Resolutions - How's that going?

Remember all those resolutions you made in January?

Remember all those expectations you had of yourself and other people had for you?

Remember all of that stress you placed on yourself right on the heels of all of the holiday pressure you endured?

Did it make you feel like this?  AAAAAAAUUUUUUUUUUUUUGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH!

Consider this subtle shift. 

Make a few SPRING resolutions instead. Instead of trying to rejuvenate your life in January when Earth is in the middle of winter and everybody just wants to hibernate, consider planning your rejuvenation with the Earth’s spring wake-up.

This is a natural time of awakening and rebirth in our culture. Everybody is excited for the first day of spring, spring break, and Easter celebrations. We finally have sunlight past 5 pm so we feel inclined to get out and enjoy the evening rather than cozying up in the house. You see people out walking, children outside playing, people in parks… Everyone is ready to “get out there.” Doesn’t it make more sense to make a few resolutions in conjunction with that?

A word of caution. Just like I said in January, don’t make your goals so high, or have so many, that you feel overwhelmed and the experience becomes negative. Just pick what reset point works for you (New Year’s or New Spring, or maybe something else) and be comfortable moving forward.

The equinox is not that many days away! Happy Spring to you!

Contributed by Melody Lowe

 

 

New Year's Resolutions - Yes or No?

Every year, many of us take the time to reflect on our lives and set New Year's resolutions. Whether it’s a goal to lose weight, save money, or learn a new skill - setting New Year's resolutions is an opportunity to create meaningful milestones in our lives and make positive changes.

New Year's resolutions can be a great way to stay motivated and focused on personal growth. They can help us stay accountable for our goals and remind us of the progress we’ve made over the course of the year. It’s important to remember that New Year's resolutions are not meant to be overwhelming or unachievable, but rather achievable goals that will help us reach our desired outcomes. Take it in baby steps! Don’t set your goals so high that they drive you crazy and the whole process begins to feel negative. Whether you use resolutions or not, the point is to give yourself a reset point, and be comfortable in moving forward.

Happy New Year!

contributed by Melody Lowe

Finding a Career Path

Let me tell you, choosing or changing careers is never easy.

The career path I wanted to take in high school didn’t work out. It takes a lot of college money to be an architect! My family didn’t have the means to provide a college savings plan and I wasn’t comfortable going deep into student debt during that recession!

So, I pivoted and took a job at the local hospital. It turned into a career as I continued to advance my knowledge and skills, working my way up from being a “runner” delivering supplies to the patient care units, to being a business manager. I worked there more than half of my life until a change in leadership forced a change upon me.

I had to start a new career, for I wanted a career, not just a job. I needed to be challenged, and feel like I was making a difference for people. I was fortunate that Bob Kramer was hiring at that time. He has been my mentor, my business partner, and my friend. I will be forever grateful of the opportunity and support that Bob has given me. I love this job, but it isn’t and wasn’t easy. It was a BIG learning curve with lots of tests and annual education requirements, and I embraced the challenge, and continue to meet new challenges every day. I am always learning.

In today’s job market, there are just as many challenges for those dipping their toe in for the first time, or those looking elsewhere for the job they want. Those students whose families have thought ahead to provide education dollars are fortunate. With the expansion of how funds can be used in 529 plans, they have more options. They need those options as the scope of job types is growing every day. From corporate jobs, to gig work, to being an entrepreneur, the choices are endless, and searching the internet brings up new possibilities every day.

I encourage you to help your students understand the opportunities before them, and guide them as they navigate the path to their dream career. And never hesitate to reach out and use the professionals and resources available to support you in this planning.

 

Contributed by Melody Lowe

Are you Ready?

“If I didn’t like you so well, I’d wish bad things on you!”

That was one response I recently received when someone asked me if I was ready for the holidays, and I responded with a resounding “yes.”  (I’m almost always ready for the holidays.)

No, I don’t get in a hurry to put up the Christmas decorations. I wait until Thanksgiving weekend to generally put them up. However, I do take my sweet time in removing them. I like the “merry and bright” feelings they bring to my home. Having spent many years being Mrs. Claus to my husband’s Santa, it wouldn’t bother me personally to have them up all year. (And a few things are!)

I received the aforesaid comment because my Christmas shopping was done by Halloween. I would say on average I generally have at least 80% of shopping done by that time each year. This year I ran into some super sweet sales, so I got more done than usual. I just need to pick up stocking stuffers once the stockings are hung!

I start shopping for next year’s presents right away. I snag wrapping paper at deep discounts, I watch for “big” items to be marked down. I check out clearance sales. I gather in things all year long. Sometimes it’s a challenge to keep it all hidden, and you might not get a present until the next year if I forgot where it was, but it keeps my own Christmas spirit alive and well all year round.

I am not the Queen of Organization. I am not OCD about it. I am not “scheduling” it. I just simply like to think ahead. That way my budget doesn’t take a big hit in November and December and I’m not worrying about paying off credit cards in January. Christmas expense has been sprinkled throughout the entire year so I don’t feel “a Christmas bite” in my gift-giving. I can sing along to the Christmas music while I’m wrapping, instead of grinch grumbling about how much money I spent as I open yet another roll of tape. (I love tape – my children hate it!)

And yes, you should always be thinking ahead! It’s not just Christmas I plan ahead for. It’s birthdays. TAXES. Out-of-Pocket Medical Expenses. Vacations…  You have to plan for the fun things, and the not-so-fun things as well.

I hope your holidays are merry and bright, and that you also take part in some pre-planning to make your next year easier.

contributed by Melody Lowe