Social Networking Etiquette

Subtitled: Confronting Negative Comments

Original article by Peggy Jo Donahue
Commentary by Lisa Kan in RED is meant to be humorous. If you are a customer of mine and one of my Facebook "friends" DO NOT take any of what I have typed personally.

Uhmmm...

Nevermind.

Let's continue forward to the sage advice from MJSA industry leaders. (MJSA = Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers of America.)

Many Facebook novices worry about negative comments marring their social networking pages. But experienced networkers in the industry say nearly every online personality or brand has endured negative comments-and lived to see another day. The ones who have handled it well have even won praise.

You can please some of the people, some of the time, but you can't please all of the people, all of the time. If you get stuck on some negative person's comments to bring you down, get under your skin or ruin your day then they'll just keep on doing it. The better way is to stay positive and get rid of anyone who gets in your way. Remember sticks and stones will break your bones, but words will NEVER hurt you. So hurl around some "sticks and stones" and maybe they will hit the perpetrator.

"I welcome it as an opportunity," says Daniel Gordon of Samuel Gordon Jewelers in Oklahoma City. "In the past, people who were unhappy would go away without saying anything-and never come back. At least now I find out and can do something about it." The key is handling it constructively.

Is Daniel Gordon for REAL??? How would any one welcome a negative comment as "an opportunity". I think most people these days WILL tell you they are unhappy with you on Facebook by either saying it on your page or just canceling out on the "friend"ship. The key is to be on top of things and continuously monitor your Facebook page. Make sure everyone behaves and ONLY say nice things about you. Fortunately for me, no one has been rude enough to tell me they are unhappy with me "yet". But then again, you wouldn't know if they have... (wink)

If you get a negative comment from a customer, follow these guidelines for responding:

• Think before you act. It’s hard to react positively when your company has endured what might be an unfair attack. "First, take a minute before you react, so that you can craft a positive response," advises Ann Arnold of Lieberfarb, a manufacturer of bridal and anniversary rings who is active on social networks.

I would just get rid of the person and disconnect them from your Facebook page. I thought about it for one second too long and they are GONE. There's the big "X" to cancel them out of our relationship. Who needs negativity in your life? Read my Happiness post from March 3, 2010 Get RID OF THEM! ;o)

• Let your fans come to your defense. Waiting a bit before responding has a second purpose. Fans may quickly come to your defense-before you even need to say a word. It’s one of the reasons that Veronica Wei Sopher of Ben Bridge in Seattle takes the time to create a give-and-take bond with her connections in social networks-even on non-jewelry issues. "Sometimes a co-worker will ask, ’did you really need to ask that customer about her headache on Twitter?’ The magic of all that is realized when a negative voice shows up," says Sopher. "If I’ve done my job well, the strong and supportive community around the Ben Bridge brand will speak up and drown out the negativity."

Waiting will allow more people to see the negative comments, Veronica!!! By deleting the comment immediately, you can avoid having to explain the situation to the rest of your Facebook friends or fans. The key word is the Fans "may" quickly come to your defense. I'd like to bet on a sure thing. I'd like to know the negative person is gone before anyone else gets hurt. Besides what if you don't have a "Fan" page. Now why would a "Fan" provide negative input anyhow? You would not be a "Fan" or a "Friend" of someone or company on Facebook if you felt negatively towards them right? UNLESS... this negative person is just trying to infiltrate into your positive energy.

This is the reason why it is safer to have a regular Facebook account. Yes, Fan or "Like" pages as Facebook calls them now, allows you to have endless contacts but it also allows free reign for anyone to join thus later say absolutely anything on your page. With a personal account, you can "accept" whom you want and "ignore" whom you don't. There is a lot of maintenance involved but there is something I like about having control over MY own Facebook page. So I would NEVER wait. I would instead handle this the Lisa Way!!

• Apologize publicly. When you’ve given it a little time and thought, there’s a way to respond, say experts. A quick "so sorry you had a bad experience," is the first step. Then, get it offline quickly, says Sopher. "Ask: ’Can I communicate with you directly, so that we can discuss all of your purchase details?’"

There must be something wrong if a customer, who is a "Fan", is contacting you to resolve an issue on Facebook and YOU have to APOLOGIZE publicly. By the time it reaches Facebook, you already have not done your job. Why are you in business anyways? Why wouldn't you communicate on the phone or email before the situation escalated to this point? I think if it does reach this level of negativity then the customer just wants to send bad vibes on your "Fan" page. I for one would not stand for this type of retaliatory behavior. What happened to "forget and forgive"?

Another reason why you should not have a Fan page. A regular account will allow you to have up to 5000 friends. Unless you are a big humongous company, do you really need to have a news feed of more than 5000 people typing to you? How could you address the needs of 5000 people effectively? You would need to be on Facebook 24/7 monitoring each of their behaviors. Also, NO ONE needs to see how you handle these sensitive situations in a public forum. What I would do is to send a private email to the customer and then delete their public comment. That is what Lisa would do. And she would do it IMMEDIATELY before any other evidence is left. (wink)

• Don’t hit "delete." Though there’s a temptation to erase the offending remarks, it’s the worst thing a business can do. "A personal attack or one that’s vulgar, absolutely, you can get rid of, but otherwise, it’s better to engage publicly with a response," says Carrie Soucy of Miamore Communications in Providence. Companies that delete all negative remarks risk being branded as inauthentic and controlling, two qualities least likely to win you more fans. Worse, the complaining customer could spread the news throughout his network that you ignored or silenced him. Nothing makes social networkers angrier.

I'm not too sure about not hitting "delete". I think the complaining customer who is acting as a "Fan" coming to a business page to complain is up to NO good. Why should this person hold all the cards? There are moderated newsgroups and chat forums, why can't a Facebook page be moderated too. What's controlling about this behavior in wanting to maintain proper decorum by deleting improper posts? And what constitutes as an "improper post" is determined by ME!!! I'm in control here, right? If a customer is complaining this incessantly to have their negative comments reach Facebook, then maybe you should be OUT of BUSINESS!!! I think anyone taking bad experiences to a Facebook page is going too far and they should be canceled out of the relationship. They are not a "friend" or a "fan". These instances should be handled with gloves.... (not kid gloves)... but gloves as in "I'll meet you in a boxing ring" type of gloves. Challenge the complaining customer to take care of this like a man.

(Uhmm... but I'm a lady!! Maybe this won't work in my case. Nevermind.)

**********

These are some tips from jewelry industry leaders on Facebook etiquette. You can take their advice or mine. It's your choice.

But... IF you do it MY way, the Lisa Way...

tell me the story later and we'll both have a good chuckle.

If you want to setup a "Fan" or "Like" page as it is known on Facebook these days, here's another article you may want to read up on from the experts. The info may be a bit outdated since Facebook just changed a bunch of settings June 1, 2010!!:

Getting Started with Social Networking.

I hope I have been helpful!!
but if not...
then at least you had a good laugh

The Night Owl

Lisa

Happy Surprise.... It's a SURPRISE!!

Sometimes, you just do things for others because that's who you are.

I do things for others "just because" I care about them, sometimes even before they ask me.

Never do I expect anything in return... but perhaps just a simple "Thank You!" showing their appreciation.

One of the fun things that makes me HAPPY (yes that subject again) is giving my friends and family unexpected SURPRISES.

I've sent friends unexpected gifts just because I know that whatever I send would bring a SMILE to their faces.

It's not what you give someone (as in the material good), but rather WHY you give them that SURPRISE. Think about that statement a bit.

"Actions speaks louder than words."

A SURPRISE shows someone you are thinking of them and care for them.

I think it is better to give rather than to receive because the more you give others, the more you will receive back tenfold later.

It may not be apparent at first or immediately, but all good things will come back to you. The adage of "What goes around, comes around", you know.

You send out vibes of Happiness and Love... well that is what you will get back!

If you meet up with someone who takes and takes from you... well read my Happiness post from March 3rd and get rid of 'em.

These types of people are not helping the "circle of life". In a circle everything goes around and around... give-take and take-give.

This circle should spin counterclockwise and clockwise, nearly equally.

So, it makes me HAPPY to make those who make me HAPPY, HAPPY...

Life is much better when one is HAPPY.

So what's with the photo of the irises Lisa, if you are talking about Happiness yet AGAIN?

*****

Tuesday March 9, the doorbell rings... I was NOT having a great day this particular Tuesday!

(Ding Dong)

My husband opens the door and it's our neighbor from down the street. We have the same house number but different street names. Apparently a delivery was dropped off erroneously at her house and she walked up to deliver it.

Anyhow, I was in my studio working on Botanicals for Bead Fest Santa Fe and I get called to get a package with somewhat of a perturbed tone.

"Someone apparently sent you some flowers..."

Hmmmmmmmmmmm.... ?

Huh, who would send ME flowers? I couldn't think of anyone who would send ME flowers besides my husband of course. It wasn't my birthday and my husband was not in trouble with me YET. haha.

Well, I opened the box from Proflowers and there was a card.

It said "Thank you for taking the time out of your busy day and life to drive us to and back from the airport."

For a moment I said to myself ... "HUH? IS this a JOKE or is this from one of my goofy friends?"

Then it dawned on me who sent me these irises.

This was a most generous and elder man much my senior.

And OLDER man.

This wonderful man, who just made my day with this wonderful SURPRISE.

I was all SMILES the rest of the day, erasing my earlier bad mood.

The flowers just started blooming in it's vase a few days ago and aren't the irises simply gorgeous?

Makes me HAPPY to know that the bouquet of irises were sent as a "just because" I know you have been working hard and still thought to take care of others, even though you were busy, getting ready for your big show!

I wanted to share with all of you that this wonderful man is none other than my FAVORITE and ONLY Father-in-Law!

I'm such a lucky girl!

Who would have known that driving someone to and from the airport would result in a beautiful bouquet of irises?

I definitely didn't expect this surprise and after the week I had, I *REALLY* needed the irises to cheer me up. No elaborating necessarily... but this girl is NOT always happy go lucky. There are things that DO upset me. But I don't want to go there when I am writing a post on Happiness!

So it's OKAY to get flowers from someone other than your husband, especially if you've volunteered your services as a chauffer to the airport.

Does anyone need a ride to the airport? (wink)

Relish in Surprises

In the Giving as well as In the Receiving

Make Someone Special Happy

With a Surprise!

Goodnight!

Lisa

Passionflower on Knitting Daily Spring 2009

Let me introduce you to my romantic side again and again through my beadwork.

This is Passionflower...

This design was one of six designs, originally published in the April/May issue, which I created to share as Beadwork Magazine's Designer of the Year (DOY) 2009.

As you can see, I can't help but to be influenced by the Victorian/Nouveau period in my work.

This design is actually quite simple and quick to make. Don't let the finished piece fool you. It's one of my techniques in writing projects... to create designs that look difficult but are easy to create. Although it appeared in 2009, you can still pick up the back issue or the project PDF on Interweave's website.

Why am I going back in time and writing about this design on the blog, you ask?

As many of you know, one of my favorite things to delve into during the winter months is knitting with natural fibers (WHEN DOES LISA FIND TIME TO KNIT?) , especially that of wool/silk blends. I have been teaching myself knitting for the last few years but only realistically knitting for a few months because there is just so many things to do around here. I'm a fast learner and have knitted not ONE but TWO queen sized blankets that I'll share photos here sometime later)

(Lisa's informative side note: Your hands are the best creative part of your body... second only to your mind and imagination... your hands create the art that your mind thinks up! So folks, take care of those HANDS!)


So, I was clearing my mailbox of old emails and found that I had wanted to make a note here sometime ago but got busy. Knitting Daily featured the Diminishing Rib Cardigan, cover project from the Interweave Knits Spring 2009 issue, in a superb and wonderful gallery on their blog.

Now how does this EVEN have ANYTHING to do with the Passionflower DOY project?

Have patience my readers...

I'll get to the rest of the story. (For those folks who love trivia like me, this is a Paul Harvey reference.)

Well if you click this link you will find the answer but please promise to come back to my blog, okay?

I'm waiting....

Okay...

Thank you for coming back to my blog.

I appreciate you listening to directions. ;o)

So now that you've visited the link and even if you didn't, tonight I feel nice and HAPPY so I'll tell you what this is all about, anyways.

(I'm not REALLY THAT nice, folks...don't believe the rumors of my niceness from anyone who DARES to spread such rumors about me. Just go to my Facebook page and see how mean I REALLY am!)

The good folks at the knitting division of Interweave Press, was nice enough to model their Diminishing Rib Cardigan WITH my Passionflower design for Knitting Daily's Gallery.

How COOL is that?

That is Way COOL.

I love SURPRISES, don't you?

Sorry for the caps folks, I am just Happy.

I found this link quite by accident roaming around in knitting newsgroups searching for info, searching for yarn, researching as I do on most things I get myself into.

This was a WONDERFUL surprise and can you tell from the photos that all the models are HAPPY? They are HAPPY to be out in the sun and wearing my Passionflower necklace while wearing the lovely, beautiful Diminishing Rib Cardigan?

Being Happy is GREAT!

If you are puzzled as to why I have reference the word "Happy" or feeling of "Happiness" so often in this post, then you must read THIS POST from Wednesday March 3, 2010.

Go there NOW!

Then Come Back Here!

Enjoy Your Surprises

and BE HAPPY

Today, Tomorrow and Forever

Goodnight!

I'm Tired

Lisa

Happiness....

I must be on a roll...

Three posts in three consecutive days.

(a bit of trivia for those who love trivia... The number "3" is often used to signify the number of completion.)

I think I've finally made up for the months that I slacked off NOT writing here towards the end of 2009.

I am forgiven right? (wink)

So what is on my mind today and why is Lisa writing so much on the blog this week?

Uhmmm look up there.

Yeah, way up in the RED section.

The topic of this post?

Uh huh.

Because I am "happy".

And so... when Lisa is happy she tends to write, write and write. If you are SO lucky to get one of Lisa's long emails recently (you know who you are), then hey you can always hit DELETE!

And if you have the unfortunate fate of being in her presence, she will talk, talk and talk. So bring some ear plugs if you visit Lisa at a show when she gets into one of her "happy" moods.

What?

Really, what?

Don't you talk about yourself in the third person when you write about yourself? ;o)

*****

Sometimes when I write about "Happinesss" here, I write poetry (one of my favs, Random Thoughts) and other times it's just "free association adlibbing" aka "blabbering out loud".

(okay I took a much deserved break and am back to finish this post. I hope I haven't lost my train of thought but I guess if I don't make much sense, then you'll have your answer).

Let's see here... (flipping through my mental notes.. all the happiness thoughts are in my head and it is all jumbled up from working in the studio all day...) Aaaah Got It...

***** (continued from earlier)

Happiness. What is it and how does one achieve it. It's simplier than you may think. If you search on this blog, you'll find many references on this topic that I've written on over the years. If you find the poetry, then you'll know I can be silly about this topic too.

I don't claim to be the happiest person all the time but I am generally a happy person. There are times, of course, when life deals you cards that you can't "put on a happy face" but here are just some tips I have on staying happy as often as I can.

It takes a lot of energy to be negative (upset or mad...) use the energy instead to channel it towards HAPPINESS. So what will it be for you?

Will you try to be HAPPY with me?

Follow my TOP FIVE tips on how to get and stay Happy. You'll then know the true sense of Happiness like me!

1. Eliminate negative thoughts. Thinking negatively not only brings YOU down, It brings other's down. I try not to think negatively unless it's about someone who is thinking negatively about ME. Hey, turnaround is fair game, so go for it! The double negatives will collide and make a positive. (Math reference, I can't help it!)

2. Eliminate negative people from your life, COMPLETELY. You just show 'em. If YOU're not negative why would you want to keep those pesky so call "friends" who are negative around you, around. Get rid of them. Negative energy around you will bring you down. I try to eliminate all negative people around me. So if I am not around you that much, guess what... yep, need I say more?

3. Listen to your Heart (Not your Wallet). If you do what you love and love what you do, you're a more happy person. It's real simple and not rocket science. For my artist friends out there, if you think about the pocketbook too much, you will invariably sell less. When you create your art.. think about the art... NOT how much you will sell it for at a show. Trust me, I know.. have you seen how cheap my prices are? Guess what? I'm not rich in my wallet but I'm rich in my heart. ;o)

4. Love more, Hate Less. Love your fellow man/woman/child/brother/sister/pet/etc. Simply put, share yourself and your ideas with others. You'll be surprise when you sit next to a stranger at a restaurant or something... just start talking to them. If you get a strange look, well don't BLAME me. I think you just made the wrong selection and that person must have been a "negative" person. Refer to #2. Get rid of 'em. Most people will just smile strangely at you and it's okay because YOU ARE HAPPY and they AREN'T, so you're already ahead of the game! ;o)

5. Don't take things too seriously, just let (it) go. So you have a fight with your best friend. Generally, I think most arguments start out small and is made big for no reason. I mean can't the other person just see it MY way? Be the bigger person and just let go. I mean really just let go. Take the person you are angry with to the tallest bridge in town... then just let (him/her) go. ;oP

Have a great night or morning

Be Happy

I am

Lisa

How to be TRULY Happy...

Some good points on Happiness from Shape Magazine

How To Be Truly Happy

You don't have to win the lottery or meet your soul mate. You simply have to make a few small changes to the way you approach your day.

By Melissa Chessher

Though we all know what happiness is, achieving it remains a mystery to most of us. At best it's elusive, a joyful state that crops up when the circumstances are right. But the latest research shows that happiness is right at your fingertips. You can strengthen and develop it, much like a muscle, until you can summon it anytime-even if you generally tend toward a glass-half-empty outlook. "Research shows that our ability to experience happiness is 50 percent influenced by genetics, 10 percent by events, and 40 percent by intention," says Dan Baker, Ph.D., founding director of the Life Enhancement Program at Canyon Ranch, in Tucson, Arizona. "It's a side effect of living purposefully, standing up for what you believe in, and developing your full potential." By doing so, you can elevate not only your state of mind, but your health too. Fortunately, one of the easiest ways to achieve happiness is to break free of daily stressors and focus on the little things in life that bring you joy. To make it even easier for you, we've put together 10 simple steps to follow.

Play up your strengths
"As you're seeking contentment, it's better to focus on your assets rather than try to compensate for your weaknesses," says M.J. Ryan, author of 365 Health and Happiness Boosters. If you're not sure where your talents lie, pay attention to the compliments you receive. Do people at work say you have a knack for reports? If so, look for opportunities to write. Also, get comfortable discussing the expertise you do have. If your community board wants to advertise an event and you studied communications in college, speak up! Showing confidence-and backing it up with action-allows others to see you in your best light, which creates a positive cycle, says Canyon Ranch's Baker. The more you talk about your strong points, the more real they become, the better you feel, and the more likely you are to continue putting your best foot forward.

Get a hobby
If you've realized a creative pastime can make you content but you have difficulty fitting one into your packed schedule, consider this: "Creativity helps people adapt to life by making them more flexible and open to experiences," says Dean Keith Simonton, Ph.D. "This, in turn, fosters self-esteem and satisfaction." Since the benefits come from the process rather than the product, you don't have to paint like Picasso to feel the effect. If a drawing class seems too ambitious, add an "openness hour" to your day several times a week, suggests Simonton. During that time, try something that sparks your curiosity; perhaps cooking a new recipe or reading poetry. Another way to broaden your horizons is to change your routine. Try a different restaurant or take in a concert rather than a movie. Break from the daily grind and watch as your mind expands-and your happiness level rises.

Simplify your life
Money doesn't buy happiness. In fact, extra dough not only fails to bring joy after basic needs are met, it actually prevents it. "People who say making a lot of money is important to them are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and headaches-and less likely to report being satisfied with their lives," says Tim Kasser, Ph.D., author of The High Price of Materialism. According to Kasser's research, time affluence- feeling you have enough time to pursue the things you want to-is a better predictor of a satisfied life than income. To avoid thinking about material possessions, drop catalogs into the recycling bin before flipping through them, or suggest to a friend that you catch up over tea rather than at the mall. And if that rush you get from buying a new outfit intervenes, just remember: "Those pleasures only bring the kind of happiness that disappears quickly," says Kasser. "To achieve lasting contentment, you need to focus on experiences, not things."

Decide, and then move on
Less is truly more when it comes to choices. Too many options can paralyze you, prompt you to make a poor decision, or leave you second-guessing yourself. A recent study published in the Journal of Consumer Research found that the fewer stores people went to, the easier it was for them to make decisions-and the more content they felt. "When we think there's a more attractive alternative out there, even our good decisions leave us unsatisfied," says Barry Schwartz, Ph.D., author of The Paradox of Choice. "People who continually seek out the best of everything-be it a job, a mate, or a laptop-are more stressed and less fulfilled." To reduce anxiety, don't revisit a decision once it's made. "Say to yourself that good enough is good enough," suggests Schwartz. "Keep repeating the mantra until you believe it. At first it will be unsettling, but after a few weeks, you'll feel liberated." Finally, arbitrarily limit your options-whether you're searching for a soul mate or a sole mate. "Make a rule: 'Three online profiles and I pick, or two stores and I decide.' End of story." Accept the fact that some people won't like you.

Accept the fact that some people won't like you
No, it's not easy to cope with the idea that the woman three cubicles over can't seem to warm to you. But if you continue to fret over it, it'll bring you down-and it won't change her opinion. While friendship buffers stress, negative relationships can pose real roadblocks to happiness. "If you take everyone's judgment to heart, you surrender your own ability to view yourself clearly," says Baker. Next time you find yourself thinking about your office nemesis or worrying over a comment made against you, pause for a moment and recall the last compliment you received from someone you trust. Remind yourself that he or she has a good sense of your character. Then think of the things you've accomplished that mirror that compliment. This simple act will turn you into your own biggest ally and make you feel powerful and in control.

Widen your circle of friends
"Relationships with close friends are one of the best vehicles to happiness," says author M.J. Ryan. "These bonds give us a sense of purpose and come with just as many emotional benefits as a romantic partner does." Additionally, research shows that friends keep us healthy, reduce anxiety, and even foster longevity. In fact, friendships are so critical to a woman's well-being that the opposite of friendship-social isolation-has been found to be as damaging to one's health as heavy smoking is, according to the Nurses' Health Study from Harvard Medical School. To make the most of your ties to others, put the same energy into your relationships with your friends as you would into a relationship with a significant other. Be enthusiastic, set aside time for special activities together, and keep each other updated on your daily lives. Your reward? Your pals will do the same for you, which will create feelings of support, belonging, and gratification.

Accentuate the good
There's a reason people tell you to stop and smell the roses: It's not just the flower's perfume that makes life better, but also the appreciation of it. "Gratitude is the cornerstone of happiness. It's all about noticing what's right in our lives instead of what's wrong," says Ryan. In a study from the Universities of Miami and California, Davis, people who were instructed to keep gratitude journals, recording every instance in which they were thankful, reported higher levels of enthusiasm, optimism, and energy than those who did not keep such diaries. The lesson? "Don't wait for something big to happen to you to feel happy," says Ryan. "Make yourself happy by noticing the good that's already there." To do so, start a simple ritual. Write a phrase like "Be grateful" on a piece of paper and put it in your pocket or another place you'll notice it. Each time you touch or see the note, name one thing you appreciate. Before you know it, gratitude-and daily bliss-will become automatic.

Match your intentions to your actions
You have goals, both big and small; you make to-do lists and set priorities. So why don't you feel fulfilled? "We find happiness when we derive pleasure as well as meaning from what we do," says Tal Ben-Shahar, Ph.D., who teaches Harvard's popular positive-psychology class. In other words, you may say family comes first, but if you work 14-hour days, you're creating an internal conflict that chips away at your chances of happiness. When researchers from the University of Georgia examined the lives of people who reached 100, they found one of the most common things the centenarians shared was a sense of purpose they continued to pursue. If you work long hours but want to spend more time at home, start by leaving the office 15 minutes earlier each day until you're there for just eight hours. And instead of saving all of your vacation days for one trip, set a few aside for your kids' school events or for spending an afternoon lounging with your partner.

Silence toxic self-talk
When your boss called on you at the big meeting this morning and you mangled your answer, did you replay the scene in your mind for the rest of the day? If so, you probably have a habit of ruminating on your shortcomings-as do most women, says Susan Nolen- Hoeksema, Ph.D., author of Women Who Think Too Much: How to Break Free of Overthinking and Reclaim Your Life. "My research shows that thinking about your mistakes obsessively drags you down and gives you an increasingly negative disposition. One problem leads to another and then another, and all of a sudden it seems as if your whole life is a mess," says Nolen-Hoeksema. "Over time, this pattern makes you vulnerable to depression and anxiety." But it's easier than it seems to break the cycle. Do something active and you'll be forced to refocus: Go for a jog, pop in one of your favorite Pilates DVDs, or clean out those cabinets you've been neglecting. After you've cleared your mind, take a small step toward easing your concern, rather than dwelling on it. Still thinking about your morning goof-up at the office? Send a short e-mail to your boss with a correction. Worried about a rattle in your car or the state of your savings account? Make an appointment with a mechanic or a financial advisor. Just one small action can pop the bubble of worry surrounding you.

Move it!
Although it's been proven time and again that working out lifts your mood, builds muscle, bolsters metabolism, and improves sleep quality, we often let our gym time slide. If a tight schedule is keeping you from lacing up your sneaks, keep this in mind: A study from Northern Arizona University found that energy levels, fatigue, and mood improved after just 10 minutes of moderate exercise. After 20, the effects were even greater. This means just two or three short bouts of exercise each day are enough to improve your attitude. A good way to squeeze them in? Start walking every day, says Cedric X. Bryant, Ph.D., chief science officer for the American Council on Exercise. If you know you won't go out on your own, form a walking group with colleagues and take two 10-minute breaks during the day to stroll around the building. Talk with friends while walking or jogging instead of over meals, or walk your dog a few extra blocks. Bonus: Your interactions with others will increase, which will give your mood a double boost.

*****

So BE Happy!
Lisa