Archive for the ‘Relationships’


Greeting Cards – Always Handy, Always on Time

Mini #151
by Sherriebeth Czepiel

Who doesn’t love getting a beautiful card for a birthday or anniversary, or one congratulating us on a new baby in the family?  Who doesn’t love to know that someone out there is thinking of us during this special time in our lives? Or when we are down, how encouraging is it for a sister-friend-mom to send (or receive from us) a little card with a few words to say “I know this time is hard, but I also know you can get through it and I am here to help you!”?Yet many of us do not do this simple act…why is that?

The simple answer to this simple question is that we just do not have the time to go to the store, buy a card, take it home, find a nice pen, write it out, find the address, find a stamp, and drop it in the mail.  Even regularly-scheduled events, like a child’s birthday or a religious event of great importance, we often do not plan far enough ahead to make sending a greeting card easier, thus relegating it to another ‘I gotta’, ‘I should’, or ‘I need to’ stressor in our lives.

In this Mini, Sherriebeth shares how to make a greeting card station that allows you to send cards easily, efficiently, and on time. She offers multiple systems so you can choose the one that best suits your paper-personality and offers step-by-step instructions for set up.

Planning a Family Reunion

Mini #150
Written by Debbie C.

Have you ever thought about trying to get your extended family together in one place at one time to visit?  What would be involved in assembling everyone?  How often should you get together?  Who should do the planning?  What should you do once everyone is together? In this Mini we will discuss how to plan a family reunion.  We will cover mailing lists, picking a destination, choosing activities and organizing your information.  We will also cover some ideas for ways to fund group expenses, souvenirs that you can make, and ways that you can make the experience more memorable for you family.  This mini will include sample checklists and a mailing list template.  I will be using the steps that I am taking and the forms that I am using to plan my family’s reunion that we will be holding in June 2012.

Understanding and Living with ADD: The Basics

Mini #149

This Mini is the first in a series focusing on ADD in women. I will share how I discovered I had ADD and how I learned to work with it, making ADD a strength instead of a weakness. This Mini shares the criteria used for diagnosing ADD as well as what a diagnosis means. We will review how the ADD brain functions differently than the non-ADD brain and look at the areas of our life that are most affected as well as practical strategies for working with, instead of against, ADD. Future Minis in this series will focus on ADD and Time Management, ADD and Organization, and Explaining ADD to Others. Opens June 9

Keep in Touch: The Art of Letter Writing

Mini #145
This is the featured Mini for our April 2011 Sat. morning workshop

In this busy day and age, a personal note means so much to the recipient. In this Mini-Makeover, we will create a portable writing station to organize our writing materials (from cards to stationary and pens), as well as, review the lost art of writing personal correspondence.

So often we say “I should send her a card” or “I need to write to Aunt Sally” and because we don’t have our writing materials together, often, the letter or card never gets written.  Creating a writing station will allow you to have all your writing materials (from pens to paper to stamps and addresses) in one easily accessible location - enabling you to get that “thinking of you” or “thank you” note in the mail quickly.

We will also cover how to write a reply to common situations (thank you, congratulations, apology and condolences).

Vacation Mini 3: Traveling with Children

Mini #144
Written by Asst. Director, Debbie C.

Now that we have discussed choosing locations, packing, how to get there, etc., it is time to talk about taking our children with us on vacation.  This mini will cover ways to make traveling with children more educational, entertaining and fun while exploring the continental US (many of the ideas can be used when traveling overseas, but we will not be covering how to deal with long plane flights, jet lag or how to make traveling in a foreign country easier).  We will talk about how to get your children more excited about the 8 hour car ride to grandma’s; tricks of traveling with kids in airports; ways to make traveling with infants and small children easier; and possibilities of fun when traveling by train, etc.  This mini will also cover games you can play with your children that do not require batteries, sound effects, or even light in many cases!  Finally, at the end of the mini will be a list of resources that you can use when planning your trip.  So, come along and let’s have some fun traveling with our kids!

Principles for Peace of Mind

Mini #139

As we strive to make the best of weeks, months, and years, it is important to remember how much our attitude and thought patterns influence each day. When we work to build better days, the weeks and months take care of themselves. In this Mini we will review principles that can help you attain peace of mind, release worry and anxiety. These positive principles will not only help you with self-esteem, they will help you move toward your goals and improve relationships with others.

Vacation Planning: The Basics

Mini 127 (Opens 9/1/10)
Written by Debbie C. with Brook Noel

So you have made the decision to go on vacation!  Now what??  Some vacations are easier to plan than others.  When you are obligated to go to Grandma’s house, you know what to do; but, that about thimes when you want to do something different?  What do you need think about?  In this mini, we will talk about the following:
1.  Work & family obligations
2.  Budget
3.  Where to go
4.  How to get there
5.  Where to stay once you are there; and
6.  How to find out about things to do in advance
At the end of this mini will be a list of resources to help you with your next vacation.

Mastering the Moment

Mini #121

In our quest for contentment and balance one of the most important areas to focus on is the power of each moment. We cannot change the past, and the future is not yet here–the moment is where we truly can impact powerful change. Often moments become filled with stress or anxiety if we cannot maintain balance. In this Mini we will look at exercises to help us stay grounded in the now so we can make the most of every day.

Audio Mini: Tips for Staying Balanced

Mini #120

Often our lives feel like a push-pull as we struggle to find a centered-place from which to make healthy decisions. We know that being balanced is a great goal–and a great concept… but how do we figure out what balance looks like for us? And how do we identify the boundaries we need to maintain that balance when we find it? In this Mini we will explore those questions and more with tips to help you find and maintain balance.

Effective Decision Making

Mini #119

Each day we are inundated with decisions. How we respond to those decisions is one of the single-most important factors in shaping our lives. Some decisions are little-others can be quite challenging. The more we hone our decision making skills, the better equipped we are to maximize each day and move forward in life. In this Mini we explore the  key factors of decision making as well as tools, handouts, and decision making techniques to help us hone our decision-making skills.

Priority Planning Workshop

Mini #115 - April Featured Mini

One of the ways to maximize your time in the Make Today Matter program, and your time in general, is through a routine of Priority Planning. While it takes a little time, this planning is key to helping us stay on track throughout the month. Done thoroughly, this planning allows us to stay focused in  spite of adversity and to focus on what truly matters.  Priority Planning also reduces stress and helps us manage our time better. The five steps of Priority Planning can be accessed by all MTM Members in Phase II by following the link in the blue “quick links” menu. This Mini is an additional workshop that provides an audio version of each of the five steps, and also provides a location to share and encourage one another with our plans!

Attitude Makeover Pt 2

Mini #113

Please make sure you have taken Attitude Makeover Pt 1 (Mini # 111)  before taking Pt 2 (There are references to Part 1 in Part Two)

Days 6-10 of our 10 Day Attitude Program

Feeling blue or “out-of-sorts?” Negativity, stressful environments, worry, anxiety, fatigue–all can take a toll on our attitude leaving us feeling drained, irritable, anxious, or moody.

Fortunately, we do not have to settle for a less than stellar attitude. We can take quick and concise steps to reframe our perspective and make over our attitude. This Mini Series (Part 2 will be released April, 2010) is designed with a simple goal: To get out of the “muck” quickly.

The course begins with a before evaluation to assess your current coping skills and 5 Lessons (which is Mini #111), then, in this Mini you will receive lessons 6-10. These are the same lessons shared in our Attitude Makeover course.

Over the course of these 10 lessons you will learn:

… how to audit your thinking for negative thought patterns
… the 5 habits of negative thinkers (and how to avoid them)
… how negative thinking spirals (and how to stop it)
… how to use affirmations for a quick pick-me-up
… how action conquers despair
… how to use the 5-Minute Motivator
… how to design Mini-Missions for the mind
… how to recognize negative-triggers (and stop them)

Attitude Makeover Part I

#111 Attitude Makeover Part I - Days 1-5 of our 10 Day Attitude Program

Feeling blue or “out-of-sorts?” Negativity, stressful environments, worry, anxiety, fatigue–all can take a toll on our attitude leaving us feeling drained, irritable, anxious, or moody.

Fortunately, we do not have to settle for a less than stellar attitude. We can take quick and concise steps to reframe our perspective and make over our attitude. This Mini Series (Part 2 will be released April, 2010) is designed with a simple goal: To get out of the “muck” quickly.

The course begins with a before evaluation to assess your current coping skills. Then, in this Mini you will receive the first 5 lessons and Attitude II will contain the final 5 lessons. These are the same lessons shared in our Attitude Makeover course.

Over the course of these 10 lessons you will learn:

… how to audit your thinking for negative thought patterns
… the 5 habits of negative thinkers (and how to avoid them)
… how negative thinking spirals (and how to stop it)
… how to use affirmations for a quick pick-me-up
… how action conquers despair
… how to use the 5-Minute Motivator
… how to design Mini-Missions for the mind
… how to recognize negative-triggers (and stop them)

Attitude Audio

Mini #108
Audio Mini

Are you overly self critical, a negative thinker, feeling anxious, tired, down and out? Learn how our attitude can shape our lives and our progress. Most importantly, learn how to improve yours with the strategies shared in this audio Mini. (Opens 2/4/10).

Life Profiler Mini * Featured Mini

Mini Makeover #105

If you are ready to do an in-depth analysis of your strengths and weaknesses to help you “go beyond the Snapshot” then this is the Mini for you! Brook developed the Life Profiler Mini to help people pinpoint what specific steps they can take to improve life areas of concern. The Profiler includes over 200 questions and can be downloaded in Microsoft Excel format. After answering the questions, you will be able to see how well you score in 17 different life areas as well as learn what MTM solutions and strategies can help you improve! This is a great in-depth review to do once or twice per year.

Hosting a Cookie Exchange & Stress-Free Entertaining

Mini #98
15 pages

In this Mini we explore how to host a cookie exchange along with Stress-Free Party Tips & Ideas for entertaining during the holiday season. We start out by exploring 8 holiday theme parties and practical strategies to make entertaining stress-free. You’ll discover free resources to manage invitation lists, how to plan the right amount of appetizers, and more. Then we turn our attention to planning a cookie exchange. A cookie exchange is a gathering where each guest prepares a designated number of their favorite cookies prior to the gathering. The day of the gathering, each guest receives a dozen of the each attendee’s cookies, and gives each attendee a dozen of
their own. Recipes are also attached so that your family can add new holiday favorites to your repertoire. Typically, at the gathering, the cookies are sampled, stories
are shared, and fun is to be had by all. The cookie exchange is a great way to have some fun holiday time with the girls, have many cookie types without preparing each one on your own, and enjoy the stories and recipes of others.

Celebrate Thanksgiving

Mini #97
14 pages
*November Featured Mini *

Note: If you are taking the 10 Weeks of Christmas course you will receive the information in this Mini in the week’s prior to Thanksgiving. If you are not taking that course and would like to visit www.maketodaymatter.net and choose CLASSES or visit the Member Link in the Library for your exclusive MTM Discount.

When I was younger, I was not nearly as enthusiastic about Thanksgiving as I am today. When I was younger, I thought Thanksgiving paled in comparison to the fanfare and excitement of hristmas (and my birthday, which falls in December). As I became a young woman, Thanksgiving soon became one of my favorite holidays. An entire day edicated to being thankful and celebrating the joys in our life!

I don’t know about you, but I have made a few observations. (1) A lot of people like to complain – they almost seem addicted to complaining, chaos or negativity.
(2) Often we are too busy to just “stop” and be thankful! (3) Being thankful around the actual Christmas celebration, can be more challenging because there is so
much going on!

Having a day devoted to gratitude, without the stressors of presents, high expectations, and the like, is a welcome relief. It reminds us all to STOP and
celebrate what is here. In this Mini we will explore ways to celebrate thankfulness throughout the month, activities and ideas, ways to involve children, a Thanksgiving Menu and shopping list, and a thanksgiving prep-checklist.

FM: Managing Your Moods

Mini #95
A Faith Matters Study

It is no secret that women tend to experience a wide variety of emotions. Within a single day we can go from upbeat to discouraged and then some. Inviting God’s presence and God’s word to guide us can enable us to increase positive, growth-providing emotions and decrease those that are harmful and limiting to both ourselves and those around us. This Faith Matters Study will guide you through self-reflection, insight from scripture, and finding God’s wisdom for managing your moods and emotions.

Audio Mini - Staying the Course: How to handle life’s interuptions

Mini #94
This is an audio mini you can download onto your computer or mp3 player or listen to online.

It has been said that, “Life is what happens while you are busy making plans.” Often when we create a plan or chart a course, shortly after our first few steps “life interrupts.” Sometimes these interuptions or unexpected changes are easy to adapt to. Sometimes they are overwhelming, life-changing, and seem like an insurmountable hurdle.  Losing a job, an unexpected change in finances, the end of a relationship, the loss of a loved one, the loss of a pet, an unforseen health challenge, a legal issue, a move– there are just a few examples of big life changes that can shake our foundation. Then there are many smaller-scale challenges that happen more often: a two-week illness that leaves you tired, a disagreement, new demands on your time that interfere with your plan, something breaks that you did not budget to replace–I am sure you can add a few of your own.

The truth is these challenges are part of life. As long as we are living we will have unforseen and unwelcome changes come our way. In order to thrive and get the most out of life, we need to build our resilience and skillset for handling unexpected twists and turns.  In this audio Mini I share a handful of examples on interuptions from my own life, strategies for maintaing healthy thinking during times of change, tips for keeping events in perspective, and exercises you can use to put things back together when they seem to be falling apart.

Faith Matters: Love Is…

Mini #91
Available 9/3/09

One of my favorite Bible passages comes from 1 Corinthians, Chapter 13: 4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8Love never fails

In this Faith Matters Study we explore what Love Is and how to live each day with love– love of God, love of life, love of self, love of others.