The Miracle of Life

It all started when my brother got sick. I was 9, and he was just 9 months. My mother thought it was an ear infection because he kept grabbing his ear. The first doctor she took him to told her that it was an ear infection. After a week, he was still grabbing his ear.

Understanding

I was going through a stage of deep depression. I was having a lot of family problems and feelings of very low self-esteem. I just hated myself—I have no idea why. I would joke about death to my friends, and a few times I would even talk about trying to kill myself.

Your Name in Gold

As Mary read on, Anne’s interest in the prize grew. “Just send in one dollar with proof-of-purchase seal from this box and spell out your first name on the information blank. We will send you a special pin with your name spelled in gold. (Only one per family, please).

My Big Brother

He applied to 14 colleges. He was accepted to all but one, the one he wanted, Brown University.

Living by Being Here Now

DISCOVERY ZONE by Wayne Dyer Known as the “father of motivation,” Wayne Dyer is one of the most widely respected people in the field of self-empowerment. He became well known with his best-selling book Your Erroneous Zones and went on to write many other self-help classics.

Gratitude Inspires Others

Gratitude and humility, on the other hand, send signals to all who meet and greet us that we’re all connected to something larger than life itself. This reminds me of the wisdom I discovered many years ago reading the Kena Upanishad: “At whose bequest does the mind think? Who bids the body live? Who makes the tongue speak?

A sense of possible

Eddie was born without hands or feet. At age five, he went to South Africa and saw a mountain he wanted to climb; he climbed it in three hours. And at age 13, he decided to play a trombone. He sees no reason why he shouldn’t achieve whatever he sets out to do.

The energy of Intention and your Self-Respect

If anyone is entitled to success and happiness, everyone is, because everyone is always connected to intention.

How to Chose and Bring

A New Dog In Your Life?

After careful consideration, the decision has finally been made; you are now ready to bring that new dog into your life.

Reality Bites

Times, things, situations and we (whether we admit it or not) change

Feeding, exercise, training, individual attention, bathing, etc. Our annual vet visit was scheduled for the first appointment of the day, to avoid our pack’s parade and interaction with a full reception area. We bought a full-size SUV to accommodate our furry children when we went on trips.

Pawprints on the Heart

We never know how long we may have with the special animals in our lives. We take a chance, and tempt fate, when we open our home and heart. Whether it’s a year, ten or even 100, it would never be enough. Some friends and even family members don’t understand when our pets depart.

Speed Dating, for Dogs ?

Sweltering weather has taken leave. Daylight savings’ time has kicked in. Pet events consume your dog’s social calendar- --and your’s! In celebration, you might have purchased your prized pooch a new collar and lead (NONretractable, I hope), or acquired some canine couture.

Ask Dr. Happy

All four of you are in the midst of major life transitions. Your son and new daughter-in-law are not only entering adulthood but also learning to be marital partners. You and your husband are transitioning from being in-charge parents to supportstaff for your newly married son and his young wife. While this can be a daunting challenge for everyone involved, you can help make the transition much smoother.

Ask Dr. Happy

John and I have been happily married for six years. We have two great kids, four year-old Sam and Katie who just turned three. My problem is that John has a lady friend he’s known since high school. They work near each other and have lunch together about twice a week. He says they are just friends. I trust John. I don’t feel right asking him not to see her but I am beginning to feel jealous even though I know of nothing wrong that they’ve done.

Dear Earth Talk:

Which companies are taking the lead in commitments to plastics reduction?

Our modern world is literally swimming in plastic. According to Plastic Oceans International, we produce over 300 million tons of plastic each year around the world, half of which is for single-use purposes.

Dear Earth Talk:

As the human population swells and global warming compounds other environmental problems here on Earth, the notion of colonizing other planets is more appealing than ever.

This Month´s Topic: Sweden´s Environmental Leadership

It’s true that Sweden came out on top in the recently released ranking of 60 countries according to sustainability by consulting firm Dual Citizen Inc. in its fourth annual Global Green Economy Index (GGEI). Norway, Costa Rica, Germany and Denmark rounded out the top five.

Teaching kids to consume

No doubt, marketers are hard at work targeting our children with their messages and creating young demand for their products. Companies in the U.S. today spend some $17 billion yearly advertising to children, a 150fold increase from just a few decades ago.

Finding "Green Job"

opportunities

With the environment now high atop the public agenda, green jobs are more popular than ever.

Do You Own Your Business, or Does It Own You?

If the thought of your business brings a positive image to mind, then you’re probably in control of your business and not the other way around

Kitty Hawk moments

Each of us has our own “Kitty Hawk moment” — a term used to describe an event or experience that previously seemed impossible, but is now a reality.

New Power Modes Energize Automobiles

This hybrid has solar panels, which can power a few extra miles of driving a day. The panels are locked on the top side of the vehicle, from the hood, rooftop and trunk lid to help give you those extra miles, and keep your batteries charged while you drive.

Tire Pressure Sensor

Tire pressure sensors or tire pressure monitoring systems have been mandated by law on all light vehicles (under 10,000 pounds) manufactured after September 2007. The law was a response to the Firestone recall of the mid 1990s, during the Clinton Administration. Although tire pressure monitoring systems have been around since 1986, mostly in Europe for higher priced luxury models, they started making their way into luxury models across the globe.

Happy Motoring

On occasions my customers are shocked at what it will cost to do certain repairs. Little do they know, I too am shocked at the process needed to complete such repairs. Do those who design and engineer vehicles really think what it takes, to include the cost, on these newly designed vehicle.

Happy Motoring

I am always confronted by many customers as to whether they should or should not have their 60,000 mile service done on their vehicle. All too often my customers complain they receive conflicting ans w e r s and pricing depending on the person or shops they ask.

Protect Your Valuables

Whether it be for a Stereo Installation, Auto Repair, Recall, body work etc., do you remove your valuables? I am referring to your house key, did you leave one on your key chain? How about your Garage Door opener, Registration or other items that may make it easy for those not so trust worthy in your vehicle?.

Changing Your Tire

I would recommend trying to change your tire before you have a flat so that you are familiar with the process and precautions as well as the tools needed.

Who doesn't Love Halloween Candy?

October is only the beginning of a three month invitation to stuff ourselves silly! Think about it.

Inner-Dialogue That Sabotages Well-Being

Have you wanted to improve your eating habits or start working out, yet simply haven’t? Is it possible that in spite of how much you want to improve your lifestyle, there are messages that continue to play in your subconscious that prevent you from...

If Life Weakens You, Well-Being Strengthens You

Dana Gore and her husband, Scott are Certified Personal Training Specialists in Boca and surrounding areas. They instruct on how to build strength, flexibility and functionality through group and one-on-one training while providing real-life sensible tips and techniques for a healthy and fit lifestyle.

The Medicinal Powers of Mushrooms

Mushrooms have been used for their potent medicinal properties across the globe for millennia, but have recently had a resurgence in popularity. They are used for their immune-boosting and antimicrobial properties, inflammation reduction, cognition enhancement, adaptogenic (stress-regulating) properties, and even for fighting cancer.

Setting Goals, the Right Way, for the New Year

December is one of the busiest times of year because of family, holidays, and travel. But December is also the time to prepare for 2015. If there are some health or life goals that wasn’t accomplished in 2014, this is usually the time people reflect on 2014 with the hopes of accomplishing them next year.

Legal Insight

I am currently in a lawsuit against a former business partner who breached our partnership agreement and who owes me a great deal of money. I just received a notice that he has filed for bankruptcy. I am absolutely stunned. What impact, if any, will that filing have on my lawsuit? What are my options at this point?.

Legal Insight

I own a small contracting business. We specialize in interior repairs to existing homes. I am fully licensed. I completed a job, about three weeks ago, involving rather significant work on a homeowner’s living room and kitchen and am owed more than $10,000.

Legal Insight

My former employer stopped paying me several months ago. I have two questions: a.) Can I sue; and b.) Must I sue in Illinois?

A Cat's Nine Lives and Human Reincarnation

Just about everyone who’s ever lived with a cat – and perhaps most of the rest of human inhabitants on our planet – believe that a cat has nine lives. (Some areas of Spain believe that a feline has seven lives, while some Turkish and Arabic legends think they have six.) That means about 6.5 billion people believe in feline reincarnation but not human reincarnation. What in tarnation!

Telephone

Etiquette 101

The first time, she’d suddenly, and mysteriously, developed an itchy rash within 20 minutes of my appointment. When I asked why she didn’t call my cell while I was en route—my trip took 20 minutes--she said she was hoping it would disappear as suddenly as it had appeared.

The Lesson Of Never Quitting

The Marathon Wimbledon Tennis Match & The Lesson Of Never Quitting

This is the kind of desire that’s critical to awaken in yourself for the duration of the Great Recession that we’ve been living through these past few years.

Great Expectations

What if you only got to read the menu after the meal? I had this experience recently in Paris. It was probably for the best because when my husband and I were introduced to the descriptions of what we had unabashedly crowned the best meal of our entire lives, I was sure I would not have ordered any of it. Leave it to the French to decide for you what your meal will be and what wine you will have with each course.

Doing What Makes You Happy Makes Everyone Happy

A great way to get in touch with what truly makes you happy is to think back to when you were a young kid with “nothing to do.” What did you do to entertain yourself? Did you build forts out of furniture and blankets? Did you listen to music and try to sing or play along? Did you draw or redesign your room or closet? Did you read? The activities that made the time slip away without notice are the things that we need to be doing more of in our adult life. If they made our hearts smile back in the day, they are sure to do the same today. Some things are obvious, like reading or singing. If you liked it then, you like it now. But what if building blanket forts in the dining room was your bliss?

Signs, signs, everywhere are signs.

"Do this, don’t do that, can’t you read the signs?" This was one of my favorite songs growing up. As a very young girl it was just a catchy folk song on the radio. As a teenager, the rebellious lyrics appealed to me.

The Show Must Go On

Jonna Shutowick is a high school teacher for the Palm Beach County school district. She has created a character named Rosey Shades TM, whose philosophy teaches students about the importance of choosing optimism over pessimism by asking, “What color are the clouds in your world? For more information, visit www.

Sleepless

A sleepless night can be a blessing. I am not sure why my body suddenly becomes restless now at three a.m. but I would bet it has something to do with age.

Safety at Home!

More accidents happen at home than at the work place or school. The list of potential safety hazards is long. Each room has unique conditions that become a safety hazard. For example , t h e bathroom: Tile, when wet is slippery. Do you have non-slip tape on the floor? If not, how about a rubber safety mat?.

To My Readers:

This is the 3rd Phase of our retirement home re-do. Work is progressing on schedule and will be completed in another 6 to 8 weeks.

Instant Hot Water

There are several “recirculating pumps” on the market that solve the problem. Following is one system that was featured on “This Old House” and was easy to install. The D’MAND System is a small, silent pump that you attach to the hot and cold water lines in the cabinet under the most remote kitchen or bath fixture in the home.

Windows Need New Sills

I had new windows installed but now the inside sills look shabby. Can I replace the sills?

Thanks for Trouble

Do you envy people who are able to find something positive in every negative experience? Actually, this isn’t just some natural ability. It’s learned. We can teach ourselves to take life’s setbacks, turn them right side up, and recognize their value. Start with the fact that we don’t have everything we want.

Clear Vision

Travis Freeman is a straight A student at Corbin High in Corbin, Kentucky, a member of the National Honor Society, and a center for the Corbin Redhounds football team. The coach says he’s also a major motivator. During a practice sprint recently, Travis ended up pulling another player to the finish, yelling at him, “Pick it up, Ken.

Teams Work

Coming together is a beginning; Keeping together is progress; Working together is success!

What's Wrong With Us?

So, despite the recent national warming trends, we here in South Florida are still a destination for snowbirds – or coldbirds – who want to get away for a few days. And when they visit, many of those folks will tote their golf clubs with them – and why not? Quick quiz: Care to guess which state has the most golf courses? Yep, it’s us, with a whopping 1562 courses, far ahead of California, Texas and Michigan

Sunshine State Olympians Give us something to Cheer

Once every four years world-class athletes gather to compete against each other, and for a chance at immortality. Let’s face it: you may accomplish a lot of things in your life but to be known as an Olympic champion is a dream few of us will ever realize.

New Ballpark, New Stars, New Hope:

The new look for the Marlins may make some thunder this summer

The Miami Marlins have revamped the franchise this offseason with the hope of contending for their third playoff birth in team history. The team is opening the doors to a brand new stadium this year and can boast a place to call their own for the first time since the team’s inception in 1993.

The Take-Away Close

"When you come to the close, you must know exactly what you are going to do and then just switch into the close exactly as you would shift gears in your car as you drove down the street."

Make Every Minute Count

Make a decision to earn the reputation as the hardest-working person in your company. Don’t tell anyone about your decision. Just make sure that, when anyone looks at you, you are working full blast. You don’t take breaks or waste time. As far as you’re concerned, this is not playtime.

Sidestep The Price Question

When I was telephone prospecting, I found there is an expression common to virtually all buyers in America. It is the words how much is it, compressed into a single phrase: “Howmuchisit?” When I was starting out, I often gave the price just to get the prospect to listen to me.

Simple But Powerful

"Why don´t we use the Ben Franklin decision-making method on this?"

Your Guide to the Hottest Holiday Relationships

Great sex can be yours all year round, but there’s something just a little more special about holiday sex. Sure, the air is full of holly jollies, but there’s so much going on that it’s easy to get stressed out, too. Avoid the stress, bust out the erotic lingerie, because we have some tips so you can kill two birds with one stone this holiday.

Whenever You’re Ready

I met a fellow who had been diagnosed with a rare debilitating disease. For seven years Stan consulted with over 100 doctors, submitted to endless tests, ingested more than 100 pills daily, and tried a wide range of treatments, none of which helped. He kept losing weight until he was down to 120 pounds.

What Do You Say Now?

Five students in government class get picked to go watch a movie with the seniors. Your daughter is one of the students who was not chosen and had to stay back with the rest of the class and do the regular work. She complains about it at the dinner table.

Thank a Teacher

Teachers do not deserve how they are currently being perceived and treated by many parents, legislators, and media personnel.

After the Wall

The Skill of Self-Navigation

When things are moving along smoothly in the most important areas of our lives, we don’t have a need for an emergency backup system filled with courage, resilience, energy, focus, and dedication. Like a sailor with excellent weather conditions we can appear to be and believe ourselves to be accomplished captains.

Dentville

John Sales was a traveling salesman. On one of his longer trips his car broke down just outside of small town named Dentville.