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Articles from Sally Marks | Selfgrowth.com
- The Gift of the Present - by Submitted on Dec 16, 2020 from Sally MarksOne of the most challenging experiences I have in my daily life is to stay focused on the present moment. It is so easy for my mind to skip forward to the future or lapse into stale memories. Although I’d like to think I’m older and wiser, I have found children are much better at enjoying (or ...
Views: 637 - Using Solar and Wind Power to Save on Energy - by Submitted on Dec 15, 2020 from Sally MarksI try to be green, but I’m a little lazy – I mean busy. In spite of my sloth, one of the ways I choose to conserve energy is restricting my use of the clothes dryer. Hanging clothes out to dry is not a novel concept. This was a regular routine in my childhood home. When our family moved from ...
Views: 938 - Are You Hijacking Your Happiness? - by Submitted on Sep 20, 2020 from Sally MarksWhen I think about the importance of gratitude a popular refrain from Joni Mitchell’s hit, Big Yellow Taxi comes to mind. “Don’t it always seem to go that you don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone. They paved paradise and put up a parking lot.” The song has been covered by numerous ...
Views: 751 - So Long Appendix - by Submitted on Aug 09, 2016 from Sally MarksThrough the years I have heard people make fun of philosophers who contemplate their navels in an ivory tower. Why an ivory tower? Maybe the lighting is better. I don’t know about you, but my belly button is a cute little “innie” and it would be hard to contemplate it properly without proper ...
Views: 1038 - How a Public Relations Specialist Deals with Change - by Submitted on Jul 30, 2016 from Sally MarksLike most people, I don’t like change. Yes, change is inevitable. Yes, change is the only way to improve and grow. If people don’t change, like a soiled diaper, things begin to stink. Blah, blah, blah. I know it, I accept it, and as a self-improvement writer, I even write about it. But it ...
Views: 1217 - Do You Know Someone With A Dream? - by Submitted on Apr 08, 2015 from Sally MarksWhat does an anti-bullying program for girls, renovating a home for women in crisis, and publishing a magazine to help build girl’s self-esteem have in common? All are past recipients of Royal Neighbors of America Nation of Neighbors Program. Nation of Neighbors provides financial support ...
Views: 1647 - How the Affordable Care Act Affects Small Business Owners - by Submitted on Feb 28, 2015 from Sally MarksAs we all sit down to prepare for our annual tax filing, it is come to my attention that businesses of every size will be affected by the AFA. Everyone will feel additional pain with respect to the Affordable Care Act or Obama Care. The small business owner will face new taxes on ...
Views: 1649 - Romantic Valentine's Day Gift Ideas - by Submitted on Feb 03, 2015 from Sally MarksEven though the hoopla of Super Bowl XLIX is over ,Glendale, Arizona is still a great destination. Smart lovers are heading to The Village of Arrowhead Shopping Center, 20022 N. 67th Ave. in Glendale for Valentine’s Day shopping. The shopping plaza, with its cobblestone-accentuated walkways, ...
Views: 1188 - Yoga for the Mind: Understanding the U.S. Tax Code - by Submitted on Jan 24, 2015 from Sally MarksOur tax season will be upon us very soon. The IRS says it will be ready for the onslaught of returns beginning January 20, 2015. Many people look forward to getting their W-2. They proceed to file their taxes and claim their long awaited refund. I do not get excited by receiving such ...
Views: 1323 - What to do when a friend's child commits suicide - by Submitted on Jan 04, 2015 from Sally MarksI am in my own state of shock. My friend, Marsha, called this morning to tell me that her daughter, Lauren, had committed suicide. She was 34 years old, the same age as my oldest daughter, Alicia. I’ve known Marsha since we attended Kino Junior High together. Some 15 years later Marsha, our ...
Views: 1998 - Five Success Strategies for Small Business Owners to Grow Their Business - by Submitted on Dec 12, 2014 from Sally MarksWhy is it some small businesses thrive and others fail? As a CPA specializing in financial strategies such as accounting, cash management, budget/forecasts, bookkeeping and more, I have gained some insight on why some companies thrive and others are forced to close their doors. While the ...
Views: 1223 - Holiday Sock it to Me! - by Submitted on Nov 30, 2014 from Sally MarksI remember the phrase “sock it to me” from my childhood days in the 1960s. I was a big fan of the television show Rowan and Martin’s “Laugh In.” Now that I’m older I have a different “sock it to me” tradition. Shortly after Thanksgiving I don my Christmas socks. I don’t know why, but this annual ...
Views: 1393 - Meditation Tips for a Happier Life - by Submitted on Sep 06, 2014 from Sally MarksI recently trotted my two granddaughters off to the discount theater to see How to Train Your Dragon 2. It was a hot, Saturday afternoon and the place was packed. In order to sit together we were forced to take a front row seat. One thing about this vantage point is you feel like you’re rubbing ...
Views: 1211 - Monster on the Run! - by Submitted on Apr 18, 2014 from Sally MarksI enjoy outings with my granddaughters and teaching them things. However there are times I find I learn something valuable from THEM. The girls and I went shopping for a birthday gift for their mom (we picked out a handbag) and I bought Rosannah and Briannah matching Easter dresses. In fact each ...
Views: 1512 - Birds, Bees and Trees - by Submitted on Mar 14, 2014 from Sally MarksI love trees. When I was a young girl I liked to climb in any tree that would hold my skinny, little body. My favorite was a mulberry tree in our backyard. Sometimes I would take my dolls up with me. I was a bit of an anomaly, a tomboy who liked dolls. I guess I thought my vinyl children would ...
Views: 1823(1 vote) - Refresh Your Optimism - by Submitted on Jan 25, 2014 from Sally MarksHave you ever wished you had a “refresh” button for your life? We acquire a fair amount of knowledge from study and personal experience, but at times it seems all it takes are a few setbacks, and poof, we revert to our old bad habits. It happened to me. I was in a car accident a year ...
Views: 1536 - Letting My Green Aura Shine - by Submitted on Sep 27, 2013 from Sally MarksI am green. No, I’m not talking about the color associated with envy or a hair-color-gone-wrong experiment. I’m talking about the color of my aura. Years ago on my frequent treks from hot and conservative Mesa, AZ to cool and mystical, Sedona, I noticed signs about aura readings and was ...
Views: 3044 - Pursuit of Comedy Writing Dreams is Something to Laugh About - by Submitted on Jun 03, 2013 from Sally MarksI’m a reformed joker. I used to be the life of the party, but sadly gag-telling seems to be relegated to the internet these days. Now I’m a rusty. My humor is limited to things I can write about. The advantage of writing comedy, as opposed to performing it, is you get a chance to fix ...
Views: 1663(1 vote) - Messages from a Pillow - by Submitted on Nov 08, 2012 from Sally MarksSometimes I think I’m smarter when I’m unconscious. In various religions, particularly Buddhism, the sages talk about the benefits of an “awakened state.” However I think there is a lot of wisdom in our dream-state while snoozing. Let me explain. I believe dreams can be a way for your ...
Views: 2003 - Living Life as a Cross-eyed Optimist - by Submitted on Jun 27, 2012 from Sally MarksWhen I was six weeks old my mother noticed my right eye turned in. I think I was checking out my nose. People stick their faces close to a baby’s and I saw some real honkers on some of the folks who were cooing at me. My guess is I wanted to make sure I didn’t grow a Pinocchio schnoozola in the ...
Views: 3377 - Plucking Weeds and Negativity Out By The Roots - by Submitted on Jun 06, 2012 from Sally MarksIn a cynical moment while posting on facebook (and yes, even the author of a self help book can have a bloody snark attack on occasion) I wrote that I couldn’t decide what was more exciting – writing or pulling weeds. My niece, Lisa, quickly responded that I should write. I began a new blog ...
Views: 2870(1 vote) - The Gift All Dads Want for Father's Day - by Submitted on May 31, 2012 from Sally MarksI’ve been thinking about my dad lately. Father’s Day is approaching and even though my pop died more than 15 years, I still think about what kind of gift he might like to have for Father’s Day. Dad had a weird sense of humor and wasn’t particularly helpful when we asked him for gift ...
Views: 1523 - The Internal Cause of Migraines - by Submitted on May 25, 2012 from Sally MarksI have always enjoyed being around children. I admire their honesty and openness. My grandchildren are two and four years old. They see wonder in everything. In fact, Briannah, the younger of “the girls” as I call them, “wonders” about everything. She is always asking “why?” The apple didn’t ...
Views: 1644 - When You're Not Singing in the Rain - by Submitted on Apr 05, 2012 from Sally MarksIt’s raining. In fact it has been raining most of the day. I’m from Arizona where rain is not a regular occurrence, so when I encounter a long bout of soppy weather I get a bit incredulous. “You’ve been at this all day, don’t you think it’s time to move on?” I say to the clouds outside my ...
Views: 1542(2 votes) - Focusing On Prosperity Rather Than Misery - by Submitted on Feb 02, 2012 from Sally MarksI was interviewed by Vickie Champion on a series of questions of “Things I Wish I knew in my 20s about (money, relationships, health etc.) I’m one of several men and women who are featured on her you tube site. Here are my thoughts on “What I wish I knew in my 20s about money.” “When I ...
Views: 1902(4 votes) - Christmas Confusion of Holiday Songs Brings Laughter and Insights - by Submitted on Dec 21, 2011 from Sally MarksThis is a time of miracles. Hanukah begins tonight. The word Hanukah means “rededication” and celebrates Jewish heroes who rededicated themselves to faith and principles in spite of a religious oppression. Christmas is the annual celebration commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. Both holidays ...
Views: 1472 - How to Deal with Grouchy Relatives During the Holidays - by Submitted on Nov 19, 2011 from Sally MarksNext week is Thanksgiving. Many of us will have the opportunity to dine with family and friends for a special once-a-year meal. Many look forward to this event with anticipation – some with dread. And I confess, in my life I have approached this holiday with both mindsets. I have seen the ...
Views: 1502 - Harry Potter and the Mysterious Aging Process - by Submitted on Nov 13, 2011 from Sally MarksI have a confession to make. I love Harry Potter. I’ve read all of the books and watched all the movies. However, while sitting through the Deathly Hallows Part II, I noticed something disturbing regarding the aging process. It wasn’t the final scene where the Gryffindor trio of Harry, Ron and ...
Views: 1626 - Opening Up To Happiness - by Submitted on Oct 07, 2011 from Sally MarksI woke up today feeling stronger, younger and more alert. This may not seem like news to you, but anyone who has seen me in the morning (prior to my infusion of coffee) would find this a minor miracle. The difference is I had a rolfing session yesterday and the invigorating effects spilled over ...
Views: 1538 - Overcoming my past as Despicable Me - by Submitted on Aug 18, 2011 from Sally MarksI used to be a smart aleck. I suppose if there were a “Smart Assoholics” group I would have considered attending, but I never mustered the courage to look into it. Can you imagine calling and asking someone, “Can you tell me when the Smart Assoholics Group meets?” The members would either ...
Views: 1613 - An Indendence Day from Guilt - by Submitted on Jul 04, 2011 from Sally MarksToday is the 4th of July, or Independence Day in the USA. One of my favorite phrases in the Declaration of Independence is: “Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” I am not alone in my admiration. Wikipedia states this line is considered by some as one of most well crafted, influential ...
Views: 1635(5 votes) - Learning from a Dumb Bunny - by Submitted on Jun 28, 2011 from Sally MarksI have heard the expression “Dumb Bunny” used for years. Our pet rabbit does not appreciate this term. Tinkles is a sensitive creature and a tad grouchy. I don’t want to upset him so I try not to use the “dumb bunny” idiom. In fact, our pet is not only a smart little hopper, he was a catalyst ...
Views: 1427(6 votes) - I Need to Get Out More Often - by Submitted on Jun 09, 2011 from Sally MarksI need to get out more often. I’m a social animal, but it seems like I spend more time with my computer than among the living. That is why it was a treat to come to Red Bluff, California over the recent Memorial Day holiday. I launched my Northern California book tour and Red Bluff was my ...
Views: 1684(3 votes) - Whine or Build a Bridge toward Happiness - by Submitted on May 03, 2011 from Sally MarksI was recently at a meeting where George Nakamura quoted a story by Buddhist Leader and Author Daisaku Ikeda. In this story, Ikeda asked the audience to imagine their biggest dream or heart’s desire was within reach. However, there was a catch. Separating them from the dream is a big river and ...
Views: 1346(2 votes) - The Pain in Spain Falls Mainly in the Computer - by Submitted on Apr 15, 2011 from Sally MarksI had to follow my own advice the other day. A hacker figured out my password and sent emails to dozens of my contacts asking for money. Apparently the email described that I was off in Spain, lost my wallet and needed $3,000. I contacted yahoo, changed my password and have been responding to ...
Views: 1453(1 vote) - Erase Negativity by Learning from the Story of the Ham - by Submitted on Apr 09, 2011 from Sally MarksHave you attempted to break family patterns (like improving yourself by going to college) and met with resistance? Perhaps you developed an innovative approach to solve a problem at work only to be told “That’s not how we do things here.” If so, don’t despair. Here is a little story in honor of ...
Views: 2629(2 votes) - Imagine Happiness for Fun and Success - by Submitted on Feb 05, 2011 from Sally MarksWhen I was a little girl I loved to play “pretend.” I imagined lots of different scenarios from being the first female baseball player for the Chicago Cubs to flying like Superman. I had a friend, Teresa, who would pretend with me. We also put on little performances. I only have a vague ...
Views: 1418(2 votes) - Moving Past Negativity and Hopping into Happiness - by Submitted on Jan 26, 2011 from Sally MarksMy spouse, CB, and I watched a mama bunny prepare a nest for her soon-to-be babies. It was fascinating to watch the cotton tail hop back and forth and bring twigs into the borough she prepared. Afterward she removed little rocks and sifted through the dirt to prepare the abode for her new ...
Views: 1538(1 vote) - I Want A Do Over! - by Submitted on Sep 24, 2010 from Sally MarksDo you remember when you were young, made a mistake in a game and asked for “do overs?” That’s what it felt like when I recently listened to an interview I had on The Author’s Show, http://www.theauthorsshow.com/ I knew this particular interview had a broader audience than my past ...
Views: 1641 - Erasing Environmental Negativity - by Submitted on Aug 24, 2010 from Sally MarksI enjoy traveling, seeing new sights and soaking up the culture of other places. I recently had the opportunity to live and work in the Pacific Northwest for six weeks. The Washington coast could not be more different than the Arizona desert I’ve known and lived for most of my life. Yet, when ...
Views: 1656(4 votes) - Why Aren't the Christians in Church? - by Submitted on Jul 29, 2010 from Sally MarksSomeone sent me this joke and I saved it. I’m printing it as a topic for this self growth article. Squirrels had overrun three churches in town. After much prayer, the elders of the first church determined that the animals were predestined to be there. "Who are we to interfere with God's ...
Views: 1425(3 votes) - Casa Bonka - by Submitted on Jul 22, 2010 from Sally MarksI recently went on a road trip along the Pacific Coast. I was awed by the majestic Redwoods that stood like proud titans protecting our nation’s sacred lands and wildlife. While driving along the highway with towering trees on either side of the road, CB, my nature-loving spouse, remarked it ...
Views: 2633(1 vote) - Invisibly Obvious - by Submitted on Jun 25, 2010 from Sally MarksHave you ever looked for something only to find out it was right in front of you the whole time? It amazes me how things can be so elusive, yet so obvious. I had yet another example of this phenomenon when a friend was helping me with the manuscript of my book. I have looked through this ...
Views: 2207(2 votes) - How Can You Embrace the Magic Within? - by Submitted on Jun 16, 2010 from Sally MarksIn a recent interview I was asked, “What can people do to embrace the magic within?” Embrace the Magic Within is the subtitle of my book. I’ll be honest, I wasn’t expecting this question (I’m new at being on the receiving end of an interview after all!) The short response is the two main ...
Views: 2024(1 vote) - Learn How To Be A Hero - by Submitted on Jun 09, 2010 from Sally MarksI love movies. I not only enjoy the spectacle, the humor, drama and music, I find it satisfying to absorb the moral of the story through the comfort of a cushy seat in an air conditioned theater. Movies, like sports, give you the chance to root, root, root for the home team, without ...
Views: 1869(1 vote) - A Jolt of Joy - by Submitted on Jun 02, 2010 from Sally MarksI was recently interviewed on World Talk Radio, American Dreams: The Sky is the Limit. I had not been feeling that well earlier in the day, and I also had some concerns about the phone working properly. However, once I started chatting with the hosts, Jin Robertson and her daughter, ...
Views: 2342(1 vote) - Generating Laser Beams of Love - by Submitted on Jun 04, 2010 from Sally MarksThroughout my life I have heard, read and studied about the importance of becoming a warm and loving human being. Below is one of my favorite quotes. "More valuable than treasures in a storehouse are treasures of the body, and the treasures of the heart are the most valuable of all. Strive ...
Views: 1747(6 votes)