This past year has taught us nothing if not the value of technology. Not only has it shown us how we can use it to do our jobs remotely but we’ve also learned that being in the office doesn’t necessarily make us more productive than if we stayed at home. Which is good because it looks like we’re in for at least a few more months of this new “normal” way of doing business. Here are some tips to stay productive, whether you’re the one working from home, you supervise those who do, or both!

Communication is Key: The key to success in any role is keeping the communication flowing. Just because you’re no longer sitting at the next desk over is no reason to stop talking with your coworkers, your boss, or those you supervise. Make sure to schedule phone or video check-ins on a regular basis to better connect on your business goals, any upcoming projects and daily tasks to make sure you stay on top of things Slack, MS Teams, and Google Meet are great tools you can utilize to help.

Reliable Tech for the Win! Consistent, stable internet access is vital for anyone working remotely, and anyone wanting to supervise remotely. But there’s more to it. The ability to take video calls requires a camera and good speakers. A big screen (or two) also helps. If working from home means being around kids or pets, a good pair of noise canceling headphones is also a lifesaver. As an employer, providing laptops to remote workers might be something to consider, especially if their tech is older or doesn’t have the programs or features they need to do their job successfully.

Dedicate a Workspace: Set yourself up for success with a dedicated workspace. It’ll be easier to concentrate. If you normally need lots of space to work on projects, you might find a garage, spare room or your kitchen table works just as nicely as your old work office. And remember, if you’re on lots of video calls, consider the background that your coworkers, clients, and others will see.

Make it Comfortable: Good, natural lighting, a supportive office chair, desk lamp, photos and a plant or two go a long way to making any workspace comfortable. If you like to work with music, one of the perks of working remotely is that you don’t need to worry about anyone else’s tastes. You’ll be more productive and engaged when you’re at ease, too. Plus, working in leisure clothing means less wear and tear on your “fancy” clothes!

Set Boundaries: It’s easy to work all the time when work and home are in the same place, but one great part of working remotely is the flexibility to work whenever you are most productive. Be careful about letting clients and coworkers know they can reach you any time of day or night, though. Let your family know when you need to be left alone by closing the door or putting up a sign that says come back later. And do the same with your coworkers and boss. Shared online calendars and auto replies are great ways to let people know when you’re occupied and won’t be available.

Keep a Routine: Get to your remote workstation at a regular, consistent time, take breaks and lunch on a schedule and develop the habit of officially “logging off” at the end of the day. Turn off emails and chat notifications when the day is done so you won’t be tempted to check in. Unless it’s an emergency, keep regular office hours just like you would if you were in your regular place of business. Just because work and home are now the same doesn’t mean you should let them blur together. It’s difficult at times but keeping them separate will help you keep your sanity.

Embrace the Perks! The blurring of work and home means you’ve got to give yourself permission to enjoy being at home. Keep or develop a fitness routine, take periodic stretch and beverage breaks, and eat regular meals – and not in front of your computer! Working remotely means you could be free to schedule appointments during the work day, or work from a location other than your home or city, too. Because as long as you hit your goals, does it matter where you physically are? Just make sure to travel safely and don’t skirt on your work obligations.

Now that so many of us are working remotely, life looks a little different – and maybe a little better. It may be an adjustment, especially if you supervise people, but it can also be a blessing in disguise. Maybe you or your employees are more productive without workplace distractions, or maybe it allows you to spend more time with your family. Just remember that this is a stressful time for everyone, so it’s also important to remember we’re all in this together. Just sayin’.

Published: New Mexico Apartment News Magazine – January/February issue 2021

Sharon Dillard is the award-winning CEO of Get A Grip Inc., a national franchise kitchen and bathroom resurfacing company based in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

While many of us are lucky enough to be surrounded by family and friends over the holidays, many people aren’t. Many people who are used to traveling to relatives (or having their relatives come to them) won’t be able to do that this year. This year more than ever, the holidays have the potential to be lonely.

Here are some tips to help combat any feelings of isolation and loneliness that this holiday season may bring.

Keep communication flowing. Utilize the technology that’s available. If you’ve been making regular phone or video calls with isolated friends and family, keep it up! If you need to go to the store or run some errands, or even if you just want to get some fresh air and go for a walk, take them with you. Or schedule a time to play Words with Friends or play a game over Zoom. Spending just 10 or 15 minutes talking to a loved one can brighten their day.

Make the holidays virtual. Consider doing a virtual Thanksgiving dinner or holiday cocktail hour. Maybe you all make the same meal or open a bottle at the same time while on a video call together, or maybe you call after opening your gifts or after the holiday meal. Just because you aren’t celebrating the occasion in the same place doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate together.

Send a surprise. After all, who doesn’t like surprises? Write a letter to your loved one expressing how important they are to you or send a holiday card with pictures you’ve taken over the last year. Maybe finish that family recipe book you’ve always talked about and send out copies to everyone just in time for the holidays. 

Watch for warning signs. Isolation can lead to loneliness which in turn can lead to depression. This can be seen in a loss or increase in appetite, an increase in drinking alcohol, insomnia or hypersomnia, a lack of interest in their usual routine activities, or a change in personal hygiene. If you notice these signs in a friend or family member, raise your concerns with them and offer to make an appointment for them with their doctor. On the flip side, watch your own actions and behaviors, and don’t be afraid to reach out to someone if you think you need help.

Be realistic. The holidays won’t be the same as last year and they certainly won’t be Norman Rockwell perfect. As families, friends and the times change, our traditions and rituals change, too. Pick a few meaningful rituals to keep – like traditional desserts or gathering times – and be open to making new ones.

It’s okay to dread the upcoming holiday season, but the most important thing to remember is that you are not alone. We’re all in the same boat navigating uncharted waters, and as long as we remember we’re all in this together, we can still make these holidays memorable. Just sayin’. 

Published: New Mexico Apartment News Magazine – November/December issue 2020

Whether you have 5 employees or 5,000 employees, when a business suffers from poor communication among employees, it’s usually the result of management failures. Misunderstandings, frustration, poor performance, and staff turnover happen because employees don’t feel like they—and their opinions—matter.

So how do you fix that? As it turns out, it takes a little time and elbow grease. Here are a few helpful hints to help you better communicate with your staff:

Personal Touches Matter. In this age of electronic communication, far too many of us use our business emails or texts as a substitute for personal interaction. And with physical distancing and wearing masks, it’s harder than ever to connect in person.  While people relate to one another better when they can read each other’s body language and hear tonal inflections, if face-to-face communication isn’t possible, try using a video conferencing service like Zoom or Teams.

Be Available. We’re all guilty of getting so caught up in our own tasks that we forget who’s helping us reach our goals. Your employees should feel like they work with you, not for you. Carve time out of your schedule for regular one-on-one and group employee meetings, and let your staff know they can bring up any questions and concerns they have.

Set Clear Expectations. When you give instructions or discuss a business situation, don’t assume that everyone understands you perfectly. Instead, ask whether you’ve been clear or if further information or explanation is necessary. On the flip side, don’t be afraid to ask questions yourself when there’s something you don’t understand. If you hear something that confuses you, ask. Maybe you missed a detail or maybe you remembered something others forgot. Chances are if you’re confused, others are too.

Be Consistent. While it’s impossible to always have an upbeat attitude, you owe it to your employees to not take your frustrations and worries out on them. You can’t be nice one day and bite someone’s head off the next, no matter how frustrated or tired you are. You will be feared instead of admired, which leads to people shutting down communication with you others.

Give Feedback. Annual performance evaluations are a valuable communication tool, but don’t limit feedback to a once-a-year event. When you give on-going, constructive feedback, employees can develop and improve throughout the year. Focus on situations as they arise, while they’re still fresh. Point out the positive as well as the negative.

Thank and Reward. The words “please,” “thank you,” and “you’re welcome” show that you appreciate a person’s effort. When you consistently emphasize and reward achievements with private accolades and in groups meetings, this positive reinforcement goes a long way in business. A simply thank you shows you respect and value your employees, especially during difficult times like these.

Listen. Effective listening is the most difficult communication technique of all. By listening to others you show respect. Same with not interrupting. You have two ears and one mouth for a reason. You like when people listen to you, so offer the same curtesy.

Your ability to communicate effectively with your staff is the difference between success and simply “getting by,” and it doesn’t happen by accident. It requires effort, time, and learning how and what matters to your employees. When you use these communication tips, your relationships will improve. Just sayin’. 

Published: New Mexico Apartment News Magazine – Sept/Oct 2020

For my first column in our COVID era, I want to start by thanking all the essential businesses who have kept their doors open, kept their employees working, and kept parts of our economy moving forward. To all the grocery store clerks and stockers, car mechanics, and restaurants offering take our and delivery, to our health care workers and police, fire and other first responders, please accept our sincerest gratitude for the important jobs you do every day. Thank you to everyone who made changes to their operations to better navigate social distancing.

One of the most important lessons we’ve learned over the past few months is just how much our customers mean to us. In this article, I want to focus this column on how to provide exceptional customer service, even during a pandemic. Here are some tips I’ve learned over the years along with a few that have come recently.

It’s all about relationships. Business has always had person-to-person relationships at its core. One of the most important lessons we try to impart to our new franchises is that customer service is the single most important factor to success. Why? Because caring for the customer is something that everyone must attend to every single day, and a customer who receives great customer service will leave you reviews, be a repeat customer, and give you great word-of-mouth advertising.

Make it easy to do business with you. Today’s marketplace is full of cost- and time-saving tips and tools for both businesses and customers, so take advantage. Be organized in your thoughts via email or social media. Keep your in-person customer area organized and tidy. Have a toll-free phone number for out of area callers. Write your contracts in plain English to make them easy to read and understand. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope or website link for customer surveys. Make sure your website is up to date, has key contact information front and center, and loads quickly on all devices—this includes laptops, desktops, mobile phones and tablets! You never know what platform your customer is using to reach you.

Greet customers with a smile. It costs nothing to be pleasant and you can do that both over the phone or from behind a mask at a safe social distance. A genuine, friendly greeting shows customers that you’re happy they’re there and that you’re excited to provide exceptional service. 

Be honest. Nothing will spoil a relationship faster than getting the runaround or being lied to. Never promise something you can’t deliver and never make up an answer if you don’t know what the answer really is. If something is out of stock, apologize and suggest an alternative. If shipping is taking longer than usual because of social distancing, be up front about it. When you tell customers that you’ll call them by a certain day or time, do it, even if you have nothing to report. No one likes to be left hanging, and it might make your customer look elsewhere. 

Be flexible. If you had told me at the beginning of the year that we’d be using video conferencing like we use email, I’d have laughed. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned over the last few months, it’s that anything can happen! Your day will not always go as planned, especially with these new safety measures. Be open to trying new methods and learn new things. You never know where the next brilliant idea will come from or if that skill will come in handy down the road.

Be thankful. Express heartfelt appreciation for your customers’ patronage. Be gracious, and not just because they bought something from you. Showing thanks is often the difference between a return customer and a one-time sale. The initial contact and end of the interaction leave the biggest impressions, so make sure to end on a high note.

Take care of yourself. Rest equals recharging your creativity and energy. That doesn’t just mean getting a good night’s sleep – it also means taking time to relax and play. When I learned that this isn’t “wasting” time, I found myself with more energy and ideas and interest in my work. That also means when you’re sick, stay at home and rest, too. In the time of coronavirus, keeping ourselves healthy is more important than ever.

Giving peace of mind with excellent customer service can make the difference between surviving and thriving in this competitive marketplace, whether you’re an essential business or not. And it will have customers returning to you once they can. Just sayin’. 

Published: New Mexico Apartment News Magazine – July/August 2020

Success is all about who you know and while that might be a cliché, even clichés are rooted in truth. Both personal and business accomplishments are about having the right connections, which lead to new opportunities.

But how can we form these connections quickly and authentically?  From spearheading my own company and forming a close group of friends, I’ve learned a thing or two about building relationships. Here are some ways to find and cultivate a positive network where everyone involved believes in the principal of win-win relationships. 

Make eye contact and smile. When you focus on the person speaking, you let them know they’ve been heard and that you aren’t worrying about what to make for dinner or rush hour traffic. Building off that, smiling is an easy way to convey warmth and likeability, and it’s contagious! People will walk away thinking you’re a friendly, relatable person, which is exactly what you want when creating connections. Some of the most important people in my life have been won over by a smile and genuine interest in what they have to say.

Give a firm handshake. Like Goldilocks and the Three Bears, you want a handshake that’s not too hard and not too soft. Research shows that people decide whether they like you or not within seconds of meeting you. No matter if it’s introducing yourself to a new trainer at the gym or a potential business partner, a firm handshake contributes enormously to a positive first impression.

Practice good hygiene. This might go without saying, but good hygiene is important for both social and psychological health. Not only does it reduce the risk of illness, but it also improves the way others view you. Taking care of yourself is an easy form of self-respect that encourages others to treat you with that same level of respect.

Listen more than you speak. Whether it’s a business deal or making plans with your friends, communication is key to a lasting relationship. Recap what you’ve heard to ensure you understood correctly. If you find you’re unsure, say, “If I’m understanding you correctly, you said….” Try it!  But most importantly, don’t talk over or interrupt the speaker! When you listen, you show the other person you respect what they have to say, whereas interrupting someone shows that you don’t care.

Remember names and tidbits. Practice using someone’s name in conversation. Not only does it help us cement their names in our mind, but it signals that you’re interested in making a connection with the other person.

Talk about yourself. Once you’ve done all the above tips, go ahead and reveal something about yourself. Find some common ground: a love for horses, a desire to be physically fit, or bettering your business. Whatever your meaningful, authentic connection is, just make sure it’s not gossip and it’s not a complaint. They’re instant turn-offs! No one wants to be around a Debbie Downer or Negative Nancy.

Be patient. Expecting an instant connection with anyone is unrealistic. Like most important things, it takes time to develop lasting relationships. Keep in mind that everyone has different comfort levels so don’t rush the process. You catch more flies with honey.

To be truly successful and reach our full potential, we should aim to create important and meaningful connections with a broad sweep of people. When we’re open to the universe putting the right people in our path, we’re sure to find relationships everywhere. Just sayin’. 

Published: New Mexico Apartment News Magazine – March/April 2020

Now that the holiday season has ended and the festivities are over, it’s time to focus on the New Year. Not only is January a time to pursue new opportunities but it’s a time of reflection. Looking back on the last few months lets you see just how far you’ve come and allows you to reevaluate the best way to achieve your goals.

But no matter how you approach 2020, keep in mind that this is also an opportunity to better yourself. Here are a few ideas to give you a boost.

Narrow Your Focus. Trying to do too many things at once scatters your focus. Start with one major undertaking and break that goal or project down into small, bite-size steps. For instance, instead of focusing on being able to run five miles a week, concentrate on jogging a little further every time you go for a run. Worthwhile goals take time to achieve, and persistence definitely pays off.

Change Your Outlook. Happy people don’t rely on outside sources and influences to determine their self-worth and sense of well-being. The happiest people I know look for internal sources of positivity and good energy rather than waiting for life to provide them with happiness. 

Stop Comparing Yourself to Others. It’s easy to look at someone else’s life and think, “They’ve got it made. I wish I had what they have.” Whenever you find yourself thinking these negative thoughts, keep in mind that we compare our behind-the-scenes to everyone else’s highlight reel. Everyone is fighting their own battles, even if you can’t see it.

Remember to Breathe. It’s easy to get caught in a downward spiral when problems rise. One thing that helps me is to ask myself, “Will this be causing me this much stress a month from now?” It never fails to provide some true perspective on the problem. We’ll never be able to completely avoid the stress the world throws at us but how we cope with it daily plays a huge role in shaping our overall happiness.

Cut Out Negative People. Your surroundings impact you tremendously. If you spend time with positive people, you’re more likely to be positive. So, do you best to cut out the naysayers in your life. This is a lot easier said than done; everyone, even your lifetime family and friends, can go through rough patches. If you realize their negativity is more the norm rather than the exception, it might be time to consider distancing yourself from them. Remember that you have a larger responsibility to take care of yourself than you do anyone else.

Organize Your Time. Keep a schedule to keep yourself on track. Learn to say no to demands that don’t align with your goals. Not only will you be less frantic, but you’ll also have more time to do the things that energize you. When you start filling in your schedule, make sure you set aside time for yourself.

The New Year gives us an opportunity to better ourselves by wiping the slate clean. It’s easy to get caught up in that initial wave of enthusiasm only to come crashing down when your efforts don’t produce immediate and amazing results. Take a deep breath, focus on the process itself, and stop comparing yourself to others. Being good to yourself gets you further in the long run. Just sayin’.

Published: New Mexico Apartment News Magazine – Jan/Feb 2020

The holidays are a time of both joy and stress, especially when you run a business. Instead of enjoying our families, we business owners, managers and supervisors feel guilty for not being more productive. And on the flip side, if we do keep working, we feel guilty for not spending more time with family.

Here are some tips I’ve collected to make the holidays less stressful but still feel like we’re accomplishing our business goals.

Pace yourself. The last thing you want is to disappoint, so make sure you end up with work and social activities that are manageable and that you can deliver on. This includes taking into account that other people might be on their holiday vacation, as well as remembering you also need your own sleep, exercise, and relaxation. You might feel like the Energizer Bunny now but it’s easy to wear yourself out. Remember to take care of yourself. No one wants to be sick over the holidays.

Schedule well ahead of time. Don’t wait until the last minute to ask for time off. Talk with your family and coworkers to find out how much time you and they would like to take off. And make sure to let everyone know when you will be gone. Keep in mind that not everyone celebrates the same way you do so don’t assume you’ll be able to make those last-minute plans to socialize with relatives or visit customer accounts.

Keep gift giving small. If you decide to give coworkers gifts, keep them small and low-cost. Or do something for the entire department, floor or building, like bringing something to share with the whole team.

Keep your exercise routine. Shorter days take their toll on everyone’s energy, and that’s before you throw in bad weather, increased traffic and a sense of needing to get everything done before time off. One way to get energized at the office is by getting exercise. Skip the elevator and use the stairs, park in the last row in the parking lot, or go for a walk outside each day at lunch.

The holidays are a fun and joyous time. Stay calm and focus on what needs to be done at the office when you’re there so that you can relax when you leave. Rather than feeling like you got off track because you were enjoying the good cheer of the season, continue the momentum you have going.  The key is remembering the holidays are a chance to just enjoy being with friends and family, including your work family! Just sayin’. 

Published: New Mexico Apartment News Magazine – Nov/Dec 2019

The fall is an opportunity to not only set new goals for the months to come but to remember those resolutions you made at the start of the year. Revisiting the hectic spring and summer months will reaffirm those goals and help you build momentum for the New Year. Don’t let this year’s goals carry over into next year.

Here are some ideas for taking stock of the past months and adjusting or resetting your goals for the future:

Review. Looking at where you’ve been tells you where you want to go. Think back on the year so far and the goals you set back in January. What were your big victories? What slowed you down? What would you have done differently if you had to do it over again? Taking the time to review these simple questions can make a huge difference in setting the tone for the rest of your year. 

Plan. There are probably items on your list you still want to make happen, right? Put them on the top of your To-Do list. This is helpful particularly if you know you have some big things coming up next year. Stop making excuses and accomplish those 2019 goals!

Start Small. A fresh start resets old ways of thinking and behaving, giving you an opportunity to change. Setting goals that are too far-flung can overwhelm you, which ultimately leads to disappointment. So instead of planning the entire year like you would in January, think about some short-term goals.

Find What Motivates You.  Are you a people person but stuck in a job that requires lots of alone time? Maybe that’s why your work goals seem so daunting. Figuring out what drives you means knowing what really matters to you. Remember to set goals that allow you to use this internal motivation. You’ll be amazed at how much you can get done.

Uncover Your Strengths. These are your talents, skills, and abilities—the things that people praise and seek your guidance for. Knowing what you’re best at allows you to take advantage of opportunities; most of the time these strengths and skills are the things we love to do or what we’re naturally good at. If your goals aren’t aligned with your strengths and skills, think about slowly shifting them towards what you really thrive at. This will make them much easier to achieve them.

Define Your Beliefs. Your strengths address “what?” Your values and principles answer “how?” These underlying beliefs steer everything you do and help define who you are or want to be. If you don’t value money, then reaching a sales goal probably won’t be easy. But if helping people is an underlying belief, then a goal of having 100% customer satisfaction could really get you moving.

The fall is a great time for reflection. Try turning over a new leaf and use these ideas to help you get a firm grasp on those last few goals of yours. Getting things in order for the rest of the year will help you feel less overwhelmed when the craziness of the holidays hit. Just sayin’.

Published: New Mexico Apartment News Magazine – Sept/Oct 2019

There are certain words, phrases, and tones that you use every day to create a better relationship with your customers. Because words have incredible power, they can either make someone’s day or destroy it. Words can get you a five-star review or turn even the most loyal customer against you. Here are a few lessons that I’ve learned over the years to help you use your words effectively.

Find out. Talk about what your customer’s needs are and what they want. Ask if they understand or have questions instead of over- or underexplaining. It’s easy to accidentally belittle someone when you’re trying to close a sale or resolve an issue. Remember that you can’t force a customer to make a decision. They need to feel comfortable and ready.

Think before you speak. Albert Mehrabian, a professor of psychology, came up with the rule determining that successful communication is made up of three parts: the words you use, your tone of voice, and your body language. Don’t believe me? Try this exercise. If someone asks you how you’re doing, tell them, “I’m doing really well. How about you?” What’s the response? Now try, this: “I guess I’m all right.” Quite a different reaction, right?

Watch your tone. Tone is everything, especially on the phone. Tone of voice, inflection, volume, and pace of your speech are much more important when you’re speaking to someone over the phone because they can’t see you. Customers will make judgments about your attitude, willingness to help, and even your personality based on the way you speak to them.

There is no “try.” Avoid telling customers that you will “try” to do something for them. To quote Yoda, “Do or do not. There is no try.” Use phrases like “Let me speak with my supervisor to see what we can do,” instead of “I’ll try.” Saying that you will do something helps clients feel secure. They’ll trust that you’re working hard for them instead of merely going through the motions.

Attitude is key. One of the first things I learned in business is to have an attitude of gratitude, and it’s one of the first things I teach both my employees and franchisees. Expressing thanks regularly and doing it well is one of the most profitable business strategies you can share.

Go old school. In a world of emails and texts, a handwritten thank you note goes a long way. Whether it’s a note for a coworker, employee, or a customer, it’s a sure way to stand apart from the crowd.

End on a high note. When you say “thank you” to your customers, they tell their friends and family about the exceptional service and products you deliver. Word of mouth recommendations lead to new customers, too, which is what everyone wants.

Remember that your words have more power than you think. Your customers want to know that you’re on their side and doing your best to help them. So watch what you say and how you say it—no one likes talking to a machine! Just sayin’. 

Published: New Mexico Apartment News Magazine – July/August 2019

With all the talk about downsizing, decluttering, and Marie Kondo-ing lately, it’s easy to imagine you can wave a magic wand and leave all of your worries behind. You’d spend your time on what really mattered to you, right?

Years ago, after a good dose of soul searching, I gave up a lucrative but highly stressful executive position. I wanted a simpler life. Here’s what I discovered along the way.

You are an asset. Think about that. If you work for someone else, you’re an asset to that company. You’re important to the community you live in, your neighbors, and to those you interact with you on a daily basis. Plus, your value grows, not diminishes.

Count your blessings. Having an attitude of gratitude changes negative thinking into a positive frame of mind. Research shows that practicing gratitude may be the best pathway to happiness, health, long life, and prosperity.

Reward yourself. Take a break, especially when things don’t go the way you’d like, and reward yourself when you succeed. Celebrate little things like checking off items on your to-do list with a special cup of tea or square of chocolate.

Nourish your body. Healthy eating means making choices you can live with and enjoy for the rest of your life. It doesn’t mean dieting, which is a short-term plan. The way we eat over the long term affects our entire well-being, helps us feel our best and gives us energy. Proper nutrition can help you handle stress better, too.

Exercise your mind. I remember that my dad read everything he could get his hands on and as a result he knew a little bit about everything. So cut down on television and social media, carry a book (Kindle counts) with you, or listen to an audio book or podcast during your commute.

Be open. Be open to learning something new. Diversify your thinking and the people and ideas around you. Change with the times. Your brain withers if it isn’t challenged everyday. 

Find a sounding board. Call your go-to person, someone who listens without judgement, advises when asked, and tells us we’re being silly, unreasonable, or just plain crazy. Having a person like this gives us a safe place to explore ideas and get encouragement when we need it. They hold us accountable to our goals, too.

Pare back. If money is a stressor, you have two choices:

Make more or spend less. Determine what’s “right” when it comes to how you earn, invest, and spend your income.

Make a sanctuary. Wherever it is, make this place special by decorating it in a way you love. Use color, texture, and music to create this sanctuary. Even a small, sunny nook for reading or listening to music can destress, relax, and recharge you.

There’s no special formula for a simpler life. Instead, I’m convinced that no matter how deep in debt or how rich, how unhappy or content at home or at work, you can make your life better. Sometimes all it takes is a bit of fine tuning, investing some time and energy into figuring out what you really want out of life. Sometimes it takes major change. Just sayin’.

Published: New Mexico Apartment News Magazine – May/June 2019