Humor as a strategy in these times of high gas prices

Ok...no one is happy with the price of gas these days no matter where you are in the world. Now is the time to come up with a coping strategy so that we don't lose our cool as the days get warmer. It's time to get proactive rather than reactive.

So what can we do? Other than buying a new tiny car, this is the time to think about how we can make best use of the gallons in the tank. Here are few which may seem obvious but who can say? What's obvious to some might not be to others.

• Car pool if you can. Might be a great time to catch up on the news with friends we don't get to see often enough as it is.
• Combine your errands so that you don't go out several times. I just did a round trip around the bay we have here in Rhode Island and got as many things done as I could along the way.
• Keep lists where everyone in the family can get to them so that trips to the store can happen less frequently and everyone's requests can be honored
• Walk when you can. It's good for the body and good for the wallet. Besides the weather is getting much nicer so we can't use that as an excuse!
• If you have a business...and these days almost anyone can run a small business from home...combine the business errand with the personal one and the miles can be deducted for taxes. Keep track and record those miles daily as that is what is required by the IRS. (Looking at some ideas for a small business? I've been an entrepreneur at heart and in practice forever it seems and I have a few suggestions for you. Just email me and I'll give you a few ideas.)
• And most of all, keep your sense of humor! Losing your temper over things you have no control over not only stresses you but sets a bad example to those little ones who do what we do, not what we say to do

National High Five Day

All of you who were in my Strategies for Success classes know that we started each class with a high five. It was fun, it cheered us up, it help us feel connected, it put our bodies into a positive physiology, and it general it just made us feel good. Not a bad way to start a class every day to be sure. A simple high five can be used to congratulate someone, to show enthusiasm, to celebrate success.

It actually is National High Five Day today. Take a moment today and high five someone to tell them how great they're doing. If high-fiving is a bit to energetic, just share with someone that they're doing a great job. Your words will mean a great deal.

This email is my high five to you...to wish you a great day, to thank you for being part of my life, to celebrate that although there will always be challenges in our lives, there are many successes that we deserve to pay attention to.

So consider yourself high-fived. And pass it on!