Article by Make The Days Count Contributor Marie Monroe

The holiday season is a season of expectation.  We expect to celebrate, enjoy friends and family, give and receive the perfect gifts. We want the house manicured and the decorations displayed. We expect to be happy and to make others happy as well.   We want perfectionism … just like a Norman Rockwell painting.

Holiday Deadlines & Expectation

Anticipation builds as we look forward to specific events.  Most of us will plan multiple events that are scheduled with exact dates and times … the school play, the Christmas concert, dinner at Aunt Susan’s, shopping for presents, the holiday office party … the list usually fills up very quickly.  We will watch our calendars inflate with “happy deadlines” as we work in everyone and everything we want to include. Read More »

Article by Kevin L. DeWitt

For all the tips and advice on being productive, it’s all ineffectual if we can’t focus on what we’re doing.  We need to work as efficiently and in as stress-free a way as possible to be productive. 

Yet we can’t do any of that if our mind keeps flicking to other things every two minutes.  Having had my own struggles with focus recently, here are some tips to get back on track when focus is lost: Read More »

Article by Make The Days Count Contributor Chris Bennett

“God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and wisdom to know the difference.”  This prayer by Reinhold Niebuhr may seem more familiar to some than others, but it provides an equal opportunity working toward balance and calm in our life.

Acceptance and courage are strong foundations for a healthy mind and spirit, but neither a healthy mind nor spirit can progress in life without wisdom.  When either one is broken or on the verge of collapse where do you turn for serenity?  What do you need to do everyday to move onward and upward with an honest peace of mind? Read More »

Article by Make The Days Count Contributor Stefanie Johnson

For many, the term “meditation” probably conjures up images of monks, sitting for hours, forsaking physical comfort while searching deep within their souls to attain peace.  Actually, you don’t have to be a monk - or have hours - or be uncomfortable - to enjoy the benefits of meditation.

All you really need is five minutes. Five minutes to lower stress, put things in perspective, and maybe even get a little healthier in the process. Read More »

This is the First in a Series of Articles on Goal Setting

by Make The Days Count Contributor Philip Wood

Back in Chicago for my first winter in nearly twenty years, I’m faced with the harsh reality that I am about to abandon one of my oldest goals.  Shortly after leaving the City all those years ago, I vowed never to own a winter coat again.  I woke this morning to a temperature of 8 degrees.  Although I considered the notion inviting, hibernation does not appear to be a realistic option.

I’ll have to buy a coat today.

Thankfully, the mild weather held longer this year than most.  I am grateful that I have been able to stall the inevitable parka purchase.  I’m grateful as well that my youthful boast stood for as long as it did.  As the weather changes and snow begins to pile up, my snow gear stall reminds that it’s the time of year for procrastination.  In a few short weeks, 2008 will become 2009 and many of us will make New Year’s resolutions. Read More »