5 Ways to Get through a Rough Winter

Are you feeling the winter blues? Lack energy or motivation? Relax because you're not alone. Winter is a tough time for many. The days are darker. The weather is bitter cold and the extra stress and demands of dealing with snow and ice can put the grouch into anybody. But there are some things we can do to make the best of a rough season.

1. Make time to nurture yourself and turn inward. Winter is a great time for reflection. Slow down enough to think about what you want to change this year, rethink your diet, and get the rest the body needs during harsh winters.

2. Declutter your home. There is something about getting rid of junk and seeing a clean place that lifts one's spirit and helps us focus on what we really want in our homes and in our lives. Check out my Pinterest board on Living a Simpler Life. 

3. Organize your finances. Tax season is upon us and it is a perfect time to rethink how we spend our time and our money. Get a good filing system set up. Track your expenses.

4. Don't use the weather as an excuse to not exercise. Exercise is a must. It keeps the heart pumping, the muscles strong, and the body flexible. Winter is a great time to take a yoga or Pilates class. If the weather is bad, pop in an exercise dvd or dial into youtube.com and get moving. Need some ideas? Visit my Pinterest board on health, diet and exercise tips. 

5. Try out a new hobby. There is something motivating about learning something new. A few ideas you can do in the winter months are: learn a new language online, discover the joy of cooking, or practice meditation. I like to try new recipes and I can't wait to use my new Panini grill pan.

How we view winter and the rough seasons of life, has a lot to do with our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being during tough times. Like I say in my book, "The Power of Faith", there will always be positives and negatives in life. It is up to us which we will choose to focus on.

I hope these tips and suggestions will help you see the bright side of a dark winter. What will you do this winter to make it more enjoyable? Love to hear from you. If you'd like to receive your free copy of my e-guide entitled "7 Steps to Finding Your Spiritual Path" enter your email address in the box provided.

Stay tuned for more positive and practical wisdom to help you ignite the power within and discover YOUR destiny!

In the meantime, stay warm and keep looking up!

Ariel Paz

All rights reserved. If you wish to use this material, email me at arielpaz08@gmail.com.

6 Ways to Keep Life in Balance

Anyone watch the first game of the NBA finals last night? His team losing after a close game, Tony Parker of the San Antonio Spurs had possession of the ball. And then he lost his balance and stumbled. LeBron James, of the Miami Heat, thought he had him covered, but no, Parker continued to dribble and, with seconds left in the game, lifted the ball into the air and made the shot. Referees had to review the play to make sure it beat the clock. Isn't that the way life goes sometimes?

We play along in the game of life, trying to make the shot, call the shots, beat our opponents. We think we have it all covered and then - we lose our balance. Out of the blue, something happens. It could be a job loss. A loved one dies. A bad health report or any of the host of trials and tragedies that befall the human race.

We all lose our balance at times, don't we? We all stumble along the road of life once in a while. Sometimes the stumble keeps us down and takes us out of the game. But other times, by the grace of God, we are able to keep going, keep moving, and stay in the game. Sometimes, the most painful stumbles lead to our sweetest victories.

When you're going through a tough time, don't be afraid to reach out. If you're worried what others think, don't. We are all human and we all go through stuff. God allows trials to grow us up and draw us closer to one another and to Him. In this age of rapid-fire technology and fast-paced living, we forget to make time to connect - with one another, with ourselves, and with God.

In the end, that's what it really is all about. In the end, that's what the trials and tragedies are meant to teach us in the school of life. Some tricks I have found to keeping my balance in life are:

1) Slow down. And I mean slow WAY down. Try to adjust my life to the flow of God.
2) Focus on the 5 Fs in life: fitness, finances, family, future and fun. Notice that fun is last.
3) Live in the present. No worrying about yesterday or tomorrow. Enjoy the moment.
4) Be generous. Give to others of your time, money, and love. Remember Luke 6:38,"Give and it shall be given unto you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
5) Be thankful. "In everything, give thanks for this is the will of  God for you in Christ Jesus." (1  Thess 5:18)
and finally,
6) Be joyful.  Don't let life's stumbles steal my joy. "The joy of the Lord is my strength." (Neh. 8:10)

Enjoy your day, stay in the game and above all, keep looking up!

Ariel Paz 

Tidings of Comfort and Joy

Tragic news of the mass killing in Connecticut rocked the world last week. People's emotions ranged from shock, sadness and grief to anger and outrage. Even the most peaceful of us found it hard to grasp how such a thing could happen at this joyful time of year.

But, many around the world are not joyful and deal with shootings and killings every day. Parents do not know whether their children will come home safely. Some have lost loved ones or have a dear one on death's door. My own father is precariously hanging on to life.

Yet, today marks the third week of Advent and the color of the candle on my wreath is pink - symbolizing both unconditional love and joy. Despite the great evil in the world, we can still have joy and unconditional love. How can this be you ask?

Because joy is a calm inner knowing that God is always with us. His name, Emmanuel means exactly that. God came to this earth in the form of a baby to bring us peace and joy because he knew that we would not find these things in the world.

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." (John 14:27)

"These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full" (John 15:11).

Yes, we can have Joy this season despite our circumstances. Jesus is here to comfort us in our time of need. Will you be the hand and feet of Jesus and reach out to bring someone comfort and joy this season?

Let the joy of the Lord be your strength and your shield today (Ps. 28:7). He will bring you out of darkness and into His great Light!

Until next time, keep looking up!

Ariel Paz