The year was 2001 and I remember the day I moved into my new home and stared at all the white walls and I wondered what the hell I was going to do with it all.  So many colors to choose, what if I screw up and the house comes out like a circus or a freak show! My husband reassured me and said it was only paint.

Who Else Suffers From Business Attention Deficit Disorder (BADD)?

I don’t think I have ADD.  I mean, not in the traditional sense, but maybe another form of the diagnosis.  Let me explain what I mean…

The Right Resolution

What it is:

A commitment to do something differently in the coming year that was chosen - by YOU - for YOU - because YOU want to make it happen.

Why it’s important:

Confidence is created from the inside out by first knowing what you want and what you’re good at. 

Tip of the Week - Protect Childhood

Safety for all starts here

What it is:  To shield from damage the freedom to be a child.  For the purposes of this week’s tip, let’s consider childhood as ages 2 to 12.

Why it’s important:  Childhood is a safe haven of time during which children are supported as they experiment with the world. 

Experimentation is the pathway to understanding who they are, what they’re good at, and what makes them happy. 

Tip of the Week - Crime and Punishment

“Don’t do the crime, if you can’t do the time.”  Barretta

What it is:  Penalties that naturally link to rule breaking.

Why it’s important:  Arbitrary punishments don’t teach kids how to choose wisely.  The best decisions get you closest to your desire while costing the least.  When actions link to consequences good decisions are easier to make because you know what each action costs.

I’ve had more than a few people ask me what inspired me to become a dietitian. These individuals often think that it’s because I used to work for McDonald’s Corporation and the food they serve drove me away. That couldn’t be further from the truth. I enjoyed working there. And I like the food. The main reason that I left my job at McDonald’s was that as I found myself in my mid-forties I wanted to do something different.  I chose to follow a life-long passion.

What it is: The foundation for choosing well.

Why it’s Important:

As we began to return to the semi-normal pace of life this week after the storm(s), I realized that I was WAY behind in my holiday shopping (meaning I hadn't even begun to THINK about it). As I opened the spreadsheet from last year (yes, I do keep a spreadsheet...), something just didn't sit right with me. How could we spend money on relatively thoughtful but truly unnecessary items for friends and family when so many around us had lost so much?

I've come to the conclusion there is not enough caffeine in the Greater Phoenix area to keep me going this weekend.