Tuesday, February 14, 2006

Happy Valentine's Day Part 2

For every woman out there who is single on Valentine's day, remember what they say:

'It takes a helluva man to beat no man at all!'
Happy Valentine's Day from me to you!

Monday, February 13, 2006

Happy Valentine's Day

About 3 weeks ago, I was interviewed by a journalist who was writing an article about Valentine's Day from a singleton's point of view and who wanted me to give some advice to readers who wouldn't be sharing February 14th with someone special.

As someone who coaches single women for a living (and who was single for 7 years before I met my partner) I know only too well how people can feel excluded when they're not part of a couple - we live in a very couple-orientated society and people can feel 'abnormal' because they're alone. And let's face it, there are very few people who are single and who would like to be in relationship, who don't feel a pang or two as a gorgeous bouquet is delivered to a co-worker on Valentine's Day.

My best advice to someone who is 'single but looking' is:

First of all, don't beat yourself up for being alone. Instead, look upon it as an opportunity to get your life as a singleton exactly as you want it to be. In that way you will be much less likely to give it up for the first so-so relationship that comes along.

Secondly, being single does have its advantages as I'm sure you already know:

  • You can do what you want to do, when you want to do it, with no one to answer to.
  • When you're by yourself, you can be the 'authentic' you - the real you that is often hidden from other people.
  • Singledom can also be an incentive to achieve more and your time as a single can be one of the most rewarding, fulfilling times of your life. You can't rely on anyone else - you have to do it for yourself or not at all. If you want something badly enough, you have no choice but to roll up your sleeves and get on with it.
  • There can be a tendency to become complacent in a relationship - for example, not go to the gym quite so often and put on a few pounds, however, many singles tend to be 'single and looking' so they keep themselves looking as good as they can, just in case!

And come on girls, let's not forget the other advantages of being single - night-time duvet battles are a thing of the past - you can hog the bed all to yourself. The toilet seat is always in the position you left it. You don't have to clean up anyone else's mess. You can enjoy a blissful night's sleep, undisturbed by someone else's snoring. You have full control of the TV remote. Your time is your own... Need I go on?

If being alone on Valentine's Day itself really bothers you and makes you feel like a failure for not being in a relationship, why not spend the evening with like-minded single friends? Get together in a place where you are unlikely to be confronted by all those couples and have an anti-Valentine's party. Swap all your relationship horror stories and brainstorm every single advantage of being single that you can think of - the sillier the better.

If you really can't face a party to celebrate your single status, make sure you have something to look forward to on the day itself. Cook yourself your favourite meal or run yourself a bath with all the trimmings. Pamper yourself. But try to avoid watching anything on television that's specifically scheduled for Valentine's night, like romantic comedies for example.

Let's face it - Valentine's Day is only one day of the year. And how many of those 'romantic couples' will be history by next February 14th?

Wednesday, February 08, 2006

Link found between obesity and dementia

Research from the Kaiser Permanente clinic in California (a 30 year study of 10,276 people) has shown that if you’re overweight, there is a 35% increase in your risk of getting Alzheimer’s disease or some other form of dementia and that if you’re obese, there is a 75% increase.

The researchers believe that this is due to excess fat encouraging cell degeneration. In my opinion, this is the best reason yet to lose any excess weight and keep it off!

Tuesday, February 07, 2006

Stress Less with Michael Neill

Michael Neill's radio show - 'You Can Have What You Want' is now being broadcast on THURSDAYS and there is a new number to call if you want to phone in. The theme of the show this week is STRESS LESS and it can be heard on Thursday, February 9 at Noon pacific/3pm eastern/8pm UK (live internet radio at http://www.hayhouseradio.com).

Michael says:

'Want to stress less and enjoy life more? Join me in this exploration of living with and ultimately without stress... As always, I'll be taking your calls on air - if you want to experience less stress and a greater sense of well-being, phone in to speak with me live!

Please Note - NEW NUMBERS TO CALL:
Inside the US 1-866-254-1579
Outside the US 001-760-918-4300

To listen to the show this Thursday, February 9, go to http://www.hayhouseradio.com at Noon pacific/8pm UK and click on the buttonmarked 'Listen Now'.

Monday, February 06, 2006

New courses at Barnes and Noble University

New courses, including 'Writing for Quick Cash', 'Beauty: The Basics' and 'The Best Year of Your Life' by Debbie Ford have been announced by Barnes and Noble University. Courses are free but each is based around a particular book which it is recommended that you buy. Click here to see what's available.

Wednesday, February 01, 2006

CIA Assignment

Thanks to Judith at the Three Wise Women for the following:

The CIA had an opening for an assassin. After all of the background checks, interviews, and testing were done there were three finalists...Two men and a woman.

For the final test, the CIA agents took one of the men to a large metal door and handed him a gun. "We must know that you will follow your instructions, no matter what the circumstances. Inside this room, you will find your wife sitting in a chair. Kill Her!!!"

The man said, "You can't be serious. I could never shoot my wife." The agent said, "Then you're not the right man for this job."

The second man was given the same instructions. He took the gun and went into the room. All was quiet for about five minutes. Then the man came out with tears in his eyes. "I tried, but I can't kill my wife." The agent said, "You don't have what it takes. Take your wife and go home."

Finally, it was the woman's turn. She was given the same instructions, to kill her husband. She took the gun and went into the room. Shots were heard, one shot after another. They heard screaming, crashing, banging on the walls. After a few minutes, all was quiet. The door opened slowly and there stood the woman. She wiped the sweat from her brow, and said,........."This gun is loaded with blanks. I had to beat him to death with the chair."

Moral: Women are evil. Don't mess with them.