With Thanksgiving, our attention turns to all those people and things for which we are grateful. A wonderful tradition, indeed. However, there’s a sneaky little devil that sometimes gets in the way of our ability to truly appreciate… and that is, comparison.

Uh-huh. Comparing your 10-year-old dirty car to your neighbor’s sparkly clean new one. Groan. Or your not-even-remotely-in-shape body to the ripped, buff, sleek body working out on the elliptical next to yours; you’ve barely figured out how to coordinate your arms and legs. Or comparing your toddler’s wobbly steps to your sister’s same-age toddler’s zipping around the room.

Need I go on? Take inventory sometime of just how many times a day you compare yourself or your life to someone else’s self or life, and – more importantly – find yourself wanting. You may be (unpleasantly) surprised at how often you judge yourself to be defective. Not good enough. Swift enough. Smart enough. Thin enough. Rich enough. Talented enough. Every time you ding yourself with a “less than” comparison, you hurt yourself. You send an unfortunate message to your entire being that you can’t, that you aren’t. Whatever it is, you don’t measure up. Your body and mind take that message quite literally, and with that, you make it more difficult for your body-mind to accomplish whatever it is you desire.

One of the most powerful messages you can give yourself is “I’m good enough.” Not perfect, but not deficient either. Simply good enough. Ah… sweet relief! Because from a position of “good enough,” you can appreciate yourself, and your life, as it is. You don’t need to compare yourself to anyone else to figure out if you’re good enough, you can adopt it as your basic stance. Try it! Say “I’m good enough” to yourself often as you go about your day, and you’ll feel more confidence flow through you, which in turn, allows your body-mind to function at its current best.

If you really want to rock your world, try thinking “You’re good enough” of others as well: your wobbly toddler, your husband with his affinity for clothes that never match, your whiny neighbor. “You’re good enough” takes you out of the world of comparison and negative judgment, freeing you up to enjoy and be grateful for others as they are.

Now you can truly celebrate Thanksgiving, reveling in the “good enough” in yourself, your life, and all those around you. Enjoy!

Establishing good family ties is a must. Even if a family gets to eat meals together at home, going for out-of-town vacations is also healthy for every family member. It is a great opportunity to discover more things about one another. Discussions over delicious meals at home usually usually consist of work-related stories, stressful tasks in school, and other serious matters. Vacations can help families bond in a fun and carefree environment.

Palawan's popularity has increased over the years. The Underground River in Puerto Princesa, the rock formations in El Nido, and the wonderful islands of Coron have helped it become a dream destination for both individual and group travelers. Anyone who is planning a trip to Palawan can choose from any of these locations. Because of the delicious food, adventure, education, and culture here, any family will surely enjoy everything that a trip to Palawan has to offer.

Puerto Princesa

Aside from the popular Underground River, there are many other places suitable for families. Children will have fun in the Crocodile Farm and Mitra's Ranch. The Crocodile Farm houses some of the largest crocodiles in the Philippines. Tourists can also feed the reptiles with chicken meat that can be bought inside the farm. Mitra's Ranch is a nice place to enjoy the fresh air of Palawan. It is a very spacious site where groups can take wacky photos while hanging out in the benches. The Honda Bay tour is also a must. Children will enjoy the many colorful fishes and corals in every island included in the tour. A trip to Palawan is always worthwhile in Puerto Princesa.

Coron

A Coron vacation also involves island hopping. Tourists can visit its unique islands such as Siete Pecados and the Shipwreck. A family trip to Palawan proves to be a good opportunity to see and feed colorful fishes in Coron. Snorkeling is also a fun family activity because of the many exceptional sights underwater. Families can also tour the city. Mount Tapyas offers a 360-degree view of Coron while the Maquinit Hot springs lets visitors enjoy its naturally warm and soothing waters.

El Nido

El Nido serves as the site for several world-class resorts. But, it does not mean that a vacation here would cost much. There are also affordable and comfortable hotels for families to stay in. El Nido would expose one to the magnificent lagoons, caves, and trekking sites all around the place. It is also a very good diving spot because of the rich marine life underneath.

A family trip to Palawan will certainly be a good bonding experience. Whether it is in Puerto Princesa, Coron, or El Nido, families will bring with them wonderful memories and tighter relationships.

Purchasing a house entails more than just looking through the pages of classified ads for any house for sale. Real estate investments like buying an abode would probably be the most enormous purchase an average person can make. Despite the hefty price, however, there is nothing more fulfilling that getting yourself your own place and build dreams around it.

Why should you buy a house?

Renting is of course an alternative for those who still cannot afford to have their own houses. At a considerable price, however, the price you pay for rent may also get you an abode that can be paid at a per month basis, especially through bank financing. In this vein, it is always wiser to allot your money to paying for a house you can call your own, that leasing a place and not getting back anything from the budget you shed.

To put it simply, looking for a house for sale is a way to turn your money into an asset.

From various studies, experts found that the value of houses in between 1940 and 2010 had gone four times higher. This means that those who have bought a house in the 1940s can now sell their property at a quadrupled price. More so, these percentages were only derived from an average value. Good agents may have the property put in the market at a much higher value.

Those who bought a house in the bust periods that include the 1990s and between 2007 and 2011 are projected to be able to sell their houses with a doubled value within ten years or less.

What should you do before buying a house?

First time buyers may find this venture intimidating and confusing, especially when they are presented with the terms of payments, interests and amortizations. True enough, investing in real estate is an arduous and daunting process if you do not get yourself familiar with the terms. Prior to the purchase of the house, therefore, one must:

1. Decide on specific needs. Note that knowing what you want would win you half of the battle. Find a house for sale that satisfies your needs makes you victorious in the battle. Deciding on a duplex or a bungalow would narrow your choices, and lets you choose among the pool of available options.

2. Compare the mortgage payments. Setting a good budget will serve as a guide to choose the right price range and prevents you from purchasing a house that is way beyond your means. The bank may give an assessment that your income would be suffice to pay for house, but only you can determine whether there’s an extra room for payment alongside your hobbies and other expenses.

3. Find a good agent. He or she can be your representative in the negotiation process. The best agent should be approachable, relaxed, confident and firm. Look into the agent’s experience and training. Feed all the specific details of the house you want to buy such as the number of bedrooms, space for the garage, etc.

4. Submit documents and close escrow. It is through this process that the new owners get a hold on the deeds, title and other legal proof of ownership.

Sometimes, saying no is the easiest thing in the world. You speak honestly and communicate clearly. As a result, you exercise a lot of positive control over your life and your time.

But sometimes the word gets caught in your throat. Breathing gets hard. You’re just scared to death to say no.

How do you handle this now? Here’s a quick quiz to help you understand how you might approach this stressful situation. Try jotting down how often you resort to each of these actions, using “0” for “never” and 5 for “always”:

“When I feel afraid to say “no”, I:

____ Put it off until the ideal time, which is never.

____ Trash myself for being fearful.

____ Fume over how impossible the other person is.

____ Push past my fears and charge blindly ahead.

____ Imply that my refusal is the other person’s fault.

____ TOTAL

If your score is 0-5, saying no is not a big problem (unless you’ve figured out a self-defeating strategy that we missed!)

But what if your score is higher? In that case, your reluctance to say no probably hurts you even more than you know. Resentments simmer, and relationships and self-esteem suffer. Over time, anxieties compound. Paralyzing fear takes quite a toll.

There’s another way to handle this impasse. You must break outworn promises you made to yourself long ago!

Start by asking yourself 3 powerful questions. Ask them as often as you need to. Let the answers bubble up, and listen to each response. They will be chock full of useful information for you!

Ask yourself:

1. Where did your fear of saying no originate? It’s helpful to identify how much stronger and more autonomous you are now.

2. How did you believe silence made you safe? Give some thought to how circumstances have changed.

3. How does this trap you now? Seeing all the ways your old promise to yourself holds you back helps you replace your outworn approach with a more appropriate one.

The less you judge yourself for your fear, the more readily you’ll overcome it.

So now:

* Forgive yourself for your reluctance to take risks.

* Gently affirm that those old promises to never take major risks need to be broken.

* Commit to carry the best of you forward, and list ways you might do that.

It’s so exciting to build the strengths and internal structures to foster your autonomy!

The Mediterranean island of Malta is an increasingly popular holiday destination with travelers of all ages. It has great beaches, stunning scenery and resorts of all sizes. Like many holiday destinations, visitors often tend to stay close to their accommodation, and only venturing out on a couple of day trips to the best known attractions. That's a mistake, as Malta has many hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

Most visitors to Malta will make it to the capital, Valletta, a tiny city bursting with historical sites, and a UNESCO world heritage site. Most will probably also find themselves either staying in, or playing in the Silema and St Julians area. This is the heart of Malta's tourist industry, offering a great nightlife and a friendly atmosphere. It can also get very busy.

While these bustling places have their own appeal, Malta offers many opportunities to get off the beaten track and explore the island's quieter side. Here's where to head for if you want to see the real Malta:

Fomm Ir-Rih

On the island's western coast, Fomm Ir-Rih is a world away from the Silema crowds. In an isolated area with no public transport, this secluded bay lies on a fault line, creating some unique rock formations. These form a backdrop to its quiet, horseshoe shaped bay. The rugged beach can be reached by a rough footpath, and is always quiet. It's a great place for swimming, diving and snorkelling, as the water is crystal-clear. Visit at the end of the day, and you will be treated to a spectacular sunset.

Gozo

The island of Gozo can be reached by boat from Malta. Visits there take you back in time to the Malta of old. Much more rural than its neighbor, Gozo's population is only 30,000 – while Malta's is 400,000. A visit could be spent hiking or cycling through its countryside, exploring the tiny villas and admiring the views. There are also historical attractions to explore, such as the Neolithic g gantija temples, some of the oldest religious buildings in the world. There are similar temples on Malta itself, but those on Gozo are likely to be quairer.

Zejtun

Zejtun is a small town in the south of Malta, which is little-visited by tourists, and is also one of Malta's oldest towns. A visit to Zejtun will give you a great insight into what Maltese life is really like away from the busy resorts and beaches. There are some interesting churches to explore, and it is also a great place to try some traditional Maltese food.

Mdina

Although it does get a few tourist visitors, Mdina is off the main tourist trail. It is also a great example of a Medieval walled city, with narrow streets, beautiful palaces and an other-worldly atmosphere.

Since prior to the arrival of Captain Cook in 1778, the Hawaiian people knew nothing about Christianity (or any other world religion) they did not have Christmas celebrations. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Hawaii Christmas and New Year celebrations became a blend of traditions introduced by the 18th century explorers and missionaries from Europe and the USA, combined with the ancient Hawaiian winter solstice celebration. After its introduction by the missionaries, the Hawaiians tried to say "Merry Christmas" but it just did not sound the same as it sounded in English. So, "Mele Kalikimaka," a phonetic translation of the phrase, was the best choice. Traditional Hawaiians observed Makahiki, a celebration around the time of the winter solstice that lasted up to four months. They used this period to express appreciation to their gods for the food drawn from the land and sea. The premier god of this festival was Lono, who represented fertility and growth.

During the time of the festival, his image in the form of a tiki, was transported through the islands and shown to everyone. Makahiki was also a time of peace as it was concealed for warriors of rival clans to go to sea in war canoes during this festival. This ensured that the time could be spent in peaceful celebrations and feasts featuring pig and fish. The festival also indicated the start of the new year, a time when Hawaiians say "Hauoli Makahiki Hou" – roughly "happy new year to you." Because makahiki also means "year", the Hawaiian phrase for "Happy New Year" became "Hau'oli (happy) Makahiki (year) Hou (new)" (how-OH-lee mah-kah-hee-kee ho). SO, Mele Kalikimaka me ka Hau'oli Makahiki Hou means "Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year."

Here is a good article about Hawaiian Christmas and New Year traditions. As pointed out in the article, " In 1856, King Kamehameha IV moved the official national day of Thanksgiving to Dec. 25, more than coincidentally coinciding with Christmas. to be the first Christmas tree in the islands. " Hawaii has a very comfortable climate with cool breezes and a warm sun throughout the year. The relaxed and stress-free culture envelopes all in the experience of the Aloha spirit during the New Year celebrations and festival.

Though there are many fascinating aspects about Thailand such as gleaming temples, ritzy places, delectable fare and night markets, one facet that provides it a unique touch are its awe-inspiring floating markets. The rivers and canals that were once used as a means of transport by the communities who dwelled on their banks have now become a major tourist attraction due to the flourishing floating markets. These shops on water shot to fame in the Ayutthaya period. They even existed in the Rattanakosin period, but many were moved to the ground once the construction of road and rail networks started growing in the country. Thailand holidays are incomplete without the unique experience of visiting and shopping in these markets. There are many floating markets all over the nation. You must consider visiting these:

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market – This market is the most prominent one in the region. It is a vivacious place brimming with boats, laden with fresh fruits and vegetables, and tourists from various places. Women rowing the boats wearing wicker hats form a scene which you will get to see now else, but here. This is a really nice place to capture a few brilliant photographs. The colorful and well planned market is not more than an hour's drive from Bangkok and is easily accessible. Many travel companies organize boat tours for visitors here. The place gets quite crowded as time progresses during the day. Therefore, it is best to visit the market in the morning.

Amphawa Floating Market – Amphawa is located in the Amphawa County, Samut Songkhram Province and lies just 90-km southwest of Bangkok. Charming wooden houses along the canals sell everything from souvenirs to snacks and sweets. The market runs on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. It is a great unwinding shopping experience for Thai people over the weekends and also houses several food stalls by the riverside. It is the second most popular floating market in Thailand after Damnoen Saduak. While you are here, do not miss the grilled squid and roasted shrimp.

Taling Chan Floating Market – The best part about this market is that it is open all day. Located just 12-km from Bangkok, it is a perfect place to actually enjoy the attractions of a floating market due to less crowd and enough number of boats. The entrance is not fascinating, but moving ahead one will discover all sorts of sweets, fruits and snacks which are worth experimenting. In fact, in comparison to its competitors like the famous Amphawa and Damnoen floating market, the Taling Chan floating market can be called a genuine market, where people can spend a good time without even booking a tour. Travelers can relish the seafood, shop and take pleasure in a longtail boat ride for 100 Baht. If you are looking for more, a 200 Baht foot massage under a shady tree can be really worth your money.

The floating markets alongside canals and rivers, which were once a way of life for the people have now become a form of entertainment for the tourists. While some like the Damnoen as it offers beautiful photo opportunities, there are others that are less famous, but deserve a visit. In fact, there are a many more which can be considered while planning a holiday in Thailand.

To let go in life you must accept changes. Change is a part of life and when you resist change you don’t grow. Holding on to something or someone, because you can’t accept things have changed is only holding you back. We sometimes wonder why things are not working out for us, maybe because it’s time to make a change and you have not faced that yet.

For the past 12 years I have worked with writers through two of my companies. I love working with writers and had a passion for it. About 2 years ago I seem to have lost my interest and wasn’t marketing my company, doing any new projects or writing. I realized something had shifted in my life and I had no interest in doing any of those things anymore.

After doing some soul-searching, I discovered I wanted to become a relationship/life coach. I have always been the one who family and friends would come to for advice and guidance on life, relationships and careers. I realize my life had changed career-wise and I had to accept it to move on. I now have developed a new company and got my certificate as a relationship coach and closed out my old company. I’ve moved on and accepted it was time to make a change in my career to give up something I had a passion for to let in something new, that I now have a new passion for.

Was it hard to let go of working with writers? Yes. It had been a part of my life for so long, but life changes. At first, I was not accepting my life had changed until I realize I really have no interest in doing that anymore and I needed to let it go, so I can move on with my life. Whether it’s a career, a relationship or a friendship when things change in life you must face it and let it go. Have I given up on my personal writing… no, but that has changed also. The things I wrote about in the past 17 years, I’m not writing about it anymore. I’ve been working on a relationship book, a different type of book from the writing I did in the past.

So… my question is are you stuck in your life, because life has changed and you’re not facing it to let it go?

Sunny Beach is the largest and most prominent beach resort in Bulgaria. It is a Blue Flag winning resort, located in a beautiful and naturally clean bay on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast, near the town of Nesebar, St. Louis. Vlas resort and the Varna airport (30 km). Sunny Beach is arranged along the most extensive shoreline strip. With its many bars and clubs, various excitation and shops and its created base, the resort pulls in a large number of sightseers from around the globe. The tourist season in Sunny Beach starts from May and continues all the way through October. Cacao beach is the best clubbing part of the resort and the most prominent clubs are situated there. Most of the tourists usually circle around the center, as there are lots of other clubs there and during the summer peaks the most spoken language there is English due to the large number of English tourists visiting the place. Tons of hotels are located in Sunny Beach in order to accommodate the intense influx of people during the peak periods. There is a waterpark just outside the resort that is considered one of the best in Bulgaria.

If you are looking for something more relaxing with beach bars, chill spots and calm atmosphere I would strongly recommend Sozopol . It's beautiful old town takes you back in time. With it's timeless constructions, only topped by the wall at the end of the Old Town, bringing a sensational feeling of an aged seaside resort calming the senses. The fresh fish "kapani" are delightful eateries that serve only fresh fish and sea food of all sorts, mainly written an hour before being served. Lots of beach bars like Aloha and Adam and Eve, with quiet and pleasant house music relax the senses, positioned at one of the three bays in the area, can make you feel like you are in the Bahamas for 5 times cheaper holiday. Clean beaches and clean waters provide the best locations for visit, whether you'd like to tan at the beach or dive in the mysteries of the Black Sea.

Another popular resort is St. Louis Vlas, famous for the Dinevi Brothers who are local mafia leaders. They have created St. Vlas as one of the most predominant and well-maintained resorts in the Balkans. The Marina is one of the most visited places in Bulgarian seaside due to the fact that famous bars and clubs like Rococo and Planet are situated there but also due to the fact that most millionaires boats are anchored there. The place is generally stuffed with rich people and a Porsche or Ferrrari brand are an everyday normality there. The beaches are well maintained and clean and the beach bars are very Caribbean style with good servicing and fair prices, as opposed to popular belief.

That's not all to the Bulgarian seaside but those are some of the most prominent locations that tourists and Bulgarian people visit during the summer. A Bulgarian said to me once: "If I do not visit Sunny Beach at least once every summer, it's like I have not been to the seaside.

Bring an electrical converter. One of the most important overseas travel accessories is an electrical converter. Even if the plug is the same size as your home country, the electrical current may be different. Do not make the mistake of plugging in your blow dryer into a foreign outlet and having it blow up!

Pack versatile clothing. Plan for changing and unpredictable weather by bringing clothes that can be layered. Stick to materials that are breathable and easy to wash. Go for colors that are neutral so that each piece matches with each other. Check out some great outfit ideas from TravelFashionGirl.com.

Bring an extra bag. When I travel overseas I always bring a collapsible backpack or duffel. When I go exploring for the day I am able to bring along a few things without toting my whole carry-on with me. It's also helpful for the return trip when I usually have souvenirs to bring home and no room in my suitcase.

Be smart about toilets. Given the restrictions on carrying on liquids, it's not always possible to bring everything you need overseas. Do some research in advance and find out what will be readily available to you at your destination. Keep in mind that many hotels give free toiletries, so it might not be necessary to bring everything with you. Depending on where you're headed, you might be able to pick up things inexpensively. In Japan, you can find almost every toiletry you need at the 100 Yen shop.

Bring comfortable shoes. Chances are you're going to be doing a lot of walking. Make sure that your feet are up to the challenge! If you do not have a lot of space, bring a pair of flip-flops or slip on shoes. Sometimes just switching your foot wear can give your feet a much-needed break.

Protect Yourself from the Sun. Often times traveling overseas means spending a lot more time outdoors. Make sure you are protecting yourself from the powerful sun. Bring plenty of sunscreen and protective eye wear. Especially if you're headed somewhere tropical, it's likely these items will have high mark-ups if you wait until you get there to buy them.

Think safety. You are likely going to have a lot of important documents and / or cash on you when traveling overseas. Losing any of this could really put a crimp in your travel plans. Invest in a money belt or bra stash to keep your stuff close and inconspicuous.

Think ahead about medication. If you require specific types of over-the-counter medications, you might want to bring them with you in case you get sick on the road. Some medications may be hard to find, especially with a language barrier. Keep in mind that some medications that are perfectly legal at home, might not be abroad. Even simple things like Nyquil are illegal in some countries. If you are carrying any medication with you, it may be wise to get a note from your doctor explaining the need.

Use packing accessories. In order to maximize the space in your bag, use packing accessories such as packing cubes. They keep your stuff separated and organized. And once you are on the road you can keep your dirty clothes in one cube and your clean clothes in another.

One final tip: When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money. Then take half the clothes and twice the money.