Motivation Monday: Adding More Laughter and Fun Back Into Your Life

When was the last time you really laughed — I mean the kind of laugh that makes your cheeks hurt and your stomach ache? For many of us, life has become a steady rhythm of responsibility, stress, and productivity. We’re checking boxes, managing homes, and juggling work and family — but fun? That somehow slipped off the to-do list.

Mel Robbins recently shared an episode all about adding fun back into your life, and it’s a message worth taking to heart. Fun isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity. It’s what keeps you connected to joy, creativity, and the part of yourself that feels fully alive. Here is the link to her most recent episode that sparked my idea for this post.

Mel Robbins : Ways To Add More Fun to Life https://open.spotify.com/episode/2hovcIleL6pQjH75vFZuOy?si=EKs9j3V_SSmktUHzjrUbNQ

Why Laughter Matters

Laughter really is medicine. It lowers stress hormones, boosts your immune system, and helps you feel more connected to others. But beyond the science, it just feels good. When you laugh, even for a few seconds, it’s like hitting a reset button on your mood.

Find Friends Who Make You Laugh

If you think about your favorite people, chances are they’re the ones who make you laugh until you can’t breathe. Seek those people out. Schedule time with them — even if it’s a quick coffee, a phone call, or a text thread full of inside jokes. And if you don’t have much free time, that’s okay. Make the small moments count. A five-minute chat with a funny friend can shift your whole day.

Can you meet a good friend to play a game and have a regular “ Game Night “ What about getting together with friends to do some new silly holiday traditions?

Do Things Just for the Fun of It

As adults, we often only do things that are “productive” or “make sense.” But what about doing things just because they’re fun? Go for a spontaneous drive with music blasting. Take a dance class even if you have two left feet. Try pickleball, karaoke, or painting rocks — anything that brings a smile to your face.

Fun doesn’t have to be big or expensive — it just has to make you feel lighter.

If You Don’t Have Time for Friends… Laugh Anyway

Some days are just too packed. When that happens, don’t forget that laughter can still find you. Watch a few funny videos that make you belly laugh — the kind that you have to replay twice because you can’t stop giggling. Queue up a feel-good comedy. Listen to a podcast that always cracks you up. It all counts.

My husband is great about finding the funniest videos on Instagram and sharing them with me, always on the days I need that laughter the most ! Do you have a friend who has a knack for finding funny videos or can you both share them as a new routine ?

Make Fun a Habit

What if “fun” became part of your weekly routine, not a rare event? Try writing “something fun” on your calendar each week. Even if it’s just 20 minutes, you’ll start to notice how much lighter you feel.

Because here’s the truth: joy doesn’t just happen — we have to invite it in.

So go ahead — laugh more, play more, and give yourself permission to have fun again. You’ll be amazed how much better life feels when you do.

I truly believe that we all need more laughter in this world, even if it’s just for a moment or two.

-Tanya

Motivation Minute: What If You " Paused" Your Fear for a Week ?

What Would Your Life Look Like Without Fear? Try One Week and See

Fear is sneaky. Sometimes it’s obvious—like the nervous flutter in your chest before speaking in public. Other times it’s quiet—like the hesitation to try something new, make a phone call, or say what’s really on your mind. Fear often disguises itself as “I’m too busy,” “maybe later,” or “that’s just not me.” But what if fear wasn’t the thing holding you back?

Imagine, just for a moment, what your life would look like if you put fear aside.

• Would you finally start that project you’ve been thinking about for years?

• Would you reach out to someone you’ve been too nervous to call?

• Would you try something or go somewhere that you have been too afraid to try or experiment with?

• Would you sign up for that class, book that trip, or share your ideas out loud?

The truth is, fear often keeps us living small. It makes us believe comfort equals safety, but comfort can also mean missed opportunities, unspoken words, and dreams left on the shelf.

A One-Week Experiment

What if you didn’t have to commit forever? What if you just experimented for one week with living as if fear didn’t get a vote?

Here’s how to try it:

1. Identify your fears. Write down the things you’ve been avoiding—big or small.

2. Write Down “ Worst Case” : Once you have noted some of your worst and recurring fear thoughts, jot down what is the worst case scenario should your worst fear materialize? Sometimes writing that down can make us realize that perhaps it’s not as terrible as we imagined.

3. Pick one each day. For seven days, do one thing you’d normally hold back from because of fear.

4. Start small. Maybe it’s making a phone call, signing up for a class, or saying yes to something new.

5. Notice what happens. Journal how you feel after each action. Did it turn out as badly as your fear predicted? Or did something surprising open up?

6. Reflect. At the end of the week, ask yourself: How did this change me? What felt different? What possibilities opened up?

Why This Works

Fear doesn’t go away. The trick is learning to act with it, instead of waiting for it to disappear. Often, when we step into the thing we fear, we realize the story we were telling ourselves was far scarier than reality. Courage is simply fear plus action.

What Could Change?

You might feel more energized.
You might discover a hidden strength.
You might find out people are more supportive than you thought.
You might even take the first step toward a dream you thought was impossible.

The only way to know is to try.

So this week, give yourself permission to live one week as if fear doesn’t control you. Take the leap. Say the words. Do the thing. And see just how different your life can feel.

Planning Seasonal Joy: How to Make Time for the Little Things That Matter

Do you ever feel like the seasons fly by, and before you know it, you’ve missed out on the special moments you love most? Maybe you had big plans to make homemade ice cream in July, go apple picking in September, or host a cozy campfire night in October—but somehow life got busy, and those memories never happened.

The truth is, the things that bring us joy rarely happen by accident. They happen when we make space for them. Planning ahead is the key to making sure the simple, meaningful traditions you love don’t slip away.

Here’s how you can plan seasonal joy—so every season feels full and memorable.

1. Start with a Seasonal Bucket List

At the beginning of each season, make a short list of experiences you’d love to enjoy. Keep it simple—three to five activities are plenty. These should be things that truly light you up, not just “should-do’s.”

• Spring: Visit a local flower festival, start an herb garden, take a long walk on the first warm day. I love making a note of seeing the first snow drop flower that pops up !

• Summer: Make homemade ice cream, spend an evening stargazing, enjoy a beach day, host a campfire with friends.

• Fall: Go apple picking, bake pumpkin bread, take a foliage drive, light the first fire in the fireplace.

• Winter: Try a new soup recipe, build a snowman, have a cozy movie night with blankets, or visit holiday lights. Try a new winter sport that you’ve never tried before !

2. Put It on the Calendar

Dreams become real when they’re scheduled. If you want to host a campfire in July or go apple picking in September, block it off in your calendar now, not later. Treat these joyful activities like appointments with yourself—because they’re just as important.

I think putting things on actual paper counts for something. You can grab a full year calendar from the dollar store just to use for planning these special traditions. TINY investment with a HUGE return :)

3. Plan in Advance, But Keep Flexibility

Having your seasonal list mapped out means you’re less likely to forget, but remember: life happens. Weather, busy weeks, or unexpected changes might shift your plans. Give yourself the freedom to move things around, but don’t skip them entirely.

4. Include Family & Friends

Some of the best seasonal memories are shared. Let your kids, partner, or friends add ideas to the list. You may be surprised what traditions they love most—or which new ones they want to try.

5. Celebrate the Small Things

Seasonal joy doesn’t have to be elaborate. A simple bowl of homemade ice cream in July or hot chocolate after a winter walk can become a tradition that anchors you to the moment. Often, it’s these little rituals that end up being the most meaningful.

✨ The takeaway: Time passes quickly, but when you plan ahead, you’re much more likely to create the memories you’ll look back on with joy. Each season has something unique to offer—don’t let it slip by unnoticed.

So grab your calendar, make your list, and start planning. The seasons are waiting for you.

Motivation Monday: The Power of Fresh Air

The Power of Five Minutes: Why Fresh Air (and a Few Trees) Can Change Everything

We live in a world that moves fast. Our to-do lists stretch longer than the daylight hours, and our screens constantly call for our attention. Trust me when I tell you that I struggle with all of those !

But what if just five minutes outside—just five minutes—could help you reset your mind, lift your mood, and reconnect with yourself?

Turns out, it can. I don’t think that I have EVER regretted stepping outside and taking a minute to just hit the pause button.

Fresh Air Is a Form of Medicine

Stepping outside for even a few minutes gives your brain a break. Fresh air increases oxygen flow, which helps improve focus, reduce stress, and support a healthy immune system. You don’t need a full afternoon hike or an elaborate retreat. Just walk out the door, take a few deep breaths, and let your body respond. It’s almost instant.

The Magic of Trees and Trails

If you’re lucky enough to have access to a park, trail, or patch of woods—even a small one—go there. For any of you who are reading this that live right here in the Berkshires, we have woods all around us ! I don’t think that there is a town in the Berkshires that doesn’t have access to public land/woods within 10 minutes of anywhere you might be. Being in the woods does something powerful. Research shows that time in nature (even just a few minutes) can lower cortisol, the stress hormone, and improve your mood and energy levels. This practice is known as “forest bathing” in Japan, and it's considered essential for mental and emotional well-being.

It Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect

You don’t need hiking boots or a backpack. You don’t need to drive an hour to a mountain trail. Just open your door. Step onto the porch. Walk around the block. Sit on a log. Smell the air. Look at the sky. Touch a tree.

Nature doesn’t ask anything of you—except that you show up.

Build a Simple Habit

Start with five minutes. Make it part of your morning coffee ritual, or your end-of-day reset. Walk your dog without your phone. Sit on your stoop and just be. You’ll be amazed at what those few minutes can do. And chances are, you’ll start to crave it. Remember my earlier post this month about the “ Merlin App” Great time to open that !

A Gentle Invitation

This isn’t another task on your list. It’s an invitation. To breathe, to listen, to reconnect—with the world around you, and with yourself.

So today, find your patch of sky. Let the air touch your skin. And if you can, step into the woods. Even for just five minutes.

It counts. And it matters.

I hope that this reaches someone that needed the nudge

"Nature is fuel for the soul"

Richard Ryan, Professor of Psychology at Rochester University 

The Amazing Merlin App: How It Calmed My Soul

Take a Moment: How the Merlin App and Birdsong Can Help You Slow Down

In a world where every moment feels scheduled and packed to the brim, finding small ways to pause and reconnect with the natural world can be truly healing. One of the simplest — and most rewarding — ways to do that? Just sit outside and listen to the birds.

The Merlin Bird ID app, created by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, has become a gentle daily companion for many people who want to slow down, unplug, and enjoy a little stillness. With just a tap, you can identify the birds singing around you in real time. But beyond identification, the app offers something deeper: an invitation to pause. I am so thankful to my client who introduced me to the app many months ago. NEVER did I see myself as a bird person…. but now it’s safe to say I might just be that.

A Five-Minute Reset

You don’t need a forest or a day off to make space for this. Step outside your back door, sit on your porch, or lean against a tree. Open the Merlin app, hit "Sound ID," and just... listen.

Within seconds, you’ll begin to notice the subtle differences in each chirp, call, or song. The friendly chatter of a chickadee, the lilting notes of a song sparrow, or the curious “cheer-up, cheerily” of an American robin can draw your attention away from to-do lists and inboxes, and back into the present moment.

It becomes a kind of meditation. Instead of focusing on your breath, you're focusing on the sounds of the wild — the pulse of nature that’s been there all along, just waiting for you to notice. You might even get to the point where you hear a new sound that you know you haven’t heard before!

Why It Works

Listening to birdsong has been shown to have real mental health benefits, including reduced stress and increased feelings of calm and connection. The Merlin app enhances that experience by gently teaching you the names of your new feathered companions, adding a layer of mindfulness and curiosity to your break.

You’re not just hearing birds — you’re meeting them.

A Daily Ritual Worth Keeping

Try it once, and it might become a habit. A morning coffee on the deck with Merlin running in the background. A quiet moment after lunch on a park bench. Even five minutes in your backyard before dinner. It's a low-effort, high-reward ritual that can bring peace, wonder, and a deeper appreciation of the world right outside your window.

So next time you're feeling overwhelmed, take a moment. Open the app, step outside, and let the birds do the talking. You just might find that they say exactly what your soul needed to hear.

If any of you give this a try, I would so love to hear what you thought !

Cheers to the birdies in our world :)

Tanya

Motivation Minute: What Does the New " 2.0" Version of You Look Like?

How to Start Your Upgrade

1. Audit Your Current Version

Before you rewrite your next chapter, take a moment to assess where you are. What’s working? What’s draining you? What’s missing? Self-awareness is the foundation of transformation.

Ask yourself:

• What parts of my life feel outdated?
  
  

• What am I craving more of?
  
  

• What’s something I’m doing just to please others?
  
  

2. Design Your Ideal Identity

Who is the 2.0 version of you? Visualize them. What do they wear? How do they move through the world? What do they no longer tolerate? What brings them joy?

Give this new version of yourself permission to exist. Imagine the bold, grounded, healthy, and fulfilled version of you—and begin aligning with their mindset, habits, and energy.

3. Choose One Small Upgrade at a Time

You don’t need to overhaul your entire life overnight. Just like any software update, progress happens step-by-step.

Maybe it’s:

• Waking up 30 minutes earlier for quiet time
  
  

• Reading for 10 minutes a day
  
  

• Saying “no” without guilt
  
  

• Finally signing up for that class or trip
  
  

Every small shift moves you closer to your 2.0 self.

4. Limit Your Changes—10 or Fewer

As exciting as reinvention can be, it’s important not to overwhelm yourself by trying to change everything all at once. Limit yourself to no more than 10 new habits or changes. This keeps your transformation focused, realistic, and sustainable.

Trying to do too much at once often leads to burnout or giving up entirely. But a handful of meaningful, well-chosen upgrades? That’s where real momentum builds. Quality always beats quantity.

Start with 3–5 changes that matter most to you, and let the rest unfold naturally as you gain confidence and clarity.

5. Surround Yourself with Supportive Energy

Upgrading your life might mean upgrading your circle. Spend more time with people who light you up, not those who dim your shine. Look for expanders—those living in ways that inspire you to level up. If you have a close friend, maybe even share the “ upgrades” you’re hoping to make for yourself.

6. Give Yourself Grace

Growth isn’t linear. You’ll have days when you fall into old patterns. That’s okay. The goal isn’t to be flawless—it’s to be intentional. Every choice is a chance to return to the new path you’re carving.

Embrace Your Next Chapter

The beauty of becoming “You 2.0” is that it’s yours. You get to write the rules. You get to reintroduce yourself to the world, grounded in your truth, purpose, and power.

You’re not starting from scratch. You’re starting from experience—with new clarity, fresh vision, and a heart ready to grow.

This is your upgrade season. Don’t be afraid to reboot. The next version of you is going to be extraordinary.

I can’t wait to hear from you all if you try this project

Tanya

Run With Heart: How to Start a Running Program by Listening to Your Heart Rate, Not the Clock

If you’ve ever started running and quickly burned out because you felt too slow, too tired, or like you weren’t improving fast enough, you’re not alone. A common trap new (and experienced) runners fall into is chasing speed or distance before their body is ready. But what if you could ditch the pressure of pace and miles—and train smarter by focusing on your heart?

Welcome to heart rate-based running. I can attest to it as I recently tried it myself. I wanted to try something new as I was feeling SUPER discouraged after putting on some extra weight and just not finding enough time to get out for my runs.

Why Heart Rate Matters More Than Pace

When you run, your heart rate reflects how hard your body is working. Unlike pace or distance—which are influenced by terrain, weather, and how much sleep you got—your heart rate tells the truth about your effort level.

Training by heart rate ensures you stay in the right effort zones to build endurance, improve fitness, and avoid burnout or injury. Plus, it’s way more forgiving than constantly chasing a specific pace.

The Heart Rate Zones, Explained

Most heart rate training systems break things down into five zones:

• Zone 1 (Very Light, 50–60% of max HR)
  Easy walking or very light jogging. Good for recovery and warming up.

• Zone 2 (Light, 60–70%)
  The goldmine for beginners. This zone builds aerobic endurance and teaches your body to burn fat efficiently. You should be able to hold a conversation here.

• Zone 3 (Moderate, 70–80%)
  Often called the “gray zone.” It feels like you’re working, but not pushing. You’ll spend time here later, but beginners don’t need much of it early on.

• Zone 4 (Hard, 80–90%)
  For short, intense efforts. Not beginner-friendly until you’ve got a strong aerobic base.

• Zone 5 (Max Effort, 90–100%)
  Sprinting. Rarely needed unless you're training for speed or racing competitively.

🩺 You can estimate your max heart rate as 220 minus your age, though a more accurate number can be found through lab testing or a structured workout.

Getting Started with a Heart-Based Running Program

Here’s how to structure your running journey with heart rate in mind:

Step 1: Get a Heart Rate Monitor

A chest strap is most accurate, but many smartwatches do a decent job. Just don’t rely on the treadmill handles or estimations.

Step 2: Commit to Running Slow

Seriously. Slower than you think. If you’re new, Zone 2 may mean walking with bursts of jogging. That’s okay. You’re building aerobic efficiency, and that takes time.

Step 3: Run for Time, Not Miles

Start with 20–30 minutes in Zone 2, three times a week. Focus on keeping your heart rate steady—not your pace.

Step 4: Track Progress

As your fitness improves, you’ll notice your pace increasing at the same heart rate. That’s the magic of this approach: your body gets stronger without feeling like it’s being punished.

Step 5: Be Patient

Heart rate training is a long game. But it’s sustainable, and it builds a rock-solid base you can expand on with speed or distance later.

Final Thoughts: Run Easy to Run Strong

Running by heart rate removes the ego from the equation. It allows you to focus on how your body feels rather than how fast it goes. You might be surprised how freeing it is to let go of the numbers on your watch and just tune in to your breath, your rhythm, and your heart.

In a world obsessed with pace and Strava stats, running by heart rate is a quiet, powerful rebellion—and your heart will thank you for it.

When It Snows In April: How To Still Celebrate Spring

When Spring Wears a Winter Coat: Celebrating the Season Even When It Snows in April

Spring officially arrives in March, and with it comes the promise of warmer days, budding trees, and the cheerful return of birdsong. But if you live in a place where April snow isn’t just a possibility but a regular guest, you know the season doesn’t always arrive wearing pastels and sunshine. Any of us who have lived in the Berkshires for more than a year, definitely know this to be true. 

Still, even with a dusting of snow on the daffodils, spring is worth celebrating—and maybe even more so when it’s wrapped in a bit of winter’s sparkle. Here’s how to lean into the beauty of this seasonal in-between and welcome spring with open (and maybe mittened) arms.

1. Let Nature Surprise You

There’s something undeniably magical about snow resting gently on new blooms. Crocuses poking through frosty ground. Robins fluffed up against a cold breeze. These little contrasts remind us that change doesn’t happen all at once—and that’s okay. Let nature’s rhythm guide you into spring with wonder rather than impatience. I know that I have heard the little hopeful birds chirping for weeks! If they aren’t losing hope, we can’t either ! 

2. Decorate Anyway

Put up your spring wreath. Arrange those tulips on the table. Light a candle that smells like fresh rain or blooming lilacs. Sometimes the simple act of bringing spring inside helps shift your mindset, even if you’re still wearing your winter boots outside. Even getting flowers from the store that have an amazing scent, such as daffodils, might just be a game changer!

3. Take a Walk in the Chill

Spring snow has a different feel from the deep freezes of January. It’s lighter, often melting by mid-afternoon, and the air smells more alive. Go for a walk, breathe in that earthy mix of thaw and renewal, and listen—really listen—for the sounds of spring under the silence of snow. There’s something poetic about it. When that sun shows itself, take a moment to sit outside and look up and soak it in. ( even if you’re still wearing a hat, scarf, and gloves lol) 

4. Start Something New

Whether it’s clearing out a closet, starting seedlings in your windowsill, or journaling about the season ahead, spring—even with snow—is an invitation to begin again. Don’t wait for the “perfect” weather. New beginnings happen in all kinds of conditions. What changes would you like to see for yourself in this next season? 

5. Embrace the Humor of It

Let’s face it: Snow in April is kind of funny. You just swapped out your winter gear, and now it’s back. Laugh at it. Take a picture of your snow-covered patio furniture and call it “New England chic” (or insert your region’s name here). Find the charm in the absurdity. It’s part of the experience. I know that I made the mistake of putting my ice scraper away last week ( I NEVER ….EVER.. do this before May and I forgot !) 

So yes, it might snow in April. And that might feel frustrating when you’re craving sandals and sunshine. But spring isn’t just a temperature—it’s a shift, a stirring, a sense of hope. And that, snow or not, is always worth celebrating.

The first day of spring is one thing, and the first spring day is another. The difference between them is sometimes as great as a month. ~Henry Van Dyke

What's Your " Screen Time" Looking Like Lately ?

Taking a "Time Out" from Your Phone: A Reality Check on Screen Time

In today’s digital world, our phones have become an extension of ourselves. Whether it's checking emails, scrolling through social media, or watching videos, we often don’t realize just how much time we’re spending on our screens. Taking a “time out” from your phone can be a powerful way to regain balance, boost productivity, and improve mental well-being. One of the first steps? Checking your daily screen time.

The Wake-Up Call: Checking Your Screen Time

Most smartphones now have built-in features that track screen usage. If you’ve never looked at yours, you might be in for a surprise. To check your screen time:

• iPhone: Go to Settings > Screen Time and view your daily and weekly reports.

• Android: Navigate to Settings > Digital Wellbeing & parental controls to see a breakdown of your phone usage.

Once you see the numbers, ask yourself: Is this how I want to be spending my time? I have to say that I think for most of us, we will be shocked to actually see the amount of time that we are looking at our phones each day.

The Benefits of a Phone “Time Out”

Taking intentional breaks from your phone has multiple benefits:

• Reduced Stress & Anxiety: Less screen time means fewer notifications and digital distractions, helping you feel more present and less overwhelmed.

• Improved Sleep: Excessive phone use, especially at night, can interfere with your sleep cycle. Cutting back on screen time before bed can lead to more restful sleep.

• Stronger Relationships: By putting your phone down, you can engage more meaningfully with family, friends, and coworkers. I think that the people we share time with deserve to have our undivided attention and not feel that we are only “ Partially There”

• Increased Productivity: Without constant phone distractions, you can focus better and get more done in less time.

How to Take a Screen Time “Time Out”

If you find your screen time is higher than you'd like, here are some practical ways to cut back:

1. Set App Limits: Many phones allow you to set daily limits on social media and other time-consuming apps.

2. Schedule “Phone-Free” Time: Designate certain hours of the day where you put your phone away—like during meals, workouts, or before bed. You can also just decide a few times a day to set the phone aside. Even starting with 5 minutes is a start ! :)

3. Use “Do Not Disturb” Mode: Reduce interruptions by turning off non-essential notifications.

4. Replace Screen Time with Other Activities: Swap scrolling for activities like reading, exercising, or spending time outdoors. You would be amazed at how transformative even a 5-10 minute walk can be. No phone, just your thoughts and the fresh air. If you bring someone with you on the walk, it’s a great time to talk with zero interruptions.

5. Try a 24-Hour Digital Detox: Pick a day to completely unplug and see how you feel without constant digital engagement. This might be close to impossible so perhaps start with a morning or evening with taking a phone break?

A Healthier Relationship with Your Phone

Your phone is a tool—not a necessity. By checking in on your screen time and taking regular breaks, you can reclaim valuable hours in your day. The goal isn’t to eliminate phone use altogether but to create a healthier, more intentional balance.

So, take a moment today to check your screen time. You might be surprised—and inspired—to take a well-deserved “time out.”

I would love to hear any of your thoughts and experiences if you decide to give this a try!

Tanya

It’s Okay to Just Go Through the Motions Some Days

We live in a world that glorifies hustle. Productivity is worn like a badge of honor, and the idea of doing the “bare minimum” is often met with guilt or shame. But the truth is, some days, the best thing you can do is simply show up and go through the motions.

Not every day has to be high energy, deeply fulfilling, or full of accomplishments. Some days are about survival, about doing just enough to keep things moving, and that’s okay. Today was that day for me, and I have certainly had days like this before.

The Reality of Energy Ebbs and Flows

Our energy isn’t infinite, and life doesn’t operate on a steady, predictable rhythm. There will be days when you wake up feeling off—maybe you're tired, overwhelmed, or just not in the mood to give 100%. And instead of forcing yourself to push beyond your limits, what if you allowed yourself a little grace?

Going through the motions doesn’t mean you don’t care. It means you recognize your current capacity and honor it. It means doing what’s necessary—getting out of bed, handling essential tasks, showing up for responsibilities—without demanding peak performance from yourself.

It might be a day where all that you can think about ( and daydream about) is being in your most comfy PJs and having comfort food for dinner !

Why Doing the Bare Minimum is Sometimes Enough

1. It Prevents Burnout – Always pushing yourself to maximum effort can lead to exhaustion. Restoring balance means knowing when to ease up. My husband often reminds me … “ You know, it’s actually ok to sometimes do “ NOTHING “ lol

2. You’re Still Moving Forward – Even when you’re not at your best, doing something (even just the basics) keeps momentum going. Progress doesn’t always have to be big. You can perhaps check off the most important tasks for the day, and leave it at that.

3. It Respects Your Humanity – You are not a machine. Some days will be slower, and that doesn’t make you lazy or unworthy. It makes you human.

Giving Yourself Permission

The next time you feel guilty about not doing enough, remind yourself: some days are just like that. And they don’t define you. The world won’t fall apart if you’re not operating at full capacity for a day (or even a few). Life is a marathon, not a sprint.

The more human we are, and perhaps even share with others that we have these “ off days” the more it gives the people we love permission to do the same.

So if today is one of those “just get through it” days, let that be okay. Do what you can, take care of yourself, and trust that tomorrow might feel different.

Because showing up—even in the smallest ways—is still showing up. And that matters.

I always hope that these posts might just reach someone that needed to hear it.

Take care.

Tanya

It's February: How Are Those Resolutions Coming Along?

We’ve all been there—January starts strong with ambitious goals, but by February, those resolutions feel like a distant memory. Life happens, motivation fades, and suddenly, you’re off track. The good news? Giving up for a little while doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It just means it’s time to reset and start fresh. Here’s how to get back on track and make real progress, no matter when you begin.

1. Let Go of the Guilt

First things first—don’t beat yourself up. Falling off track is part of the process. Instead of seeing it as failure, treat it as a learning experience. Ask yourself what caused you to stop and use that insight to adjust your approach.

2. Reassess Your Goals

Maybe your original resolution was too ambitious, too vague, or just didn’t fit into your lifestyle. Reevaluate and make adjustments. Instead of “I’ll go to the gym every day,” try “I’ll move my body for 30 minutes, four times a week.” Small, flexible goals are easier to maintain.

3. Start Small (Again)

You don’t have to dive in at full speed—just start. If you stopped eating healthy, begin by adding one nutritious meal a day. If you quit exercising, take a 10-minute walk. Progress is progress, no matter how small.

4. Create a Realistic Plan

Without a plan, motivation alone won’t keep you going. Schedule your workouts, meal prep, set reminders—whatever it takes to make your resolution a part of your routine. Make it as easy as possible to follow through.

5. Find Accountability

Tell a friend, join a group, or use an app to track your progress. Having someone or something to keep you accountable makes a huge difference in staying consistent.

6. Focus on Why You Started

Remind yourself why you set this goal in the first place. Write it down, put it somewhere visible, and reconnect with that motivation. Your reason should be personal and meaningful to you.

7. Celebrate Small Wins

Every step forward is worth celebrating. Hit the gym twice this week? That’s a win! Drank more water than usual? Another win! Recognizing progress, no matter how small, keeps you motivated.

8. Be Kind to Yourself

There will be setbacks, and that’s okay. Life isn’t about perfection—it’s about consistency. Keep moving forward, and don’t be afraid to restart as many times as you need.

Final Thought: Any Day is a Good Day to Start

The calendar doesn’t define your success—you do. Whether it’s January 1st or June 1st, what matters is your commitment to keep trying. So dust off those resolutions and get back to it. You’ve got this!

Would you like this tailored for a real estate audience or kept general?

Monday Motivation : Reach Out To Someone

Tis the season to reach out :)

With the holidays coming soon, this could not be a better time to reach out to someone that meant something to you that perhaps you’ve lost touch with.

Can you think of someone that you really loved having in your life regardless of how long ago or what little time you may have spent with them? As far as I am concerned, it’s never too late to reach out.

You may find that they have been thinking just the same thing but were too nervous to make that call or send that message.

“ Reaching out” can be as simple as a Facebook message, a quick text, a note that you can pop in the mail, or my favorite…. pick up the phone and call them.

One of my favorite things to look forward to is a call to an old friend of mine from when we were teenagers. We try and chat every Thursday early morning.

““There is nothing like an old friend who has shared our morning days, no greeting which makes the heart renew its sunshine so readily as the returning smile of an old friend.” ”

— — Edward Bulwer— Lytton

Life Tip: 5 Minutes of Fresh Air A Day Keeps the Blues Away

Would you be surprised if I told you that for one solid winter, I made sure that I got my butt outside every single day for at least 5 minutes ??? 

Just in case you’re thinking any of the following:

“ Wow, I could never do that ! I am not THAT person” 

Or

“ Holy moly she is a rock star!!! How the heck does she get herself motivated to do that???” 

Or 

“ She’s a nut job. Who cares anyway?” lol 

I will tell you that I didn’t just do this on a whim. 

There was a stretch of time where in addition to the actual darkness of winter, there were a whole batch of “ dark” and rather sad times that all came together. 

Without getting too far into the trenches, the loss of both parents, the passing of my father in law, and sending my oldest son off to his first year of college and having to let him spread his wings. 

I generally am a pretty happy person but I did find myself struggling to stay “ UP” as most people expected me to be. 

The one thing that I noticed was that as soon as it started to get colder and darker earlier in the day, the more I was inclined to stay inside and keep bundled up from the cold. However , nothing about that was making me feel better. 

So, I decided to do a little experiment with myself as the guinea pig. 

I committed to getting outside 5 minutes every day, regardless of the weather. 

On a side note, there was another huge side benefit of this experiment and they had four legs and a fluffy tail. 

Yes, we’re talking about my buddy Bubba, my 4 year old golden retriever. 

So every day, whether it was raining, snowing, or sleeting with high winds, I would put my insulated pants and winter jacket on, saddle up Bubba, and hit the streets for our daily walk. 

Just a few awesome things happened because of these walks:

• Just getting fresh air every day made me feel SOOOO much better ! 

• I gained this feeling of confidence in myself that I was actually doing it. 

• Bubba was more than thrilled that he got to be my sidekick and often, was getting a second walk in his daily routine 

• I found that I slept better just by getting the fresh air

• The house ALWAYS felt warmer after coming back in from a very windy brisk walk. 

• The worse the weather , the quieter the streets were for our walks. There is something to be said for having a walk every so often where it’s just me, the pup, and the mountains around us. 

• Time to listen to either my favorite podcast or music. If I needed to really clear my head, I would often just leave all electronics behind. 

Keep in mind that you in no way need to have a pup to try this experiment. 

One other note. 

I would recommend that this be a solo experiment. 

I can tell you with certainty that when I offered to my family members “ Want to step out for a walk today with me “ , the faces that I got in response to the offer were less than excited. Lol 

Not to mention we are talking about a 5 minute time span. It may take you just as long to put on your boots and gear as the walk itself but that’s totally OK! 

The point is to get outside, take a few deep breaths of fresh air, and clear your head and get some vitamin D from even a tiny bit of sun exposure. 

Let me know how you all do and if you have other great ideas related to this ! 

Have a wonderful day ! 

Tanya

“Some old-fashioned things like fresh air and sunshine are hard to beat.” – Laura Ingalls Wilder

What if we called it " Love Day" rather than " Valentines Day?"

“ Love Day” The New Way to Think About “ Valentine’s Day” 

Over the years, I have noticed that for many, Valentines Day can be a rather loaded holiday that can even be stressful for some. 

Whether you are newly single, a recent widower, or just someone that even isn’t in the best place with your current relationship, this holiday may be one that does not bring joy that particular year. 

I have heard it said and I believe it is true, that if you’re feeling down, the best thing that you can do is to focus on someone else. This post is exactly that. Taking this holiday and changing how you think about it. Finding a way to bring love and joy to those around you. 

Rather than getting wrapped up in waiting for cards and gifts that may or may not arrive, what if we looked at the holiday in a whole new way? 

What if we spent the day, and even the entire week, celebrating the ones that we love? That would encompass SO many other people in our world and space! 

What if you even dropped off a note or a goodie to your postmaster? Or perhaps your pharmacist? Just to show your appreciation for all that they do. Why do we have to wait for Christmas to give gifts and show our love for people that help make our lives better ? 

Of course if you have a partner or spouse, we don’t want to forget them either. How about your other family members ? Kids, parents, or extended family? Could you prepare for them their favorite dessert or goodie? Or even a card just to tell them all of the reasons that you love them and how grateful you are to have them in your life. 

If there is someone that was special to you or a family member that you have lost touch with, what a great day it would be to mail them a Valentines card and tell them that although you may have lost touch, you still love them and hope to reconnect?

 You can even do something less expected such as sending them a song via a text message that makes you think of them. I know that my mother always loved singing “ You are my sunshine”  to me as a child. I also sang that same song to my two boys for years after tucking them into bed at night. 

I feel super passionate about making sure to tell the ones that you love and appreciate how much they mean to you. Ideally, for the ones closest to you, tell them every single day. Outside of those closest to you, it can only bring joy to someone's day to hear that someone is thinking about them and why they are special to them. 

 If someone pops into your head, reach out to them. 

We all need more love in this world and you never know if the person you are reaching out to might be struggling. Hearing from you may be just what they need in that moment. 

I’m hoping this post gave you some ideas and ways to “ Spread the Love” 

-Tanya

If there is a day to act on the Love in your soul it is today, it is this moment.

 ~Mike Dolan, @HawaiianLife, tweet, 2015

The Benefits of Planning a Trip!

I can’t remember what podcast it was that I heard this point but they mentioned how planning a trip is a mood lifter just in itself!

Just the actions of planning, daydreaming, and looking forward to a day or week away can have a huge impact on our mood.

You would think that the best part is the actual trip but they have shown in studies that the entire process of planning the trip can often bring more joy than even the content of your trip! When I really sat with this, I realized that it really was true. Can you remember the feeling of wrapping up a Friday afternoon at work the day before a vacation??? It’s like being a kid again on the last day of school !

With so many trips canceled over the last 24 months, I think that this whole theory is more relevant than ever! I would imagine that the amount of travel over the next few months will be off the charts! Even for small overnight trips, just getting out of town for a bit does wonders for the soul

Perhaps you can start planning a trip for late spring or summer? Make sure that whatever trip you plan can be canceled at no fee! Most hotels offer that option especially now given the circumstances and how much is still unknown.

Just some of the details that you can start thinking and daydreaming about for your trip are the following:

1. Places you might want to go out to eat while away. Yelp has NEVER steered us wrong! You can start jumping on that app daily and start drooling over all the amazing food you will eat!

2. It’s a great time to get in the best shape ever so that your walking legs are ready for long walks on the beach or walks through the center of whatever town you go to.

3. Start making a list of what you want to pack . There are some great apps for this! I actually use an app called “ Out of Milk” which is actually a grocery shopping app but the great thing is that you can create lists, cross items out, and then use the list again and re-activate the same list. I more recently discovered a new app “ ANY LIST” which is amazing as it talks to SIRI!!! Imagine that !!

4. Start a family “ vacation stash” jar. I keep a mason jar in the laundry room for any loose change and anything in that jar goes right to the vacation money. It might add up to only a few dollars but that’s enough for ice cream at night right???

5. Choose some great books/magazines to bring on your trip! If your local library is open again make a stop and get a stack of books! I am also a huge fan of swapping and sharing magazines with friends. Many of us have stopped our magazine subscriptions so the few that we still get are great to share and circulate.

6. Keep in mind, this trip away doesn’t have to be expensive . The whole point is to have something to look forward to and plan for. It could be to hike up to a great camping spot. That may cost you all of $10 ( or free if you know of private land that you have permission to camp on ) ! Plan out what you want to have for food, unpack perhaps a dusty cooler, wash all of your sleeping bags, and get ready !

So, whether it’s just a day trip to the beach, an overnight camping trip, or a week away, plan something fun for your future! It really doesn’t matter if it is a few months away, 6 months, or even a year! Remember the happiness benefit you will get just from the planning regardless as to when the trip is!

Happy Planning !!!!

Tanya

Planning is bringing the future into the present.

Mike Vance

Everyday Life Tip: Unstoppable Ups

I have to start by saying that the last 24 months motivated me to look into this topic.

I think that almost all of us, regardless of our circumstances, have experienced some struggles with all that has been happening in the country and our world over the last two years .

Most of you may know that I do try and focus on the positive as best I can. However, even I found that I had times of sadness and moments where I just wasn’t “ Feeing it”
Many of my friends shared with me the sentiment of feeling like it was groundhog day…. every day. There are so many common phenomenon’s that we seem to all have felt lately that I cannot even explain.

I think that at some point, many of us found that we were struggling to find anything that we could really count on that wouldn’t be “ Canceled”. I think that if I never heard the word “ Canceled” another day in my life, I would be ok with that. lol

What can you do when everything seems so out of our control?

When I started my planning for 2022, one of my goals was to find more moments of joy. I was finding that many days, I would get through the rush of the day to find that I wasn’t even sure where the time went or what exactly ate up all the hours of the day. I truly believe that we are not here on this earth to just “ Pass the time” .

I started to really think about how I could incorporate even small moments of joy, typically that would not even require more than 5 minutes, in every day. How could I possibly find an excuse for not finding 5 MINUTES???

Here is a short list of things that I came up with that were purely for the purpose of fun and joy:

• Dancing in the kitchen to ONE Zumba song via my favorite You Tube Zumba group https://www.youtube.com/c/Livelovepartyinternational 4-5 Min

• Taking a walk with the puppies and any family member willing to join me lol 5-12 Min

• Reading a great book 5-10 Min

• Yoga 5-10 Min ( love using free videos again on You Tube https://youtu.be/4C-gxOE0j7s )

• Doing a quick word find 2-5 Min

• Petting my dog 1-5 Min

• Playing my Ukulele 3-5 Min

• Baking anything … cakes, cookies. 20-30 Min

• Watching a Binge Worthy show ( not for too long or it can be more of a downer) 20-45 Min

You will find a VERY common denominator with all of the activities above.

Everything on my list are things that I can count on regardless as to what is happening in my town, city, or nation. Most can also be done regardless of the weather ( even walking the pups. Fresh air is so important even for 5 minutes)

It may sound like such a simple concept but it has been a GAME changer for me.

It does take some motivation to schedule these activities into your day even though they are strictly for fun and relaxation.

I have to make a conscious effort to find and schedule those moments rather than let the day just run away from me.

I would love for any of you to give this a try. Even for a few days and see if it makes a difference.

Finding things that bring us all happiness that we know we can count on I feel is critical.

I hope that you can find some useful info from this post today and that it might bring even a little more happiness to your world. I would love it even more if you would be willing to share some of your “ JOY moments “ with all of us.

Tanya

“Let us dance in the sun, wearing wild flowers in our hair...”

― Susan Polis Schutz

Everyday Life Tip: Making Fitness Goals You Can Stick To

Well here we are. The month of resolutions and new promises to ourselves.

I know from years of watching the patterns of activity at local gyms that January is and always will be, the busiest month of the year. Many new memberships and members with high hopes of making the commitment to a healthier and happier life.

As many of you know, in my previous life was a full time fitness instructor and personal trainer.

The biggest mistake that I see made when people jump into fitness goals is that they go in too hard and make their goals too big.

I have and always will be a big fan of making initial goals that will make you both feel successful and that are solid building blocks to a long life of adding fitness to your routine.

If you wanted to run a marathon, you wouldn’t go out on your first day and run 10 miles. Not only might this not be possible, but you also might end up in bed for 2-3 days after with so much body and muscle soreness you will be kicking yourself !

If you are just starting and have not been exercising at all, a great first goal would be to perhaps walk or ride a stationary bike for 5 minutes. That’s 5 minutes more than you were doing the day before ! I know, my overachievers will say…. “ Wow ! This feels great!! Five minutes is for babies ! I am going to keep going and do 20 minutes !!!!”

Again, this is something that you want to keep and continue for the rest of your life ! You have many days ahead of you to keep adding time to your workout ! You might want to also start by saying that you will exercise 3-4 days a week. Always leave one day for your body to rest.

Another great idea would be to reach out to your local gym and see if you can set up an appointment with a personal trainer. If you feel that a one on one session is too costly, ask them if you could perhaps do a half session or a small group session. Who knows you might be able to round up a few friends and have a blast supporting each other and showing up each week ! You may find that the cost of a personal training session isn’t more than one dinner out. Isn’t your health worth it??

Keep in mind that because I work by referral in real estate, that also means that I love giving personal referrals to other wonderful businesses and contractors that I have worked with in the past. If you would like to have some names of amazing fitness and personal trainers, just let me know. I will be sure to connect you with someone that will be a great fit for you.

Happy January ! Please feel free to reach out to me and share your goals !

Tanya

“May the New Year bring you new strength, new hope and new dreams.”
― Lailah Gifty Akita, Pearls of Wisdom: Great mind

Three Things ....

I wish that I could remember which fiction novel I picked this up from .

The main character in the story had a tendency to be exceptionally anxious and worried.

At some point, someone gave her a great tip to use anytime that she was feeling anxious or worried.

The advice was to stop, look around her, and pick three things right in front of her that she was grateful for. This also allowed time for her to take a deep breath and stop for a moment.

What I love so much about this idea is that it forces us to notice things in our daily life that we might otherwise take for granted. I have been keeping a daily journal for YEARS and part of what I write every morning things that I am grateful for. You might guess that my list often has the same items on it. Please note that you certainly DO NOT need to be a journal keeper to use this tip on the “ Three Things” I actually rarely meet anyone that writes in a daily journal. That’s for another post :)

Using the “ Three things” trick brings things to light that are rarely on this list.

Some of the things that I have noticed in front of me are the following:

1. When in my car ( thankful that I have a car, thankful that I am not sitting in traffic, a great podcast to listen to)

2. Walking outside ( flowers along the way, the sound of the trees blowing in the wind, a blue sky with only one cloud)

3. A setting as simple as the grocery store ( having so many choices to select from , helpful staff that we get to know, having the money to buy groceries )

I hope that these examples give you some ideas as to places that you can give this idea a try.

We are in such a fast paced society and life. Anything that can help us slow down, if even for one minute, can make such a difference in the quality of our life.

What are your three things? Maybe try it for a few days and let me know what you notice that you may have missed before.

Tanya

“Every day, spread the magical stardust of thankfulness into your life”

~Terri Guillemets

Fall Traditions 2021

What are your fall traditions? We are so lucky to live in such a beautiful place where every season is vastly different.

Soon we will all see the changing of the leaves and the morning chill as we breathe the first breath of air walking outside in the morning. Darkness will fall a little sooner.

What are some traditions that you are looking forward to?

Just a few of mine are:

• Stocking up on k cup apple cider with to go cups for friends that visit

• Putting our posable skeleton “Bob” out in the yard . Let’s be honest he also starts inside for a few weeks to scare my family members. He does love crawling under peoples covers during the day. Lol

• Making sure that all of our comfiest blankets are all out on the sofas

• Making at least one trip to our local apple orchard to pick apples.

• Taking out our Halloween inside decor . To include Mr. and Mrs. Frankenstein lol

• Of course, making an apple pie and being sure to have Häagen-Dazs vanilla ice cream ready !

I find that over the last year and half, these traditions are more important than ever. Anything that we can count on regardless as to what is happening in the outside world is so helpful. If there is one thing that we learned over the last few years, it’s that we just don’t know what life might bring. Moments that bring joy and comfort are what can keep us plugging along despite the bumps in the road that will pop up along the way.

If we have these traditions that happen right under our own roof ( or in our yards ) I would like to say they are ones that we can count on. Certainly any that also support our local businesses and community are equally wonderful.

I love hearing from all of you ! Please message me or email me what your fall traditions are. We might just find that we all pick up some new traditions by sharing with each other. I know that when my boys were little, we started so many great traditions from other families sharing what they did with us.

“If you have knowledge, let others light their candles in it.”

-Margaret Fuller

2021 Goals ! My Decision to make TWO Lists

Let me preface this post by saying that I have to thank one of my favorite podcasts, The Happiness Project”, for giving me the idea for creating this annual list.

Last year, they came up with a great idea of making a “ 20 for 2020” list of goals. This list could be a super simple list of things ranging from goals like “ Trying golf” to “ Completing all levels of Spanish”

What many of us found was that when COVID hit, many of our plans were suddenly changed if not deleted all together.

We all have learned that you just never know what’s coming. None of us could have prepared for what COVID brought and how it changed in our lives. There were some things that were positive changes such as slowing down and seeing our immediate family members more. While at the same time, it brought many disappointments, new fears, and sadness as many found they were isolated from the ones that they love.

With all of that said, when it comes to making my “ 21 for 2021” list, I am officially creating TWO lists !

One will be a “ 21 for 2021” list that can be done even if we are stuck in COVID circumstances. Looking back on 2020, I think that many of us can say that we had some extra time for a bit to get things done that we NEVER would have time to do otherwise. I know that my husband planted a HUGE vegetable garden all over our yard. Sadly, most of the veggies were abandoned when we both went back to work but it was fun while it lasted. lol I also heard from numerous folks that Home Depot was packed for MONTHS as everyone was at home doing projects in the yard and making repairs that they had time to attend to.

With this first list I can feel “ Wins” regardless of where our world is.

The second list that brings me happiness just to look at is for when we’re out of all of this and back to how things were. Of course on that list there are things like travel, going to the gym, etc. I know that initially, I was hesitant to book any trips considering that every single trip last year was canceled. However, when I thought about it I realized that if made sure to book trips that had a 100% cancellation refund which many do, I could go ahead with it. They say that often the planning and thinking about trips brings almost as much if not more happiness than the actual trip! Just having something to daydream about and think about for 2021 makes such a difference.

I would love for any of you to share your lists if you decide to create any.

Here is the podcast from the Happiness Project that references making a 21 for 2021 concept.

https://gretchenrubin.com/2020/01/20-for-2020-list

I hope that all of you have a wonderful start to 2021!

Tanya

“Once you choose hope, anything's possible.”

~Christopher Reeve