It's official! On Saturday my youngest daughter graduates from high school! As exciting as this is, it also means that come September, I’m officially an empty nester.

Even though we know that change is a part of life, it can still feel stressful and fraught with anxiety.

Isn't there a way to manage change with awareness and clarity instead?

If you're experiencing change in your life - a big move, new job, relationship or are about to send a kid to college- use these 5 steps, and embrace that transition.

What do you want?

Seriously. Do you even know?

About a year ago I read a book called, The Science of Getting Rich by Wallace D. Wattles.

In it, he explains that EVERYTHING comes from our minds.

Okay, I know that sounds weird, but hear me out.

A light bulb wouldn’t exist if Thomas Edison hadn’t conceived of it in his mind. Nor would a car, an airplane, or an iPhone. See where I’m going with this?

All of these tangible, physical “things” were ideas first. They were conceived in someone’s mind and that person or group of people then went about creating a physical product.

Isn’t that great news?

This means that with intention, and belief, (and inspired action) you can manifest whatever you want in your life too.

Researchers have spanned the globe – from China, to Italy, to Nova Scotia- in search of healthy, vibrant centenarians. Their quest: to understand longevity.

I’m absolutely fascinated with older folks. I love listening to their stories and learning from their insight and wisdom. Recently, I had lunch with a spry retiree who regaled me with his adventures traveling solo throughout South America in the late 1960s after he’d finished his year in the Peace Corps.

I was struck by his lucidity and spunk.

What is it, then, that these wise men and women know about happiness, longevity and success that we can learn from?

After reading a number of articles, here’s what I’ve gathered:

Love is in the air!

Especially today, Valentine’s Day, a holiday dedicated to pondering love and relationships. But seriously, what’s the MOST important relationship in your life?

The one with yourself.

Whether you're in a committed intimate relationship or not, it's critical to have a fabulous, loving relationship with you. Because the more you can honor, love and respect yourself, the more others will too.

 So if you’re ready to treat yourself like the best valentine ever, here’s 4 ways to do that:

Ready to experience a better work – life balance?

Isn’t everyone?

But how?

It’s often easier to identify what we don't have than what we do. So here’s a list of symptoms to see if you’re out of balance:

Tired?

Can’t catch up on sleep? Or dragging by the middle of the day?

You’re not alone. Most Americans are sleep deprived. Why? Because there’s lots of pressure to be busy, not only with work but also with family, with socializing, networking… Let’s face it, there’s simply too much to do!

Poor Health?

Keep getting sick? Are you plagued with colds, sore throats, aches and pains? This is another symptom of being out of balance. If you’re like many busy people, you don’t often stop to take a break until your body forces you to, by getting sick.

Stressed or Irritable?

Ready to infuse your holidays with some spirituality and really deeply feel the impact of this time of year?

It’s too easy to get caught in the frenzy and rush with holiday parties, travel, gift buying, wrapping and shipping. But there is more to this time of year than eating and stuff.

In my old Florida neighborhood, I often saw a sign in my neighbor's yard this time of year that said, “put the Christ back in Christmas.”

What does that mean? To me, it’s about remembering the true spirit of this time of year, which is ultimately about giving, and receiving from a deep heart level. 

So here’s my interpretation of doing just that: