JESSICA'S TAKE:

ADVICE SISTER JESSICA’S TAKE:

In a few weeks we'll start posting more of our signature two-answers-for-each-question "DOUBLE-TAKE Q&A." For now, Advice Sister Alison and I want to offer you some ideas to jump-start your thinking on starting the new year off great. We've split up our list of suggestions and hope they inspire you to take action, and take heart!

1. CLEAR AWAY THE COBWEBS: find a new "inner you" Just like ringing out the old year, you must evaluate what's in your mind and body and clear out "the old" you don't want so you can replace them with "the new" more positive things. Start the new year right by doing a "winter cleaning" of your emotions and thoughts. Decide which negatives you want to rid your life of in l999; then make a list of positives you want to add before the end of 1999. Make some physical changes, too. Start a new exercise program you can relate to so you'll stick with it this time. Exercise produces a chemical reaction in your body which elevates your mood and makes you feel great, so try kick boxing, dance or Tai Chi. You'll feel better, and make new friends, too.

2. START A JOURNAL: write a happy ending to your l999 Ask anyone who keeps one: writing in a journal is very habit-forming! Once you start writing you may find yourself rushing home, eager to put down all the details of your day. Read it over from time to time and see how much you've accomplished! You will learn so much about yourself.

3. VALIDATE YOUR GOALS EVERY DAY: self affirmations and positive thinking help. Close your eyes and repeat over and over again (until it really sinks in and you believe it): "I feel good - l999 will be great-I feel good -1999 will be great...."

4. BE GREAT/FEEL GREAT: reach for inspiration instead of your plate! Whenever you feel sad or that you're not making progress this year or if you're dieting, reach for something inspiring and non-fattening at the same time! If you're love-lorn, a book like RECRUITING LOVE: USING THE BUSINESS SKILLS YOU HAVE TO FIND THE LOVE YOU WANT will help you make a plan to find lasting love. Our book is available online at www.amazon.com or www.barnesandnoble.com, or ask for it in local bookstores.

5. If your career is stuck in neutral, get empowered by taking a class and learning new skills. Volunteer and inspire yourself by helping someone else. Get involved in local politics or community organizations to make change. You'll be doing something important, working towards your own goals–and ..you'll be to busy to think about food!

6. FIND A NEW JOB: surf the net for a new career...and more Desperately need a career change but don't know where to begin? Job sites are abundant on the Internet, and most offer much more than just job listings including networking opportunities, support groups and resume and interview advice.

Do you have a question about being single, dating, or relationships in general that you'd like THE ADVICE SISTERS to answer? Write us at: advicesis@aol.com or advicesisters1@yahoo.com

ALISON'S TAKE:

ADVICE SISTER ALISON’S TAKE:

Advice Sister Jessica's suggestions are great for taking ACTION, now here are a few more to help inspire you and help you take heart:

1. BEAT THE BROKEN HEART BLUES: get over that breakup and move on This is the year you "deep six" your broken heart and move forward to a new, better relationship! Start by writing down all the things you like that your "ex" hated...and do them ALL! Go on that cruise he refused to take or rent that mountain cabin she said "no" to each year in favor of a week at the shore. Buy hockey tickets she said was a "waste of money." Shop ‘til you drop' without once hearing: "can we go now?" Pack up the past by gathering all those photos and reminders of your days with the "ex" and toss them out...or so far back in the closet you'll never be tempted to look for them.

2. REACH OUT, TOUCH SOMEONE: take a chance Warm up an old friendship or ignite a new flame under an old love! If you don't have the phone number or address to track them down, "people finder" sites online make it easy to reconnect even if you don't know exactly where they are now.

3. REVISE YOUR ROUTINE: get out of that rut Yawning all the time? You could be bored, or just plain tired! Get to bed earlier or at least try to get a full night's sleep more often. Accept a new challenge; try something new at work, say "yes" to that fix-up your friend has been nagging you about. Ask a new neighbor in for coffee. Try a new look: nothing drastic, but something to go with your positive, new attitude -maybe rinse-out hair color, or a mustache. Wear a new dress, shirt or tie totally different from "your usual."

4. TROUBLE TRASHER: when all else fails "wash" your troubles away. If you find yourself at the end of your rope, literally wash those troubles right out of your hair just like Nelly Forbush in "South Pacific. Take a tip from Nelly, and sing at the top of your lungs: "I'm gonna wash that man/woman/boss/two-timer/nagging kid/obnoxious neighbor/co-worker/colleague RIGHT OUTTA MY HAIR!" over and over. Your trouble will feel like they've all gone down the drain by the time you're rinsing out the conditioner!

5. COUNT ON US: THE ADVICE SISTERS are here for you today and EVERY day! Need advice? Just want to get something off your chest? BOOKMARK THE ADVICE SISTERS™ official web site here at www.advicesisters.com Whatever else happens this year, you can COUNT on us! We will try to post new ideas and, of course, our signature Double-take" two-for-one-answers bi-weekly, so be sure to check back often.