Mary's Monthly Challenge for This Month...  

Reach out to someone from your past! Most of us have people in our lives who we've lost touch with but often think about. Make contact this month! Whether it's a former college roommate, work associate or childhood buddy, reach out!!

2010

So.... Do something you’ve never done before! Something you’ve always wanted to do but haven’t, or something that has never occurred to you, but comes to mind.

Some examples:  Try sushi, go to a destination in CT that you’ve never been to, take that balloon ride you’ve been talking about, or a  Pilates class, grill your corn on the grill instead of boiling in a pot; go to the beach by yourself.

This is the month to try something new!!

If you are a man, or a woman who rarely wears make-up, then you have it easy this month with my Challenge! But, for the rest of you….my July Challenge is to go for 2 days with no make-up! And, you have to leave the house…can’t do it over a weekend and stay at home. The main part of this Challenge is to go out in public!

 

It will be good for your skin, and your psyche to go without for a couple of days. I think a lot of women are too dependent on make-up when there is no reason to be.

 

So…this month….2 days of no make-up and get out there in public! I’ve been doing it, and trust me, the world does not actually stop spinning!!

Do small unexpected things for strangers without expectations of acknowledgment or recognition.  These kindnesses are contagious!

Make sure your pets are getting the care they deserve! Each week this month, assess your pet in the areas of exercise, quality food, medical/health and emotional (spending time with your pet)needs. Make sure you're doing all that you can for them...they deserve our very best! This month..it's all about our pets!!

Spring is upon us...let's focus on healthy food from nature, not from packages. Don't eat anything with more than 5 ingredients. Create one new meal each week with only fresh ingredients..it will become second nature and when it does, you'll be SO much healthier and  happier! 

Commit to 10 minutes a day for fitness! That's all...a mere 10 minutes daily can make a huge difference in the way you feel, physically and mentally. If you're not already doing a regular fitness program, this Challenge is for you!

 

This month, let's practice the upside of selfishness by remembering to put ourselves first! I'm sure when you were young, your mother undoubtedly taught you that being selfish was not a good thing. But..as in most things in life..there is an upside and a downside. The downside to selfish behavior is well-known and understood. The upside, much less so.

 

Whether it's caring for your health and making sure you are eating well and exercising, or mastering overall balance in your life... which benefits everyone around you... Put Yourself First this month. Don't view it as being selfish- view it as being smart. And, I bet your mother wanted you to be smart, correct?

 

Make wise decisions, smart choices this month. Seize the control over your life that you truly have, and feel proud of the gift you'll be giving yourself when you Put Yourself First! 

Inspired by being in the company of some negative folks over the holidays, I decided to develop a theme for 2010, and to kick it off as my first Challenge of the year. Positive Again in 2010!! Having a positive attitude is the cornerstone for success in life. It’s the cornerstone of the theme of my show, which is Believe in Yourself, and is the biggest obstacle to living a fulfilled life.  I’ll be talking throughout the month about specific ways to cultivate and expand a positive approach to life. 

 

There is no better, more important way to start your New Year than to join in my Positive Again in 2010 slogan and Challenge!

2009

 

And, as with many things in life, there's a correct and incorrect way to do it. But, the correct way is simple and can become second nature with just a bit of practice.

 

Most people breathe too shallowly....it's a common result of a fast-paced life. To reap more benefits, take a deep breath and extend your abdomen out as you do. Most people simply fill their lungs when they inhale and their abdomens go in, instead of out. Practice inhaling and pushing out your abdomen. For inspiration, watch a baby breathe. Babies slowly draw air deep into their lungs, expanding their abdomens, then exhale slowly. Follow their lead.

 

It took me about 1 month before it became 2nd nature. Now, when I inhale, my abdomen extends...does yours??? I love things in life that are simple...this is one of them!

that have fallen by the wayside. (Whether it was for a good reason (at the time)

or a silly reason....at this point- does it matter?) Mend some of those fences

in your life!

let's make some (probably overdue!!) progress with this. You'll be so glad you did - it will feel great!

impromptu activities! Though life can be hectic and can seem as if the only way to accomplish everything that needs to be done is to be well-planned, live with spontaneity this month! It will be fun!

would be than you did when you were younger. Use that maturity and knowledge...make one new friend this month!

2008

2007

2006