The anticipation of something is fun, exciting, and at times a driving force to get things done. Since we enjoy the weekend – a time of friends, family, and rest then shouldn’t we want tom look forward to it? Certainly, as long as the time from here to there is filled with its own kind of joy. If we are living in dread each moment until then, we are missing out on precious time. Time that is best served practicing our best habit. Meaning if we are living those moments in dread – and we are creatures of habit – are we going to make the most out of the weekend once it arrives?

This comes from a place of personal challenge. Wanting the most out of every minute I have, I often try to live in a place that I’m not really in yet. I sometimes place my importance and value in what I will achieve in the future or think I will be happy when I have a certain job, etc. Much like positive thoughts can be practiced, so must contentment of the present moment. Whenever you feel the dread of now, stop and retrain yourself to find the beauty of what is at this moment. Hopefully, the result will be greatness now and later. -trvw

For the longest time I resisted getting an iPhone. It frustrated me how many fees were required to own and operate the gadget. After my unsatisfying relationship with prior phones and electronic organizers I had all the aggravation that I could handle. I was surprised with the gift of my first iPhone.

Now I use the iPhone 4 and absolutely love it. In all fairness, I considered an Android at one upgrade just because I like the phone providers to appreciate my business and make a competitive product – and Android certainly has done just that. Since I wasn’t in the mood for any type of learning curve, I stuck with what I knew.

No matter which phone you use, you are probably familiar with Apps. There are apps for everyone and everything – it’s amazing. They are useful, entertaining, educational, and even athletic! The fitness apps are a health-nuts best buddy. They can motivate you, help you stay on track by logging your workouts, offer great exercises that can stand alone or supplement your favorite workout.

Because I like my phone apps so much, I’m very excited to see what is offered on the iPad 2. While I really enjoy them I’m not one to actively involve my phone into my workout. I usually read the tips and apply them later, or use the log post run. However, I do know people that rely on the timer, use the guides for lifting reps and sets, and do an entire workout from the instruction of the app.

This brings me to wonder, how has the latest technology changed your life? Are you happier with it? Does it make you more productive? Are you fitter? Besides the Smartphone craze, are there other gadgets that help you get through your day? If so what are they and how is it making you a better, more whole person? -trvw

While V-day can be sort of silly, it’s also a perfect time to take a regular day and add a little fun. It’s always a good time to tell your friends and family that you love them and who can pass up a day dedicated to chocolate??

If you feel it’s in your heart to raise a little of the office morale maybe try a game or goodies.  Fill a jar with chocolates and let everyone guesses the number inside – winner gets the jar. How about everyone brining in a heart shaped treat: cookies, sandwiches, ice cubes for soda? Brainstorm a few ideas with your co-workers to come up with some appropriate, inexpensive ways to make the day more fun.

Since love is the focus of v-day, thought you might like to know some of the health benefits of love…just in case you’re resisting at all. Among them are reductions in pain, stress, and blood pressure. Listen to the podcast to hear a few more. Hope you enjoy the day not matter how you feel about Valentine’s Day. You deserve to have some fun! Take care and have a stellar day. -trvw

Exercise and eating well are both important. However, we can also benefit by finding a connection with something that lifts our spirits. My two favorite mood boosters are my dogs. Pets are so much fun and can be one of the best ways to bring a new type of quality into your life.

Not only can they offer health benefits, they will be your friend for life.  If you have a furry, feathered, or scaly buddy we’d love to see a picture.  Enjoy the podcast! -trvw

January wouldn’t be January without setting new goals and dreary, cold days. Once the holidays have passed the urge to create resolutions is very popular, almost regardless of any intention to keep them. It’s also a month better known for hibernation than high energy and motivation. For most of us, it takes a lot of energy to reach new goals and if SAD is an issue for you then it can be even more frustrating for you to make and keep resolutions.

No worries – you can succeed! There are no reasons that  should be keeping you from making and reaching your goals. It’s all about how you approach them. The best tip for gaining ground toward any resolution is to START SMALL. The phrase “you must walk before you can run” holds truth. Trying to overhaul a new lifestyle is absolutely do-able…if you go at it in small bits.

SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) can make it very hard to function during the cold, dark months; let alone feel good enough to keep resolutions. If you are craving carbohydrate foods more and feeling more socially withdrawn than usual you might have SAD. A good dose of sunlight is the most popular solution; however, there are a couple additional ways to boost your mood. Make sure that you are eating enough protein in your diet because it will support the body’s serotonin uptake. (Serotonin is the neurotransmitter that regulates mood.) Soybeans are an excellent source of protein. Exercise is also great because it will release endorphins. (More neurotransmitters that create a good feeling in the body) Taking a brisk walk can do the trick. Both of these therapies will not only help with SAD but also be great ways to support any healthy resolutions you might have made. Of course, see your doctor if there is not any improvement soon.

Any time is a great time to make a resolution, it doesn’t have to be January 1st. Improving yourself will make it easier for you to do great things for the people you love and the community around you. Being successful is all about the approach. Remember to start small, be persistent, seek solutions for possible obstacles and you can be successful. -trvw