The first thing is to recognize if you are naturally a giver (or a taker). Most people are givers. It is easier to give than to receive since you never feel as if you are obligated to return a favor.

Start to say I HONOR RECEIVING either in your head or aloud all day long. Even if you lost your keys and find them again, say "I honor receiving." This opens up the flow of energy needed to receive more.

If someone compliments you, say "Thank you." Even a compliment thwarted stops the energy from continuing. People who love to give, also love to have their gifts received, even if it is a compliment. Learn to say, "Thank you."

When you honor receiving you will notice a shift in your life. There will be a natural give and take between you and the rest of the world. More will come to you with ease, and honoring receiving is a simple way of expressing gratitude.

Probably the hardest part of getting rid of the craving of sugar and desserts is the desire to do so. Many people don't want to give up the comfort of a chocolate chip cookie or doughnut, but if you really want to quit, you can. The first step is to make the commitment.

Give yourself 3 days to jones for sugar and desserts. If you can get through 3 days, you have it made. Know that the first 3 days are going to be tough, but each day is closer to your goal. Sugarless gum can help quell the craving, or better yet, grab a carrot instead of a candy bar.

Once you have decided to stop eating desserts, erase it from your consciousness. After three days the craving is deleted from your system. Not eating desserts, in your mind, can be the same as not smoking, or not drinking, or not wearing blue jeans to work. It's something you simply do not do.

Beware of people who say, "Oh, just have one bite. It won't make a difference." Remember that choosing to give up desserts is a choice for better health and well-being. It is an addiction just like anything else. One bite can lead you back to old habits.

If a craving comes back, know that the craving will pass. As long as you are committed to remaining sugar free, you will feel very proud of yourself as you go day to day feeling more energetic, not to mention thinner!

First, fully feel what is bothering you. Feel it to your core. If it is anxiety or stress or anger, feel it, feel it, feel it!

Then say, "I am the presence and power of the Universe!" (Even if it feels silly to say that, say it anyway. Even if you say it silently, it will work.

Then say, "This is not real. It is all an illusion. Simply made up."

Then say, "I RECLAIM MY POWER FROM THIS CREATION NOW!" And feel your power coming back into your body. (Even if you don't feel anything, it is working).

After you fully feel your power return to you, give thanks. You can say something along the lines of, "I give thanks that the perfect situation came about so I could reclaim my power."

Notice any changes in your dog's coat. Is it lackluster or dull? Is there hair loss that is symetrical? Bald spots? If the condition isn't due to a thyroid condition, which must be checked by a vet through blood tests, it may be the result of a grain allergy.

Check the labels of what is in your dog's food. Many dog foods are made with grain, and many dogs eat it heartily with no problems, however, some grains such as oats, wheat, corn, and soy can wreak havoc on your dog's ability to maintain a lustrious coat.

If your dog has been diagnosed with Alopecia X and the vet offers no instructions as to what to do, try a grain-free diet. This means that there are no grain ingredients in your dog's food. None. No oats. No wheat. No corn. No soy.

Grain-free foods are available at your pet store in wet or dry, such as Taste of the Wild and Natural Balance.  Investing in oils that are rich in Omega 3-6-9 will bring the luster back to your dog's coat.  Products such as Missing Link Plus and Dancing Paws Coat Shine are two excellent choices.

If it is a grain allergy causing your dog's alopecia X, you will notice that the fur will begin to grow back very quickly. The pictures above were about 6 months apart.

The planet Mercury rules communication, education, contracts, short trips (which includes automobiles and travel schedules), early childhood, siblings, cousins, and neighbors. When Mercury goes retrograde, the planet appears to be going backwards letting us retrace our steps to redo a lesson important for our personal growth.

Many people view a Mercury retrograde as a nuisance, like a gnat that won’t stop buzzing around our heads, but a Mercury retrograde is a wonderful opportunity to redo, redecorate, reorganize, research, read, reunite, reconnect, and restore. Anything with a "re" in it is encouraged. Reunions are wonderful events even if you have to travel to get there.

What to avoid during a Mercury retrograde is anything NEW. It is not a good idea to sign a contract, buy a new house, start a new relationship (unless it is with someone you used to know), open a new business, purchase a new car, or make travel plans. These events are often met with delays or frustrations with houses falling out of escrow, mechanical difficulties with your new Mercedes, or cancelling your trip altogether. Remember that this does not have to be the case for everyone, but as a matter of precaution, it is good to have all the information handy, especially if you don’t like doing things twice.

Mercury retrograde is a wonderful time to tie up loose ends, learn a life lesson, clean the garage, research a project, or reconnect with old friends. Though it is not a good time to purchase new telephones or computers, it is often at that exact time, that the old ones break down forcing us to incur a cost we didn’t expect.

During Mercury retrograde, take some time to Relax, Restore, Revitalize, and Reassess where you are in your life and where you are going. Just don’t forget where you put your keys!

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