| 1. Love yourself - join an exercise program | | | | time or energy for dog walking and don't like cats, |
| Okay, we all know it's important to exercise. But did | | | | consider a unique lower-maintenance pet - bird, |
| you know that joining a program or a gym can help | | | | snake, rabbit. Talk to the experts before you go for |
| you feel a real sense of community? By making this | | | | these types of animals--each requires a learning curve |
| commitment over time, you get to know others who | | | | to have the most successful relationship. Look up the |
| feel the same way about taking care of themselves. | | | | House Rabbit Society or similar groups. And be sure |
| You see each other frequently. It's a bond that can | | | | to have a backup who'll take Mortimer when you're |
| rival what some find with fellow church members or | | | | out of town! |
| volunteers for a cause. Those buddies are there for | | | | 5. Don't live in fear - take reasonable risks with |
| you even when storms occur in other parts of your | | | | money As the sole support, you likely don't have |
| life - relationships, jobs, and so on. If funds are low, | | | | much backup if things go wrong. But by making sure |
| check out city programs or the Y in your area. | | | | you understand what your options are - and realizing |
| If you hate groups, find a workout buddy - OR if | | | | the worst possible outcome is probably not as bad |
| you've got the cash, a personal trainer. It's so good | | | | as you think - you may be able to spend more than |
| to have company on those days when you're just | | | | you think. On the other hand, don't dig yourself in |
| too tired to work out. And with the trainer, since | | | | beyond recovery. It's not fun to live with no credit at |
| you're paying him/her, there's no commitment. You | | | | all for 7 years - the typical fallout from bankruptcy. |
| don't have to feel bad if you absolutely CAN'T make | | | | 6. Learn to enjoy eating out alone Yes, it can seem |
| yourself go. Just reschedule. | | | | hard at first if you haven't worked up to it. Try this: |
| 2. Treat yourself regularly - you deserve it Reserve | | | | go to your local coffee shop or café. Order |
| time for your favorite pampering activities -- | | | | your favorite drink (coffee, latte, wine, whatever) |
| pedicure, manicure, waxing, or whatever your bag is. | | | | and promise yourself you'll sit there for at least 5 |
| Even if you're not used to doing this, giving yourself | | | | minutes before you leave. If even that's too much, |
| this time is a powerful way to affirm that you are | | | | at least plan to walk casually down the street with |
| special. If funds are low, give yourself the gift of | | | | your cup for a few minutes. Next time, order a |
| time to do it for yourself. Go to a salon and have | | | | muffin with your coffee. Practice! If you need |
| someone show you what to do. As a friend once | | | | distraction, bring a book. Some experienced |
| said - a man's man who also had pretty good | | | | SWWANs bring a notebook to write in or |
| sensitivity, "Hey, if you don't do it for yourself, why | | | | sketchbook to draw in - observe your surroundings. |
| would anybody else?" Another great one - plan a day | | | | Hint: If you wouldn't mind some conversation, try |
| in bed. No guilt, just enjoy! | | | | sitting at the bar or one of the new "single diner" |
| 3. Open your heart - give as generously as you can | | | | areas popping up in a few better restaurants. |
| Because you're the only one supplying them, both | | | | 7. Ask for help! Long-time successful single women |
| your time and your money are precious to you. But | | | | know that it can be hard to ask for help. We all want |
| opening your heart does more than nice things for | | | | to be strong and independent and not needy. But |
| others - it clears the way for you to receive even | | | | hey, everybody needs help. Why should you - who |
| more good. Choose a cause you care about and | | | | are handling it all alone - have even less help than |
| dedicate some time/money. Take the time to | | | | other people!? Practice with small things first. You'll |
| choose and purchase gifts that truly reflect your | | | | get better with time. And you'll find that most people |
| recipient's personality. If you need ideas, spend some | | | | are glad to help - they were just embarrassed to ask |
| time on Google searching for "gift ideas" for the type | | | | because they didn't want you to think THEY thought |
| of person you're buying for. Or get to know | | | | you were needy! |
| someone who has that magical ability to put romance | | | | 7.5 Dance! Dance - at home before you go out, |
| in every gift - and then ask him or her! | | | | when you're feeling blue, instead of eating! Let the |
| 4. Fall in love! Adopt a pet Unless you're allergic to | | | | magic of music and movement transform your |
| every living creature in the world, you'll get more out | | | | energy. Let yourself go - you'll feel a tremendous |
| of taking care of a pet than it will cost you. Visit the | | | | difference. |
| animal rescues in your area. If you don't have the | | | | |