In my post, Preparing for Change on HealthyPlace.com, I talk about how we can prepare mentally and emotionally for big changes in life. Here is an excerpt:

While most of us would like to think of ourselves as flexible, adaptable beings, the reality is that the mere thought of change makes the best of us want to run and hide. Most people are creatures of habit and slight changes to our regular routines can turn us into stressed out, crabby people. But as Roseanne Cash, singer/songwriter and daughter of Johnny Cash, says, “The key to change…is to let go of fear.”

To read the full post, check out my blog, The Unlocked Life on HealthyPlace.com.

In my post on HealthyPlace.com, Do We Ever Really ‘Have it Together’? I talk about how some people can embody this “togetherness” and how we can all work on getting it together (or least pretending we have it together). Here is an excerpt:

There are some people who just seem to “have it together” – they ease through life with minimal trouble, and seem to have a certain je ne sais quoi about them. They never seem to have problems finding a boyfriend/girlfriend, have good jobs, a great network of friends and are by all standards – successful. I’ve encountered a few of these fine specimens in my lifetime and am always left feeling a little awe-inspired…and inadequate.

To read the full post, check out my blog, The Unlocked Life on HealthyPlace.com.

My post on HealthyPlace.com, Tips for a Healthier and Happier You, talks about a few ways we can improve our old habits. Here is an excerpt:

I recently went to my obstetrician for a routine check-up and got onto the dreaded scale after the holidays (never a good thing to do, in my opinion). The nurse said, “You must have had a really good Christmas.” I cringed as she told me I gained 10 lbs. I packed on10 lbs. in a month! Even though I am seven and a half months pregnant, this is definitely not a good thing. This got me worried that I’ll have another huge baby (my first one was close to 9 lbs. which is large for someone my size). So the wheels started turning in my head for ideas on how to be healthier—physically, mentally, and emotionally.

To read the full post, check out my blog, The Unlocked Life on HealthyPlace.com.

In my post on HealthyPlace.com, Healthy Eating Habits Start Young, I talk about how it’s so important for kids to develop healthy eating habits when they are young. Nearly one-third of American children between the ages of 10-17 are obese according to Trust for America’s Health (TFAH). Here is an excerpt:

Last week I took my 16 month old daughter to a local indoor amusement park with a few of my cousins who also have young children. We had a great time doing all the “kiddie” rides like the carousel and train. My daughter has never been a picky eater and everyone knows that food is the way to her little heart. So what do most people like to do when they are trying to befriend her? Feed her. She’ll waddle right up to anyone who is eating something with a twinkle in her eyes and her mouth open like a baby bird….Well, that day, some family members fed her some Cheetos (her very first time), and countless fries. That night my daughter got very sick (I will spare you the gross details).

To read the full post, check out my blog, The Unlocked Life on HealthyPlace.com.

My post on HealthyPlace.com, New Year’s Resolution: Positive Thinking, talks about how we can all be a bit more optimistic by turning negative thoughts into more productive ones. Here is an excerpt:

Most people have the same or similar resolutions for the New Year: lose weight, save money, and, [insert your romantic objective here]. Those are all good resolutions (if you can keep them past January), but this year I’ve decided that I’m going to keep it simple, and just focus on one main objective: to think positive.

I’m not talking about being an eternally sunny and delusional optimist; by positive thinking I mean just turning around some of the negativity that clouds our minds every day into something more productive. Besides being happier and healthier overall, optimistic people are more fun to be around. Who wants to hang out with the downer who has something negative to say about everything from the coffee to the mailman?

To read the full post, check out my blog, The Unlocked Life on HealthyPlace.com.

Here is an excerpt:

Every year when the last leaf falls of the tree and the gusting wind blows her chilly breath, dread develops in my heart. It means that winter is just around the corner. Oh sure, winter has its charms: freshly fallen snow, hot chocolate, and the anticipation (or anxiety for some) of the holidays. But what about the daily winter burdens like trying to start your freezing car, the shorter daylight hours, and the strong desire to act like a bear and hibernate? Most winter headaches can be remedied with a positive attitude and a few helpful winter survival tips.

• Bundle up. The cold wouldn’t be so bad if you’re dressed appropriately. Many people forgo warmth for style, but there are tons of fashionable winter accessories that will keep you warm and looking cute. Note to the young guy standing outside when its 15 below wearing only a thin t-shirt – frostbite is not sexy.

To read the full post, check out my blog, The Unlocked Life on HealthyPlace.com.

Here is an excerpt:

Although the holidays are here and it’s meant to be a joyous time with family and friends, not everyone is happy this time of year. In fact, many people dread the holidays as all the parties, people, cooking and cleaning, and shopping increase our stress levels and mess with our regular schedules. So if you are one of those people that would rather hibernate during the holidays and skip out on the festivities, here are a few pointers that might help you actually enjoy some eggnog in the company of family and friends.

To read the full post, check out my blog, The Unlocked Life on HealthyPlace.com.

While we all sometimes have to do things we don’t want to do, there comes a point when you have to be assertive and just say no. My post on HealthyPlace.com, The Art of Assertiveness: Learning to Say No, talks about how we can start reclaiming our time and start doing the things we want to do.

Here is an excerpt:

Most of us have been programmed to say ‘yes’ since childhood. When someone asked you to do something, especially a grown-up, you knew you had better do it or there would be serious consequences, mister. That same frame of mind has carried over into adulthood with many people dreading the word ‘no’ because we want to please people, be polite, and be seen in a positive light.

To read the full post, check out my blog, The Unlocked Life on HealthyPlace.com.

Here is an excerpt:

You woke up this morning with dread in your heart—you slept in and were late for a meeting with your boss. When you arrived to your meeting, you started wishing you never had; this so-called meeting turned out to be a nice way to tell you that the company you have busted your derriere over for the past 2 years is doing some ‘corporate restructuring’ and you will be out of a job at month’s end. On the way home, the weather reflects your stormy disposition and you end up getting soaked in the torrential downpour in your nice new suit and splashed by an obnoxious driver.

To read the full post, check out my blog, The Unlocked Life on HealthyPlace.com.

Crying is often cast in a negative light; in my post The Benefits of a Good Cry on HealthyPlace.com, I examine the other so-called ‘bright side’ of crying. Here is an excerpt:

The other night, as I sat watching a rom-com on T.V. (no need to display my bad taste in movies by naming the show in question), I enjoyed a good cry. Yes, I said I enjoyed crying. I’m not ashamed to admit that I am a bit of a sap, and that almost all movies from dramas, to chick flicks, and even the occasional Disney movie can bring tears to my eyes. As I’m sure a few other saps who are reading this might tell you, you often feel better after having a good sob. And many studies show that crying may actually be good for your health.

To read the full post, check out my blog, The Unlocked Life on HealthyPlace.com.