Yay! I'm no longer obese... just overweight.

In May of 200 I was 183 lbs. Today I'm a 163 lbs. I've lost 20 lbs. in 2 1/2 months, and I'm going to lose 20 more. My BMI is now in the overweight range, so no more "I'm obese" shame for me. It won't be long before I'm just at a plain ol' healthy weight. :-)

Learn more about how I've dropped the pounds at
http://www.kristensguide.com/Health/Weight_Loss/Weight_Loss_Journal/

Essential Safety Skills Every Child Should Know

It is job of parents to protect their children, but since we can't lock our kids in a padded fortress and keep them from using pencils out of fear that they'll poke their eyes out, it's up to us to teach them how to protect themselves.

There are basic skills that every kid needs to know. What surprises me is how many parents I talk to who insist that their children have these basic skills, but in reality, when tested, their kids only have a fraction of them, and in an emergency, this lack of knowledge and skill can have dire consequences.

Don't just assume that you're children know how to get out of a burning building through the window. Have a fire drill, and find out if they can really do it. Don't assume that you're children know that they shouldn't talk to strangers. Try having a trusted friend approach your kids while you're lurking from the shadows, and see what they do.

It's better to find out now what skills your kids already know and what they need to learn rather than finding out what skills they lack when they really need them.

See the list essential safety skills for kids at
http://www.kristensguide.com/Family/Parenting/Empower_Children/essential_safety_skills.asp

Getting Out of Depression

You can overcome depression, but you need the tools to do it.

My own experience with depression has given me tools that have helped me through the rough spots.

Read more about it at
http://www.kristensguide.com/Happiness/Managing_Emotions/escaping_depression.asp

Are You a Victim of Verbal or Emotional Abuse?

I'm alarmed by how many people think that verbally and emotionally abusive behaviors are just normal behaviors.. Abusers don't think they're doing anything wrong, and victims are so familiar with being abused that they think they actually deserve to be treated disrespectfully.

It's time to stop putting up with abuse.

Are you being verbally or emotionally abused?
Recognizing Emotional and Verbal Abuse
http://www.kristensguide.com/Happiness/Dealing_With_People/emotional_verbal_abuse.asp

If so, what can you do to stop it?
Defending Yourself Against Verbal and Emotional Abuse
http://www.kristensguide.com/Happiness/Dealing_With_People/emotional_verbal_abuse_defense.asp

Identifying Your Limiting-Beliefs

If you have ever found yourself wishing you could have the life you truly want but don't expect you'll ever get it, or if you find yourself saying "I can't" or feeling stressed out, then you probably have limiting-beliefs that are holding you back from doing what you really want to do and keeping you from having more happiness in your life.

The first step in ridding yourself of limiting-beliefs is recognizing them. Learn how:
http://www.kristensguide.com/Happiness/Life_Change/limiting_beliefs.asp

Empower Your Children by Teaching Them to Do Things for Themselves

Parents often get stuck in the belief that we must do everything for our children because it is our responsibility and shows our love for them. Actually, our job as parents is to teach our children how to do things themselves. We don't do this by throwing them into situations alone and forcing them to figure it out. We do this by acting as teachers and guiding them, then gradually giving them opportunities to try the tasks alone. Through such lessons, we teach our children to solve their own problems, make their own creations, and become more confident.

Here are some things you can teach your children to help them feel more independent and empowered:
http://www.kristensguide.com/Family/Parenting/Empower_Children/do_it_themselves.asp

Attn. Weight Loss Buddies: Journal update

I've finally posted a recent update to my online weight loss journal. For those of you who were wondering, no I didn't quit trying to lose weight or quit posting to my journal. It was just a little break. Read on...

http://www.kristensguide.com/Health/Weight_Loss/Weight_Loss_Journal/2007_march.asp

Realizing Your Significance: a key to happiness

One of the main reasons we don't feel happy is because we don't feel significant.
See http://www.kristensguide.com/Happiness/Significance/need_significance.asp

We can instantly improve our self-esteem and increase the level of happiness in your lives if we realize that we already are significant and have the ability to be more significant that we have ever imagined we could be.

Today is the day to realize your significance:
http://www.kristensguide.com/Happiness/Significance/realizing_your_significance.asp