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

Life Tip: Creating Summertime Traditions

I am working on this myself. Especially given the current conditions with COVID where nothing is really “ Normal”. I seem to keep finding myself having conversations with my 13 year old about ways to add fun into our days when so many things feel so strange.

I spent this weekend coming up with some new summer traditions that would be guaranteed “ Wins” regardless as to what is happening in the world and around us. I thought that it would be also fun to choose days of the week for each tradition ( not to mention the added benefit of KNOWING what day of the week it was! We all seem to be in this cloud of now knowing the date or day of the week! lol)

So, a few ideas that I came up with are the following: ( Keep in mind that all of these are simple but would give us things to look forward to and count on )

• Daily family walks with the dogs - Mon-Friday

• Campfire Night ! - Sundays

• Taco Tuesdays - Do I need to say which day? lol

• Outdoor Movie Night - Saturdays

• Flashlight night walks - Mondays

• Movie Night: Saturday ( for rain outs)

• Take Out Night ( letting rotating family members get their pick)- Fridays

• Picnic Night ( home or out ) - Wednesdays

• New Hiking Adventure - Saturdays

I would LOVE to hear if any of you have other ideas!!!!

Now I just need to put these ideas into action. What typically works with my family is to not necessarily announce “ Guess what? Mom has another great idea and list of activities !” They all know that I have a bit of an obsession of making lists and checking things off. So, I will simply start the day by asking if they are up for whatever that activity of the day might be.

My biggest hope again for this, will be that we can really start to embrace the time that we have together with family and friends and enjoy the small things that don’t depend on world circumstances. Whether you have a full house or are even flying solo, coming up with moments to look forward to and to count I feel is so important.

Tanya

”We tend to forget that happiness doesn’t come as a result of getting something we don’t have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have. “

~Frederick Keonig

Life Tip: Taking A Social Media Break

I have to say that now in this super weird of the Corona Crisis, social media has actually become a wonderful source of connection and for many, a lifeline.

However, prior to this very weird time, I have found that social media has also created a lot of divide, disconnect, and even at times, negative energy being dispersed into the crowd.

I just recently found a setting in my phone that will not only tell me how many minutes I was on my phone but how long I spent on each app. If you have never tried this, give it a whirl. It is a REAL eye opener! Do you know that the funny thing is? The smallest percentage for a lot of people is actually using the phone as a phone! I am a HUGE fan of picking up the phone, dialing that thing we call a phone number, and talking to people!

I of course got a bit sidetracked there!

So, our starting point might be for you to get a gauge of how much time you are spending either on your phone or your computer each day. In addition to that, how much time are you on social media ( i.e. Facebook, Pinterest, Snap Chat , or Instagram ) just to name a few. More recently I have heard of Tik Tok which consists of videos as short as 10 seconds…ugh.

Once you find out this number, just sit with it for a bit.

After that, can you choose a day of the week that you might take an all day break from social media? Or even better… all technology? What are some of the things that you might do if you had an entire day with no screen time? Maybe read a book? Take a hike? Sit and really talk to your kids? Board games are a personal favorite of mine. When you were young, what did you do in your down time? I am a firm believer in not thinking we are too old for anything, we are as young as we feel inside.

You may find that it’s a bit of a struggle at first and taking an entire day off may be too daunting. If so, what about a 4 hour time block? You may even need to put your phone on “ Airplane Mode” to avoid the temptation of checking your messages and emails periodically.

I promise you that nothing negative will come of this experiment! Some of us may even remember days where cell phones and even lap tops did not exist! We did just fine didn’t we? If you have a family member or child who may need to reach you in case of emergency I have a plan for that too! Can you let them know to call your spouses or friends phone should they need to reach you just for that time frame? There are a handful of you who might even still have a “ Land Line”. For a long time we had one just for emergencies and family members.

Any of you who know me well also know that part of my outgoing voice mail message says the following “ Any calls received on Sunday will be returned on Monday “ I try as best I can to put my phone away on Sundays. ( With the exception of time sensitive contracts)

I sometimes am amazed by days when I have spent the majority of my time on calls, texts, emails, and social media and suddenly realize … “ What on earth did I do today and how is it possibly 7:00 p.m.??” There will still be days such as this but I think that taking one day or one afternoon to “ Slow down time” is so critical for the heart and human spirit.

What would you do with your time and loved ones if you set all of the technology aside for a bit? Maybe it would give you a chance to pick up a hobby or read a book?

Please do me a favor and plan a day to give this a try and check back in with me and let me know how it went.

All the best everyone!

Tanya

The quote below is by far one of my favorites.

“Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”

― Ferris Bueller

Life Tip: Tracking Your Fitness on a Wall Calendar

Did you know that they still sell those things called “ Wall Calendars”??? Rather than have EVERYTHING electronically, there are a few things that I firmly believe should be kept on paper.

A wall calendar being one…. my little spiral notebooks being the other. ( Thanks Dad for teaching me so well on the spirals)

Whether you are just starting to workout or you “ Have It Down!”, tracking your workouts on a wall calendar can be the most rewarding and great way to keep yourself accountable to what you’re getting done each week.

Any day that you do something remotely active ( when I say this I mean anything, even a deep house cleaning) , put it on the calendar! On my calendar there are some days that I only wrote “ Walked the dogs- 10 minutes” That counts!!!!! Some days are much more exciting and might say things such as “ Ran 45 minutes….Biceps and Triceps”

My personal goal a few months ago was to have 20 active days a month. That’s it. If you’re just starting, I would recommend shooting for 12 active days a month, that’s 3 days a week.

Here’s the cool part of doing all of this. When you get a few months in, you can look back and see how you’ve been doing all at a few glances. Also, you might be able to peg some trends and ruts that you ran into along the way and figure out how to avoid them next year.

I hope that this post gives you a little motivation for the day. Let me know how you do if you give it a whirl! Also, and FYI you can grab a VERY inexpensive wall calendar at your local Walmart or Big Lots.

Tanya

“Be not afraid of growing slowly, be only afraid of standing still.”

-Chinese Proverb

Life Tip: Your Miracle Morning

I can easily tell you that for years, my mornings consisted of waking up feeling so incredibly tired, behind, and rushing every minute for the first few hours of the day.

That all changed ( with of course times of getting off course here and there) after reading one of my all time favorite books, “ The Miracle Morning” , by Hal Enrod.

See link below for where to find it on Amazon but also remember your public library!

Amazon Link to Miracle Morning Book

I am also posting the online catalog for the local libraries where you can pretty much order any book you can THINK OF and they will ship it right to your local library! If any of you need help learning how to do this please let me know !

Online Library Catalog

The concept is basically in a nutshell, to get up ideally an hour before you typically get up, and have that time just for yourself for what he calls “ SAVERS”

“ SAVERS” is short for the following:

• Silence

• Affirmations

• Visualization

• Exercise

• Reading

• Scribing

The beauty of the whole concept is that if you literally only have ten minutes total and just can’t get in an hour , you can still start the process. We all have different seasons of life. You may find that you can only start with getting up 5 minutes before your normal wake up time and work your way up eventually to getting up an hour earlier.

Even trying each of the “SAVERS” for one or two minutes each will make a HUGE change in your life!

There is also a huge online community on Facebook of Miracle Morning folks. You will find that it is a great place for ideas, motivation, and support of one another.

Please let me know if you give this a try. I promise you it will be sooo worth it!

Tanya

“Either you run the day, or the day runs you “

-Jim Rohn