Show How Much You Care

I recently received a most gorgeous gift, a gold tissue-paper lined basket, containing jars of home-made jelly, chutney and a beautifully decorated home-made cake. I was blown away that someone had cared enough to think of me and go to such a lot of effort.

And it set me off reflecting on the many different ways we can let someone know that we're thinking about them, that we value our friendship and we care.

In these days of social media and selfies it's often the case that special moments become a blur and all merge into each other. Every outing and time spent together seems to be memorialised by someone somewhere. But certain dates and times are more special than others.

-Why not show how much you care by making a scrapbook or album of those people, dates and events that have especial relevance for them. A much-loved pet, the birth of a child, a landmark victory, the loss of someone special; all those could be collated in an attractive book. It would be treasured and revisited with affection, making them laugh or cry, no doubt providing hours of nostalgia, reflection and reminiscing.

- Making a personalised gift that utilises your special skills is another way to show how much you care. If you're an artist you might paint their favourite view, their pet, something you know they'll treasure. You'll be spending your time doing something meaningful for them whilst making a generous gesture, sharing your talent and giving of yourself. Other ideas could be perhaps providing support with admin, accounts, de-cluttering, decorating a cake or cooking your signature dish.

- Helping out with chores when someone's stressed and pushed for time can show how much you care. It's thoughtful of you to collect their children from school, help in the garden, with the ironing or by making a meal, and it can be a lifeline to assist them in this way when they're really pushed for time. Or maybe offer to babysit one evening so they can have a little time for themselves; then they can go out or do something really indulgent for a change.

- Showing how much you care can be as simple as picking up a flyer for a free talk, show or exhibition that you know would be of interest to them. It's another thoughtful gesture that says, 'I saw this and thought of you'.

- Setting aside time to pick up the phone and call them simply to chat, dedicating as much time as it takes, can be an insightful way to show you care, especially if the other person has a lot going on and is struggling to get out of the house. You could both make a drink, get comfortable and settle down to talk things through. Being listened to and feeling supported can make all the difference at stressful times.

- Asking, 'what can I do to help', and showing that you're genuine and serious about your offer can be important when someone is going through a particularly hard time. Knowing that you're on their team can make all the difference. Things don't seem as bleak when we're not alone, with someone to share it with.

- If you're partnered showing you care is not about the expensive gifts, but more about the day-to-day touches that demonstrate love and commitment. Drawing your partner a bath after they've had a stressful, busy day, cooking a meal, having a drink ready as they walk through the door, tidying up - all these can be much appreciated ways to show you care, and all cost nothing financially.

How wonderful that after receiving such a lovely, treasured gift it prompted me to reflect on the different ways we can show others how much we care. I daresay that you'll be able to add several of your own to the list. Please do!

Susan Leigh, counsellor, hypnotherapist, relationship counsellor, writer & media contributor offers help with relationship issues, stress management, assertiveness and confidence. She works with individual clients, couples and provides corporate workshops and support.

She's author of 3 books, 'Dealing with Stress, Managing its Impact', '101 Days of Inspiration #tipoftheday' and 'Dealing with Death, Coping with the Pain', all on Amazon & with easy to read sections, tips and ideas to help you feel more positive about your life.

Virtual Assistants: The Secret Behind Success of Executives, Start-Ups and Small Business

As an executive, you have lots of things to do and even more to achieve. Along with mainstream works, you also have several supporting tasks like online research, filings, necessary purchases, recruitment and bookkeeping. You want to concentrate on more profitable work but these petty tasks are consuming your time, and TIME IS PRECIOUS.

Here comes the Virtual Assistant. A virtual assistant is not a robot or machine like Google Assistant. he/she is a human being who understands urgency, grasps details, prioritize tasks, offers intelligent help for you to achieve your target.

Given below are a few important tasks that can be delegated to Virtual Assistants:

Organize Your Files & Data 

Every day we create and work on lots of files and folders. We compile reports and data that need to be referred to at some point of time later. Organizing files and keeping data in proper searchable format is a full time job. You may explain this to your VA and he/she will take care of this. They will organize your files; keep in proper folders, and save your time for more important works.

Customer Support 

You may need to contact some customer support and waste lots of time in waiting or being kept on hold. Ask the VA to do this job for you and save time.

On the other hand, you may also have some customers to support who are important and need to be given priority, but due to lack of time you are not able to spend enough time with them. Ask the VA to support these customers on priority, respond to them immediately, help them understand the product and resolve their queries at appropriate level or pass to the next level.

Bookkeeping 

You have lots of receipts and bills that need to be put in a spreadsheet or compiled properly. You may send your receipts, bills or other expense details to your VA to put in Excel or other tool and do the needful for you. If you leave these unattended for long time, they will cause unnecessary headache and stress.

Book Appointments/Online Shopping 

You may ask your VA to book appointments and reservations for you. The VA will make the reservations and update your calendar so you don't miss them. If a mutual trust develops, you may also ask them to do online shopping for you or for your small firm. The VA's will do the needful and share report with you.

Online Research: 

For any business or personal purposes, you may have to conduct an online research for a good app for your business, a wonderful product for your company, a great gift for your nears and dears, some material for writing, some articles to share with your colleagues, or anything other than this, you may simply give instructions to your VA and he/she will conduct the research for you and present the material in a professional and sophisticated manner, saving lots of time for you.

Business Presentations 

You have to make some presentation for your business but also have lots of other things to do. Give the idea to your VA and ask him/her to do research, compile and put in a PPT presentation for your review. You may make changes as per your need and this is DONE.

Recruitment & Team Support 

As an executive, you also need to hire and support your team. Take help from your VA in searching Resume DB, fix interviews and follow up with candidates. You can also ask your VA to support your team as and when needed and save collective time of your team.

Translation & Bi-Lingual Support 

If you or your business is located in a bi-lingual region or you have clients in foreign countries, you can take help of your bi-lingual VA to support you and your team with translation works and provide bi-lingual business documentation support.

Data Entry 

Data entry, for personal or business purposes, is required regularly but is also least productive and most time consuming work. You can't get rid of it, but definitely you can take help from your VA to complete the task for you.

Writing & Proofreading 

You may ask your VA to prepare material or write blogs and articles for you as per your needs. You may then give it your finishing touch and publish. Or you may write yourself and ask the VA to check grammar, sentence structure and other things. The VA may use tools like Grammerly and send you the finished article, ready to publish.

News Monitor, Summarize and Clipping Service 

Share your interests and needs, languages and locations, and the VA or his/her team will monitor the news, articles, essays published in that language and location and share summary with you. A language expert VA will do the clipping services for you. A lot of rich data and useful information can be collected for personal or business use.

What Is Digital Asset Management?

In short, digital asset management (DAM) is the organization, management, and distribution of any of your digital files - from images to text content and anything in between. A good DAM system will keep your files safe too. Let's look more into what digital asset management covers to help you decide whether you need it.

Content Creation

Creating content is a big part of marketing today. By creating a system that makes it easy to find the content you've already created and can use, it will save time by helping you repurpose the content more easily. Plus, you can add templates, branded assets, slide decks and any content that you need to use frequently to the files.

You won't have to sift through tons of ill-named files on your hard drive, in Google Drive or in your clients' files or co-workers' files. Instead, everything will be organized properly and be easier to find when you use good DAM processes and systems.

Management

When you have a good digital asset management system and processes, you can get so much more out of the digital assets you have created. Your productivity will increase because you're not spending time repeating work or looking for collateral that you can use.

Well-organized files means that you're not going to repeat work that you've already done. You're not going to spend extra time looking for things that aren't named appropriately. You'll be much more creative when you accomplish organizing your files properly.

Distribution

All your digital assets are now in one place and available for anyone that you want to have access to them. You can easily give access in a safe way to documents, images, and other files without concern. Most DAM systems offer version protection and more. A proper DAM system makes all this super-easy.

You may want to share brand guidelines with contractors, marketing campaign materials to your Facebook Ads manager, and writing guidelines for your social media marketing virtual assistant. When this information is easy to grab and use, it will be used and adhered to.

More than likely you'll simply share a link, and the user can grab the link to use the document or even edit the document or file. It's going to be so much easier with the right DAM system.

Preservation

The other key to a great DAM system is that you can preserve the files better and use them for their lifetime. You can also ensure that files that should not be used are archived so that you can preserve them for history's sake. Plus, you can include versioning, permissions, and so much more that makes the workflow easier.

Putting automatic systems like streamlining, outsourcing and automation to work in your business can make it more efficient and productive. 

Whilst You Don't Have To Like Everyone, You Can Still Be Civil To Them

External Situations Do Not Have Power Over Us

Think about a person in your life causing you distress. Try to get a sense of the emotions you feel when you think about them. Sit with these feelings as you read this article because I want you to revisit them at the end. It's no surprise, sometimes we encounter people we don't like and want out of our life. It is my experience that people find it difficult to be pleasant to those they dislike. This is understandable since the other person may cause us pain and suffering. But what I am proposing in this article is being civil to them irrespective of our differences. Even though we may not like the other person, we can at least be polite to them. Is this something you're willing to try? I realise it may be difficult, yet you can still be civilised towards others in the face of disagreement. This is the premise of the anonymous quote which reads: "If people respect you respect them back; if they disrespect, you respect them back. They represent their ideology you represent yours."

For example, I live in a quiet neighbourhood though I have a neighbour who is noisy. They play loud music almost nightly via speakers in their backyard. Their dog barks throughout the day and sometimes into the night. It makes it difficult to work from home and I often resort to wearing earplugs to cancel out the noise. However, on the occasions I see them in the street, I am pleasant to them and have a brief conversation without allowing my frustration to get the better of me. The point I'm trying to make is: We mustn't let others disrupt our inner peace otherwise we get dragged into their world. It is easy to get angry when we experience difficulties in our lives. Sometimes it is unavoidable, yet if we allow the feelings to pass and return to a state of peace, we find that external situations needn't overpower us. There is a lot to be upset about in the world nowadays. If we buy into this way of living, we are bound to get irritated and take to social media to voice our opinion. But do you really want to be that person? Do you want to let your anger get the better of you or would you prefer inner peace? These are difficult choices to make because it may seem we are relinquishing our power.

When They Go Low, We Go High

I felt that way with my neighbour's constant noise because I couldn't control it. But I had it all wrong because they have no awareness of what it's like to have inner peace. The important point here is: The people you have difficulties with are operating from a level of consciousness they are familiar with. They may be difficult to deal with but it would be better to give them the benefit of the doubt because as the motivational speaker Jim Rohn used to say: "People would do better, if they knew better." What are your thoughts about this? Do you believe some people are intent to make our life a living hell or are they operating from a limited awareness? People can only act from what they know and getting angry serves no one because they don't see what you see. It is why personal growth is valuable since we upgrade our consciousness to see more and become more.

We must cultivate good thoughts and nurture them daily to evolve. If we allow others to drag us down to their level, we become like them. Don't succumb to their ways. It is what the former First Lady Michelle Obama meant when she said: "When they go low, we go high." We mustn't allow others to drag us into the murky waters of despair and gloom. It is easy to succumb to negativity especially when we have been wronged against. Sometimes it will feel hopeless, however I invite you to think about what you've read so far and take the higher ground. The other person must be in pain to drag you down to their level. Therefore, refuse to give in to their ways but show them what it's like to be at a higher level, as Michelle Obama reminds us. Even if they cannot attain this level, at least you refuse to get dragged into their negativity. With this in mind, I asked you at the beginning to reflect on the individual causing you difficulty. Try to get a sense of what it would be like to maintain a higher ground with this person. Upon your next interaction, see if you can be courteous to them without giving away your power. Treat them politely without succumbing to their negative ways. You cannot fight fear and anger with more fear and anger. Peace and love cancels out fear every time. It is only once we can be civil to others that our pain and struggle give way to insights and freedom.

Do you want to lead a remarkable life? Are you committed to taking action despite your fears and doubts? If so, download your FREE copy of my eBook NAVIGATE LIFE right now, and start your amazing journey of greatness today!

Changing Your Daily Routine Can Lead To a Healthier Life Style

Did you know people living in the United States spend over $60 billion every year, according to some estimates. This includes the consumption of diet beverages and various weight loss programs. Many seek to reduce the amount of fat on their bodies spending money joining a gym. However there are a number of things you can do to loss weight and live a healthier life without spending a lot of money. This basically involves a change in life style.The two keys to this involves a change in diet and increased physical activity.

Increasing your physical activity doesn't require a membership in a gym. It will require changing your daily routine and a little discipline.This could start before you go to work. Many people go for a morning walk and some are in the habit going for a morning jog. Going for a morning walk is especially great if you own a dog as your fury friend needs the activity also. during the warmer months you could walk to work, assuming the distance is not to great and you live in a safe neighbourhood. If the distance is to far to walk, consider cycling. If you don't own a bike many cycling shops offer a number of used bikes for sale at reasonable prices.

Another thing you could do is develop a simple exercise routine. This might involve sit-ups, push-up, leg lifts, deep knee bends, light weights and stretching exercises to be done at the beginning of the routine. The use of a stationary bike could also be included in the routine and would be ideal for rainy days and the winter months. This routine could be done when you get home from work, before dinner. This would be a great way to freshen up after a long hard day at work or after a long commute through frustrating city traffic.

Changing your diet can also help you loss weight and live a healthier life style. Of course there are many diet plans available and have helped many people achieve their weight loss goals. Some of these include different carb reduced diets such at ketogenic and atkins diet. Another one to consider is the vegan diet.

There a few simple things you can do help without turning to the various diet plans that have been developed over the years. Reducing the amount of certain fast food you consume would be a good start. Reduce the amount of fatty red meat you eat. A good alternative to red meat would could be fish such sole, tuna or salmon. You also could switch from white to whole grain bread. Use whole grain bread for the sandwich you make for you lunch break. Include more fruits, vegetable and berries during breakfast and lunch. Eat high fiber foods in the morning. Include sliced bananas or strawberries on top of your cereal.

Losing weight and living a healthier life doesn't need to be complicated or expensive. But it will require some discipline and a change in your daily routine. Check the internet out for more ideas. Talk to your local health specialist or visit one the many health food stores for advice.

Best Regards

Losing weight will not be easy and will require disciple. A key component of achieving your weight goals will include a change in diet. There are many diets to consider. Different diets are more appropriate for certain people.

4 Reasons Why Digital Marketing Is Important for Small Businesses

83% of SMBs (small businesses) believe digital marketing (DM) is crucial for their businesses. Can you beat that? A simple "No". The modern world is increasingly driven by digital media. We are constantly hooked to the Internet for something or the other. Such a digitally-influenced space makes a digital presence more than compulsory for every business to reach the customers. Boosting sales figures is the prime goal for SMEs taking to DM today. Added to it, SMEs are also counting on online marketing for enhancing brand awareness, lead conversion, and improvement of website traffic.

The post below shares 4 significant benefits of digital marketing for small businesses.

Customers are online

80% of potential consumers take to online media for information. When we come across a new business or company, the immediate reflex is to search for digital marketing in the web world. Gone are the days when we used to visit a store physically or call it up to know about it. Thus, it's extremely crucial for a small business to have a strong presence online and digital marketing is the tool for it. Put simply, if your potential customer can't find you online, she will immediately go to your competitor.

To connect to the modern "smart" world

Mobile phones are no longer used for mere calling or texting. In fact, smartphones are one of the most important tools to browse the web world today. 91% American adults are in constant touch with their smartphones. When it comes to searching for a product or service, they will naturally prefer to make queries from their smartphone only. If your business is not present online, just imagine the huge chunk of potential leads you are going to lose!

More economical

Capital crisis is a major problem for most of the small businesses. And this is where digital marketing comes as a savior. Online marketing is any day cheaper compared to traditional marketing. In fact, some of the channels are even free of cost. For example, it costs you nothing to make your business page on social media and stay connected to your customers online.

Digital marketing also helps you to save money. There are many online marketing tools that are available for free like free website builder, free email marketing management tools and so on.

Better ROI

On one hand, DM helps you to reach your customers while keeping the costs low. On another hand, it helps you to save money for your business. The end result is better ROI for your business over time.

What Makes a Meditation Practitioner an Excellent Student to Teach Yoga for Wellness?

I have many friends in my circle who have practiced yoga seriously for decades without practising any yoga poses. My story is somewhat similar. I am always curious about how a person discovered yoga.

Meditation - An Inner Limb of Yoga

Many years ago I meditated and played with a yoga meditation group. I use the word "play" because even though meditation is seen as serious, we chose fun and fulfilling activities that morphed us into a service community. The experience was very fulfilling mentally and spiritually and we never practised yoga poses as a group.

In those youthful days we sat cross-legged on the floor easily and comfortably. So let me correct that statement about not practising yoga poses as a group. That ability to sit still on the floor and to stand upright and still I consider not one but two yoga poses!

One activity the group embraced was the generation of inspirational thoughts, big ideas, or provoking questions. Each day a new thought was written on a blackboard outside the meditation center and many stopped to imbibe drops of inspiration.

Recently a fellow meditator recalled her story about starting yoga, sharing, "I was feeling a loss, that something was missing in my life. I passed the virtue board each day, read it and it gave comfort, food for thought." She revealed that this was when she started analysing life instead of just existing day-to-day. She began to travel that route to work just to "read a board a stranger put out". Curiosity led her to the meditation center. That visit started her journey with meditation and strangers became her friends - a community.

The Meditator - A Promising Therapeutic Yoga Teacher

What would make a meditator with little or no experience with poses a good candidate to teach yoga for wellness? Although there are many benefits I will highlight three that lead me to this conclusion.

More receptive mind: This means having an increased ability to focus and concentrate. What a fertile environment for learning!

Less reactivity: Another valuable jewel in the jewelry box of the meditator is the ability to put some distance between herself and an emotion. She is less reactive to situations and people. This power can be seen as the ability to accept uncomfortable states without reacting automatically. That's benefit two.

Less stressed: From time to time situations that create stress pop up in a learning group. Someone with a more reactive nervous system experiences its fight/flight/freeze response more often and anxiety and depression. Learning requires receptivity. Benefit number three is the experience of less stress and more receptivity.

With a state of readiness and a willingness to learn and teach basic poses, in my opinion a meditator is indeed eligible to undertake therapeutic yoga teacher training.