Sure, I justify it by saying it’s about my professional and personal development, but what I’m really saying is that I think that I’m a worthwhile investment. Yeah, I know — it sounds a bit overinflated, doesn’t it? I don’t care, really. I don’t pick on someone dropping thousands on a piece of jewelry or tens of thousands on a fancy car or hundreds on one pair of shoes, so why should I feel guilty for spending money on something I deem pretty darned important — myself. After all, if I’m not juiced and happy, then I’m not exactly making others happy, now am I?

All this being said, I notice that I have a “no way” line inside that refuses to spend what she deems “too much money” on something. A few years back I really wanted to take this 6-month course but the price felt not right to me. I could have charged it, yes, but I just knew in my gut that the price was ridiculous and that I wouldn’t feel good taking the course. If a gut check results in a “no,” then I listen. No 6-month course for me. Ironically enough, here I am a few years later VERY happy that I didn’t take that course.

First, I feel my feelings. I feel the sensations in my body. I notice them and let them move forward.

It’s a difficult thing to do. These are the kind of feelings that hurt, a lot. They hurt because we tighten up our body against them. But instead of ‘shutting them out’ we actually trap them. Kind of like getting your fingers caught in a door.

As I feel myself tighten up against the emotions, I will myself to relax.

Sometimes I imagine myself in places where I know I feel relaxed; in the shower, barefoot at the beach, at the edge of a forest with a gentle breeze blowing past.

As my shoulders and chest expand I feel the sensations moving through me followed by a sensation of release.

Then I forgive. Always I forgive myself first. There’s still a part of me that’s critical and mean. That part of me knows I created the situation that caused so much pain. It wants to punish me for that.

Then I forgive anyone else involved. Not always so easy. I try to remind myself that this other person may not have intended to cause me so much suffering.

They are just holding up a mirror that reflects back my own limiting belief. And now that I see it, I can release it. I should be thanking them for such a wonderful opportunity!

Figure out the purpose of each activity you participate in and stop going through the motions of completing useless tasks. Understand why you are doing something and also decide what the end purpose is for that activity. If you can not clearly identify the reason for your actions, it’s probably not worth doing.

Always be true to yourself. Live by the values that you believe in. Personal integrity will give you the confidence that you need to succeed in both your personal and business life. People find it easy to trust others who live by their convictions, and you will be rewarded with that trust.

Do your best to develop your critical skills. It is a good thing to store knowledge, but you should also work on judging this knowledge for what it is worth. Do not read books or watch movies, and adopt the critics’ point of view. You should always develop your own opinion, even on trivial things.

A great self help tip is to simply acknowledge the past and move forward. A lot of people who are depressed or feeling down tend to block out certain things that have happened to them. You can’t live your life in denial. You need to accept certain things in order to move on.

Exercise is a great way to focus yourself. Studies have shown that the connection between a healthy body and positive emotions are tied together. Activities such as running can release endorphins which in turn increase overall happiness. Exercise also helps to regulate the body’s bowel functions, providing a strictly physical benefit as well.

Make the most of your anger by consuming it productively with intense physical exercise. Increased levels of physical activity can stimulate the release of feel-good endorphins and other chemicals in your brain that will have a relaxing effect. After a brisk walk or run, you may find that you are more capable of discussing matters more rationally and peacably.

Try to reshape the way you think by using catchphrases. By keeping certain ideas at the front of your mind, you can begin applying them to the way you think everyday. Popular catchphrases include “Say yes,” “Fake it ’till you feel it,” and many others. Using these can help you think and feel better.

Nutritionist Marcia Herrin and Nancy Matsumoto, co-authors of The Parent’s Guide to Eating Disorders. Marcia is also author of Nutrition Counseling in the Treatment of Eating Disorders. New edition available September 2012. Copyrighted by Marcia Herrin and Nancy Matsumoto.

After an even playing field and the contestants getting no where Conda decided to ditch her own efforts and help her brother propelling him into first place. After this effort the contestants began banning together to help each member leaving two team members to battle it out, Kimmy and Emily. Surprisingly to many Kimmy managed to beat out Emily. The White Elephant gifts ranged from $1, a goldfish, to a pound advantage and a shopping spree with a celebrity.

Worry is a waste of time and energy, all the worry in the world will not solve a problem, or make it go away. All worry does is rob this minute of joy, it’s impossible to be joyful when you are overwhelmed with worry. My mantra has become- in five years will this matter? Will I even remember? Sometimes looking down the road helps put things in perspective.

Instead of letting worry and anxiety destroy your joy and motivation, focus only on solutions. Instead of worrying, brainstorm, make a list of all the ways you can solve this problem, no matter how outrageous, like winning the lottery. Get your kids involved, you don’t have to transfer the worry to them just put the problem in simple terms and tell them to put on their thinking caps. If you need money to fix the car, have them brainstorm ways to make extra money. Some will be silly but you just might find something you can work with in there. Never underestimate the power of a child’s vision.

Finally you really have to live in the here and now, not what might happen. You can’t enjoy your life and your children if you are not present, so make the choice to be present, every day of your life. Have faith that things will turn out the way they are supposed to. Do your part to solve a problem but ultimately you have to let go. Things usually work out for the best so trust and have faith.