when it comes to religious experiences.

Elin Danien works at Penn’s Museum or Archaeology and Anthropology and is part of a study that is aiming to prove this hypothesis. While listening to a meditation tape, the blood flow in her brain is monitored and analyzed. Meditation’s effect on brain function has been compared to the more spiritual concept of “transcendence,” as both result in similar blood flow patterns.

Studies like this one tend not to be invasive, but would you participate in one? How do you feel about meditation, a very personal behavior, being dissected like another science experiment?

Project 10^100

2008-09-30T15:34:14Z

Is there anything the much-more-than-a-search-engine Google doesn’t do? Google has recently launched Project 10^100, “a call for ideas to change the world by helping as many people as possible.” Why this particular project right now? Because the web provides all the tools and access to information that makes real change possible. If making change is easier for you, why not help someone else a little less fortunate?

Part of the mission states that, “maybe the answer that helps somebody is in your head, in something you’ve observed, some notion that you’ve been fiddling with, some small connection you’ve noticed, some old thing you have seen with new eyes.” While that sounds vague, it should allow you to really think outside the box and use your skills and brainstorming to come up with something.

The deadline for ideas is soon (October 20) and the site has all the information you need to learn more and pursue the project. There’s even a short, adorably-animated video to help get you started. Can you think of anything off the top of your head, even if it seems small?

Smile If You Mean It!

2008-09-26T13:23:34Z

Smiling is contagious and thank goodness for that! When it comes to facial expressions associated with being happier, smiling (perhaps followed by laughing) comes to mind first. It’s hard to decide if smiling yourself or making someone else smile is more fun, but both should be part of every day!

Ali Hale of the self-improvement site, “PickTheBrain,” came up with 10 ways to make others smile, in case you’re short on ideas or want to try something new. She starts out with the simple, such as writing a thank-you note to someone. But forget the ease of sending an email! Really WRITE a thank-you note about anything and hand-deliver it if possible.

Other ideas range from making someone their favorite breakfast to creating a photo album of memories and giving it as a gift. Remember those little “cards” you’d make for your parents when you were little (or without money)? “Good for one chore” or “good for 5 hugs?” Try making one for “a day off” and additionally, planning an exciting day of events for the person.

What are your smile guarantees that make others smile or those that work on you?

What Would Martha Do?

2008-09-26T13:20:20Z

Martha Stewart is the go-to woman for many when you need a good recipe (albeit a time-consuming one!), home décor advice and gardening solutions. It’s no surprise that she’s also chiming in on the going-green front. What does Martha have to say about eco-friendly options for the home?

Apartment Therapy’s Re-Nest re-blogs Martha’s “25 Eco-Chic Ideas for Your Home,” highlighting a dessert stand consisting of plates and upside-down mugs, which sounds a little crazy but really does achieve the “eco-chic” look. Because Martha’s empire is all about the visual, the 25 ideas are presented in a slide show accompanied by instructions for each.

Several of them have a cost of $0, meaning these green things are made from objects around the house or by re-purposing something, such as using old sweaters to reupholster chairs. Check them out and let us know what you think!

Changing Careers in a Crisis

2008-09-26T13:07:15Z

We can’t really ignore the ominous headlines these days warning us about a failing economy, Wall Street woes and rising prices in the retail sector. For this generation of working folks, leaving a secure job, especially one with benefits, probably seems crazy. But career changes happen everyday no matter what the economy looks like.

There's one lawyer who became a gallery owner, a teacher-turned-performer and a salesman who decided he'd rather be a physical education coach. These are a few real-life career changes made by people wanting to pursue their dreams, no matter how difficult and risky. Interestingly, it’s the bad economy that is causing many to rethink their current job path and revisit old dreams and passions. Laura Berman Fortgang, a life coach, says, “People are realizing that they might be working for a long time, so they might as well find something that they like.”

Fortgang suggests scrutinizing your present-day job and how you feel about it, and then writing out your “life story” if you’re unable to come up with a new career plan right off the bat. If you’re unsure about the feasibility of something new, “audition” for it, meaning, get a part-time job or volunteer in a different sector and see how it goes.

Are you considering a career change or have you recently made one? [USA Today]

Ugly Betty Is a New Yorker

2008-09-26T12:51:43Z

Did you watch the newest episode of the popular ABC show “Ugly Betty” last night? Did you notice it looked a bit different?

The show returned to its roots by moving operations back to New York, the city that the production team preferred and where it shot the pilot. Silvio Horta, the executive producer, originally left the Big Apple because of high costs, but a tax rebate recently made it feasible again. “It seems to ground the show," he says. "It’s big and zany, and being out in the city gives it a level of realness.”

Ratings fell by a few million viewers last season, and the team is hoping the real New York reinvigorates the audience a bit. The abrupt location change gave the cast about two months to venture out to the East Coast, but for many of them, it was returning home on account of previously living in New York.

Most of the cast members are excited to be in New York. Michael Urie, the actor who plays Marc (an assistant to Wilhelmina Slater, played by Vanessa Williams) says he loves being back in Manhattan. “The human experience is so much clearer here than in L.A. In L.A., the human experience is show business,” he says.

Has your company or workplace ever moved to a different city entirely? Did you go? [USA Today]

Giving in September

2008-09-24T15:36:54Z

Water is something we take for granted here—so much so that we pay for it when we can get it for free. Today, consider not only cutting down your own consumption to create a greener world, but giving some of what you'd spend on bottled or filtered water to someone who really needs it (in a really fun way!)

Charity:water founder Scott Harrison began the September campaign last year to encourage people to give much needed funds to his new non-profit rather than give him gifts on his birthday. This year, the stakes have been raised. Hundreds of people are asking the same thing of their friends and relatives. Over $800,000 has been raised—but the work isn't done!

In the spirit of friendly competition, Scott is trying to out-fundraise seven-year-old Max Schmidhauser...and he's losing terribly. Scott said he'd raise 10 times the money Max could or record a public video concession ( for YouTube) admitting defeat and declaring Max "The greatest. My hero." Looks like Scott might need to start working on that video.

Unless you want to help him, that is! To donate to Scott's September Campaign, click here. Have a soft spot for Max? Help him by donating here. Either way, the money goes to building more wells in Ethiopia. We call that a win-win situation!

Tell us who you're rooting for, and pass along the links above to your friends. Together, we can give the gift of clean water in September that will last a lifetime.

Taking a Time-Out

2008-09-23T06:41:50Z

Sniff sniff, cough cough. Oh no, it’s the common cold! While your body may be telling you to stay home and rest, duty calls. There’s too much work at your job, even if you do get paid sick days. And there would be so much to do at home if you did spend a few days there, so you might as well just go to work, right?

Carol Kaufmann at Reader’s Digest recalls getting an email that contained the word “presenteeism”: “employees who are at work, but really aren’t” because of other personal distractions or issues. Well, that sounds familiar! But what are some real ways of organizing the chaos and attaining focus?

Kaufmann does some research and comes up with seven ways to stay focused amidst the humdrum and rigmarole, including making to-do lists where you prioritize items, making sure you take breaks and paying attention to the “mind-body connection,” those times when stress=headache or overwork=backache. In our constant quest to stay organized and on top of life, how do you remain focused?

Working Out for the Planet

2008-09-19T14:20:03Z

There are good kinds of energy use and there are bad. No one is questioning the health benefits of working out at the gym, but rarely does one think about the energy costs of running one. Those elliptical machines you’re using and televisions keeping you entertained? They're sucking up far more energy than if you, say, ran in your neighborhood or went biking, but one gym is trying to change all that.

The Green Microgym, in Portland, OR (no surprise it’s there!) wants you to do all the work! Gym members are actually helping to power the place through exercise! For instance, cycling on a stationary bike produces power that is then stored and later converted into electricity. It’s nowhere near providing 100% of the power, but it sure is a start. Just imagine if you and the gym could have a give-and-take symbiotic relationship like Green Microgym is aiming for!

What do you think about going green while at the gym? Do you consider the energy output necessary to run your workout?

Free Daily Fashion Giveaways!

2008-09-18T11:48:35Z

Giveaways always seem to be too good to be true. What’s the catch? What do I have to buy? Are they going to take my email inbox hostage with ten messages a day?

Believe it or not, there are giveaways that are simply that! Enter 30 Days of Fashion, the campaign by the folks at Hearst Magazines (you know the ones, Cosmo, Esquire and O. The Oprah Magazine).

In addition to providing daily tips, podcasts and extensive fashion event listings, there is that little thing called the daily giveaway. Did I say little? Well, that Lauren Merkin Charlotte Clutch may be diminutively cute, but that and an Abby Computer Sleeve for your laptop retail together for $445. Head on over there today and enter to win them both!

30 Days of Fashion will continue through the rest of September, so check back often to make changing your look even easier, not to mention more fun! And don’t forget to tell us what you learn from 30 Days of Fashion (and if you win!).

Learning Compassion

2008-09-18T11:39:41Z

In a Huffington Post article with the funny title, “Chill Out: Compassion The Dalai Lama Way,” Ed Shapiro tells the story of meeting the well-known spiritual leader while on his honeymoon in India. Shapiro echoes what many have said before about such an encounter, that in meeting the Dalai Lama, he came face to face with the epitome of compassion.

Compassion should be part of living more spiritually, but it can be difficult to define and even more difficult to achieve. Shapiro describes a compassionate person as “someone who was so ordinary, so simple and his feelings for others so genuine.” In the words of the Dalai Lama, “My religion is kindness.”

He makes it sound so easy! Can you think of examples of compassion from your own life, whether it was showing kindness towards someone going through a tough situation or you on the receiving end of that kindness?

What A Nightmare!

2008-09-18T11:37:09Z

You know those nights when you're suddenly sitting up in a cold sweat, catching your breath and sighing with relief that “it was only a dream?” The inevitable nightmare has visited you yet again, and taken away valuable rest from your night. ABC News reports on a small study coming out of the United Kingdom that finds women have more nightmares than men and remember them more clearly. What could it mean?

Rosalind Cartwright, a dream researcher says, “It seems to be related to women being a little more inwardly oriented, paying more attention to their feelings, and being more self-critical.” This self-criticalness is then taken to bed and processed over night, accounting for more prevalent nightmares.

Cartwright has gone so far to come up with a “treatment program” for dealing with nightmares that asks patients how they would change this disturbing overnight content. Jennifer Parker, a psychologist, says, “I think dreams are useful for determining what we might need to change in our lives.”

What do you think? Can making change easier be something to be worked on literally while you sleep, by changing your dreams into more positive experiences?

Avoiding SAD

2008-09-16T10:44:57Z

With summer’s end comes a few unwanted extras: beginning of the school year for many, shorter days for all, and a little or a lot of SAD. Seasonal Affective Disorder is defined as a mood disorder experienced in the fall and winter months when the lack of sunlight and dreary weather can seriously affect one’s spirits. People with SAD find that they sleep more often, eat badly, feel generally lethargic and even get depressed.

The Guardian is tackling the subject early this year in order to help anyone who thinks they may be prone to SAD. One suggestion is for light therapy, employing more powerful light bulbs to mimic the amount of light seen in the spring and summer months. Look for the ones that most resemble natural light. There are even products called “dawn simulators” that do exactly what you think they do—increase light in the morning hours in a way that feels like a summer day.

If being happier is on the agenda for winter and you tend to feel more down that time of year, look into additional ways to withstand harsher weather. Do you typically experience something like SAD, even if you don’t label it? How do you work through it?