Author: Rajan Malla

  • Play Online Games For Free

    Play Online Games For Free

    The popularity of games that you can play online for free has been on a constant rise. They are great for passing time, especially when we are locked in our houses in this pandemic. The best part is that you don’t have to spend your hard-earned money and still be entertained.

    Children can enjoy these free online games on their PC, smartphones, or tablets. But with several options that we get online, it can be difficult to choose which one is the best. So we have decided to make your work of the best online game search easier and you can enjoy them any time of the day in the comfort of your home.

    play online games for free

    Best Online Games

    Raid

    This is one of the best mobile phone games and you can also play it on your PC for free. The combat that’s turn-based and management of the squad in Raid does need strategic thinking. This is true even from the perspective of the veteran genre. You can collect over 300 heroes that the game features and each of them has varied stats and abilities. This means that you will be able to optimize the squad and make use of the strength of each character. You can also try and fight with other teams and defeat other squads to have won valuable rewards.

    Runescape

    Even after two decades of its launch, Runescape has remained iconic and is going very strong even now. The game developers Jagex have made sure that they keep coming up with interesting updates and offer you gameplay of hours. In case you haven’t yet played the game, this is a fantasy MMORPG with several kinds of weapons and uncountable skills that you can try mastering. You can go ahead with the quest alone or with friends, and you can even go for a slow gaming experience that includes cooking, fishing, and farming skills.

    You can even go ahead and try the Old school variant of Runescape as well. This is based on the game in 2007 that had gained much popularity. There are some interesting bosses, economy, guests, and graphics to see here. The game is free, but if you want you can also go ahead and try playing for money as it can provide some added skills.

    Typo Express

    Are you looking for something that can brush up on your real-life skills and is fun at the same time? Well, Typo Express has a separate category for educational games that you can try. Typo express is a free game that kids can play and get insights into their typing speed and accuracy at the same time. The words are falling constantly from the top of the screen and you are supposed to type the letters until the words reach down. This free game is perfect for anyone that wants to practice or learn typing.

    play online games for free

    Pictionary

    So you can also play the old good game of Pictionary. This is another educational fun game that you can try if your age is around 12 years. You can play with your friends and there are shareable links available as well. All you have to do is click the private room create option. Then share this link with your friends. The players have to take turns drawing words on the mouse and then guess what’s drawn by entering the game through chat. The site will time each of the rounds automatically and also provides words for guessing and drawing. You can also select and customize the timings as well as words for making your own game.

    Dragalia Lost

    Dragalia Lost has been one of the best mobile games that weren’t the spin-off for the existing famous franchise like Animal Crossing and Mario. Instead, this is a new story of the fantasy kingdom that had fallen and the adventure fights by the player are trying to restore it. Dragalia Lost also has free smartphone games and the heroes have all the items. There is also a limited stamina meter and many things that you can constantly upgrade. The controls will help you to complete many dodges and also show off the powerful capabilities. The best part is that you can play it with friends or other players over the internet and make a team.

    game

    World of Tanks

    Just the idea of getting the face lasered to smaller pieces by teenagers playing Call of Duty seems hell to you, then go ahead and try World of Tanks. This is the game that needs strategy, going ahead of your opponents, and also customizing the tanks with the best armaments that suit your playing style. This will be a more perfect game for players that have some experience in the genre and need a higher pace for their share of entertainment.

    War Thunder

    There is no need to find friends that are aviation enthusiasts over the message board to enjoy the game of War Thunder. You also don’t have to select between accessibility and realism either. All you have to do is download the game and you can start flying, shooting, and driving. It is a multiplayer combat game that encompasses effortlessly, all the excitements and explosions of tanks and planes. If war games are something that excites you, then go ahead and play War Thunder.

    Conqueror’s Blade

    Go ahead and embrace the inner knight as you get engaged in this epic game of Conqueror’s Blade. The game allows you to pick a hero from the medieval era and take it to the battle. Here your work is to command the small troops and battalions. The gameplay can switch between combats with the third person and also you can see the 30 player battles. Therefore, you must select the right equipment and use amazing tactics to make sure your troop emerges alive and victorious.

    Fortnite

    Haven’t heard of Fortnite yet? Well, that’s amazing. Fortnite has slowly become the social hub for varied trailer debuts, musical performances, and also a form of a virtual hangout for people around the world. You should see their creative mode too and will give you a true experience of saving the world.

    Cross Out

    Now Cross Out is the vehicle combat MMO where you make outlandish cares after which take them to the battle with other players. The backdrop is that of the post-apocalyptic era. The game maker has emphasized a lot in the deep customization and also the aiming and skillful driving. There are several competitive modes of the game and different kinds of cannons, guns, and armor that you can see. The game is of course deadly but will be sure fun to play.

    video games

    Is there a benefit to playing online games?

    Yes, there are several advantages of playing games online for children. Here are some:

    Online gaming can be an amazing source of skill development for younger kids

    Some studies say that some specific games can assist young children to improve the reading skills. Games like 2048 and typing ones can be used for primary school kids that keep them engaged as well as makes sure that they are learning something in a fun way.

    Can enhance brain speed, memory, and focus

    Some of the games that we mentioned above, needs skills in problem-solving and strategy making. It also needs players to remember a lot of details. When one plays such games all the time, it can help with improving both long and short-term memory. It will also make sure that the kids can process the given information faster. Also, these games need the imagination of the player at some levels while making sure they are still focused on the specific tasks for making sure they reach the goal.

    Multi-tasking skills are improved

    Online games do need players to find items and also fight the opponents at the same time. This calls for a keen eye on details and making quick decisions. Therefore, such games can help immensely in developing the multitasking skills of children.

    Help with real-world profession

    The higher the game complexity is the more analytical and risk assessment skills it needs. This can be eventually being very helpful for people in their work in real life. Also, such games can provide a new perspective and understanding of situations. Not just this, while playing with a group of friends, one also understands the importance of teamwork.

    Even for people with some kind of disability, online games are a great way of making new friends and eventually improving social skills. You can even stay connected with your entire family all the time.

    Final Thoughts

    So this was the list of the best online games to play with friends which you can play online for free on PC on websites like plays.org or on mobile phones. Just have fun and escape the hustle and bustle of life for some time. These games are entertaining and can even help you with improving some real-life skills.

  • Teleflora Flowers Delivery Gift Card Giveaway

    Teleflora Flowers Delivery Gift Card Giveaway

    Mother’s Day is coming up. We are giving away a gift card to use at Teleflora for the flowers delivery during the special occasion.

    flowers delivery

    Welcome to the Teleflora Flowers Delivery $100 Mother’s Day Gift Card Giveaway!

    1 Winner

    This giveaway is part of our Mother’s Day Gift Guide – Stop by to see all the giveaways and great products.

    HOST IS

    DELICIOUSLY SAVVY

    Michigan Savings and More,

    Below is a list of all the bloggers involved in the gift guide.

    thank you

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    This giveaway’s Sponsor is:

    logo

    About Teleflora

    Say everything and share your “Love Out Loud” & “DrawnToMom” Moment with the gift of Teleflora flowers – all made by hand and delivered by hand by your local florist. By tapping over 10,000 member florists in North America alone, Teleflora offers the kind of personal touches, artistry and expertise you expect from a trusted neighborhood florist—even if that neighborhood is across the country. No prepackaged flowers in nondescript boxes dropped on your doorstep—Teleflora’s network of professional florists create artistic arrangements personally delivered in a vase, often on the same day. Teleflora makes every day an occasion with a 2-in-1 gift that includes a multi-purpose keepsake container for long-lasting enjoyment. Follow Teleflora on Facebook and tag your own #LoveOutLoud & #DrawnToMom moment.

    Follow Teleflora On Social Media

    WEBSITE ~FACEBOOK ~ TWITTER ~ INSTAGRAM ~ PINTEREST

    ~~~

    1 Lucky Winner will win a $100 e-Gift Card to use at Teleflora!

    teleflora

    See review HERE.

    ~~~~~~

    tie

    This giveaway/sweepstakes is in no way endorsed, affiliated, or associated with Facebook, Twitter or any other Social Media Networking Site. This Giveaway is valid to continental United States residents only, Entrants must be 18+ years of age to enter. This giveaway event will end at 11:59 PM (EST) 5/07/21. The winner will have 48 hours to email their information back to mcushing7 at hotmail dot com or a new winner will be drawn, you may want to put this email address as safe as it could go to spam. The giveaway is not valid where prohibited! By entering you are authorizing us to collect the information on the form below, this information is used only to contact the winner! No purchase necessary, Void where prohibited by law, and the number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Winners are chosen randomly by the Giveaway Tools program. The sponsors are each responsible for shipping of the above prizes. No blog associated with this contest are responsible for flowers delivery prize fulfillment. If you would like to be a sponsor in a giveaway like this please email Melissa Cushing at mcushing7 (at)hotmail (dot) com. If you take an entry you must stay following for the entire contest or you will be disqualified.

    Sponsors interested in joining our gift guides can see the information HERE.

  • A Beginner’s Guide to Investing in Gold

    A Beginner’s Guide to Investing in Gold

    Investing in gold is one way to protect your portfolio against economic recessions. Many do not have gold in their portfolios because they are afraid of the risks or don’t know how to invest in gold. There are several ways investors can add gold to their stock and bond portfolios.

    free gold

    Why Invest in Gold

    Unlike other forms of currency, gold has held its value fairly well for centuries. Gold has value beyond its use as currency. Much of the gold mined today is used in jewelry as well as electronics, industry, and aerospace.

    Gold can be a useful way to hedge a stock portfolio against stock market declines. Gold tends to be countercyclical — when the stock market is falling, gold can often move upwards. For example, as the COVID-19 pandemic spread, gold outperformed most major commodities.

    The best way to diversify a portfolio is to spread your risk in a variety of investments that are not closely related to each other. Stocks and bonds are one way to diversify a portfolio. Adding gold will further diversify a portfolio, protecting against stock and bond market downturns.

    investing in gold

    Gold as a Hedge

    Gold can also hedge against a falling dollar. There have been some notable times in history when the dollar fell against other currencies. A recent example occurred starting around 1998 when the dollar fell due to large trade deficits among other reasons. When the dollar falls, gold usually rises as traders sell their dollars and buy gold.

    Geopolitical concerns also cause gold to rise in price. When tensions rise around the world, many will start to buy gold. World tensions can increase for reasons like war, pandemics, economic problems, and a loss of confidence in the government. In times like these, gold is considered a safe haven compared to other forms of investments.

    Investing in gold can also protect against inflation. As inflation increases, the purchasing power of currency drops. History has shown us that gold usually increases in value as the purchasing power drops. During periods of high inflation, stocks can drop in price, which is another reason some use gold to hedge their portfolios. But do note, that not everyone views gold as a hedge against inflation.

    Inflation is one concern, but deflation is another. Last seen globally during the Great Depression of the 1930s, deflation is much rarer than inflation. Deflation happens when the price of items drops in price. That might sound like a positive thing, but it isn’t for the vast majority of people who are not sitting on a large amount of cash. Deflation can occur when business activity slows and the economy is under pressure by excessive debt.

    Increased demand for gold will cause it to rise in price. During economic upturns, the need for gold can increase for industrial uses. Demand also increases when emerging countries have an increasing middle class. As their wealth increases, their demand for gold jewelry as well as electronics increases. During times of economic uncertainty, investors rushing to buy gold will also increase the demand.

    A decrease in the gold supply could push gold prices higher. But the supply of gold is not expected to run out any time soon. Barrick Gold’s Nevada Gold Mines, the single largest gold mining complex in the world, produces 3.5 million ounces of gold per year. Problems at mines like worker strikes and accidents can cause production to fall.

    How to Invest in Gold

    There are numerous ways investors can gain exposure in gold, each with its advantages and disadvantages. And an investor does not have to stick to just one way to invest, by using several ways, risk can be lessened. The ways to begin investing in gold include:

    • Buy gold bars and gold coins
    • Buy gold exchange-traded-funds (ETFs), closed-end funds (CEFs) or mutual funds.
    • Buy stocks in gold mining companies
    • Buy gold certificates.
    investing in gold and silver

    Gold Bullion

    Gold bullion is normally purchased in the form of bars or coins. This is as easy as going to a precious metals dealer in person or buying it online. Investors can buy gold bars in sizes ranging from a quarter-ounce wafer to a 400-ounce bar.

    Buying gold coins is the most common way for beginning investors to own gold. Gold bullion coins purchased for investment purposes should not be confused with collectible coins which have a numismatic value.

    Unless you are a coin collector, avoid collectible coins. Their values are based not only on the gold content, but also on the age, rarity, and condition of the coin. Avoid proof coins as well because they will cost more.

    The most popular gold bullion coins for gold investors include:

    • The American Eagle
    • The South African Krugerrand
    • The Canadian Maple Leaf.

    Always buy gold coins from reputable dealers. Avoid special commemorative gold coins that investors might see advertised. Stick with the popular gold coins minted by governments like American Eagles.

    When buying gold coins, investors will always pay more than the spot price of gold. Dealers have to make a profit, and this profit is called the markup. Before buying gold, check the “spot price.” The markup (or “premium”) will be anywhere from 5% to 9% of the spot price (per ounce). Investors shouldn’t pay more than that when they buy gold coins. But be aware that shortages can drive the premium higher.

    There are numerous advantages to owning gold coins. A person can hold $50,000 in their hands. Gold coins cannot be destroyed by water or the passage of time.

    Other advantages to owning gold coins include:

    • Gold coins have high liquidity. Unlike other types of collectibles, gold can be sold almost anywhere in the world.
    • Gold holds a lot of value per ounce. They can be stored in a small safe at home or in a bank’s safe deposit box
    • It is free of what is called counterparty risk. This means it doesn’t require the backing of a country or central bank.
    • Gold cannot be hacked like digital currencies that are held on cryptocurrency blockchains.
    • Owning gold is private and confidential.

    There are a couple of disadvantages to owning gold coins.

    • Storing too much gold at home puts you at risk of theft.
    • Gold doesn’t produce income as dividend-paying stocks do. But then again, many of today’s hottest stocks also don’t produce an income in the form of dividends.
    • Another disadvantage is that gold can have a higher capital gains tax than other investments.

    Shares in Gold Funds

    Exchange-traded-funds (ETFs) are bought and sold like stocks. Gold ETFs track the movement of the price of gold. But depending on the particular ETF you invest it, it may or may not be backed fully by gold bullion.

    One of the largest gold exchange-traded funds is GLD. Its shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange with other stocks and ETFs. Each share of GLD represents slightly less than one-tenth of an ounce of gold. If the price of gold is $1,000, one share of GLD will cost around $100. This gives investors an easy and less expensive way to invest in gold and profit from the increase in gold prices.

    Be aware that for many gold-backed ETFs, when you buy shares you do not own the actual underlying gold represented by the shares, but you may be taxed as though you do. In the United States, for example, physical gold is usually taxed under the “collectibles” rate, which runs at a maximum of 28%.

    For US citizens, an exception is the Canada-based Sprott Physical Gold Trust (NYSE:PHYS) which is backed 100% by gold but is a foreign “CEF” — or “closed-end fund.” This means that the same capital gains tax rates that apply to stock, would apply to your ownership of gold through Sprott. This makes it probably the most cost-effective way to buy and own gold in the United States.

    Gold Mining and Exploration Stocks

    Those new to gold investing will hear about gold mining stocks. These stocks are another way to invest in gold without actually owning the metal itself. Most of the mines not only produce gold but other precious metals like silver.

    Gold mining stocks are far riskier to invest in though. It requires more knowledge on your part. Employee strikes, mining accidents, not finding as much gold as they thought, or finding a new vein of gold can affect the stock price of gold mining stocks.

    Gold Certificates

    Gold certificates are a way for investors to own gold without having it in their possession. The most trusted gold certificate is offered by the Perth Mint in Australia.

    The government of Western Australia guarantee will cover all of the gold held in storage for holders of their gold certificates.

    Taxes on Gold

    As we mentioned, gold and all precious metals are usually considered “collectibles” by the US Internal Revenue Service. They are taxed as collectibles when you sell your gold at a profit. This carries a maximum rate of 28%.

    The exception is if a US citizen invests in a foreign closed-end fund (CEF), namely the Sprott physical metal trusts, which are taxed at the lower capital gains rate applied to stocks.

    All beginners to gold investing should understand capital gains taxes on precious metals and speak to a tax professional before investing.

    Wrapping It Up

    • Buying gold coins and small bars is the costliest way to invest in gold because each piece carries a retail markup called a “premium.” Also: these items are taxed as “collectibles” at a high rate.
    • If you are a US citizen, the Sprott Physical Gold Trust (NYSE: PHYS) is perhaps the most cost-effective way to buy gold, because of its favorable tax status. Shares are quite affordable at little over $14 per share. At this price anyone can afford to invest in gold. Plus you will own the underlying metal that the shares represent.
    • There are many ETFs available to invest in. Be sure to understand though how you will be taxed for them and whether or not you will own the underlying gold. You may not care about the latter, but it doesn’t make sense to invest in a gold ETF that is taxed at a higher rate than the Sprott Physical Gold Trust (NYSE: PHYS).
    • Mining and exploration stocks are riskier than investing in the metal itself.
    • Online services like BullionVault.com provide an easy and cost-effective way to buy gold and they’ll store it for you. But you’ll be taxed at the higher “collectibles” rate if you are a US citizen.

    Summary

    There are many ways to invest in gold, but taking a bit of time to learn the basics will help you avoid overpaying for it.

    And that will make you wiser than many people in the market.

  • Buying A Home Post-COVID? Here’s What You Should Know

    Buying A Home Post-COVID? Here’s What You Should Know

    A Changing World

    Let’s rewind the clock a bit.

    It’s December 31st, 2019, and New Year’s Eve is in full swing.

    The fireworks are blasting off, the champagne is popping, and people are happy. If you had listened in on others’ conversations, you would hear a general air of hopefulness. Everybody had high expectations for 2020, and they weren’t afraid to let the world know.

    If you were anything like most people, then you probably had the same level of optimism.

    Instead, the universe decided to prove us all wrong. January got off to a rocky start, February was okay, and by early-March, everybody had heard about COVID-19.

    At first, nobody expected this virus to have the effect that it did. But after another 30 days passed and the entire world was still on lockdown, all of the optimistic people realized what was happening.

    No matter what you do, the virus has likely impacted you and your family in at least some small way. Despite all of the unexpected ups and downs that 2020 threw out, though, families are still searching for buying a home.

    buying a house

    Owning A Home Is Smart

    When apartments started evicting people who couldn’t pay their rent, owning a home suddenly seemed a lot more secure. After all, mortgage payments are usually cheaper than apartment renting (for a similar-sized space), and apartments are ridiculously overpriced. All of this goes to say that even though the world is still amid a pandemic, homeownership is steady.

    In today’s article, we’re going to be looking at everything you should know about the changing real estate market, how you can prepare, and how to ensure that you get a good deal. We’ll also be talking about the holy grail of home loans (at least as far as banks are concerned)- your debt-to-income ratio (or DTI, for short).

    Let’s dive in!

    Understanding Debt-To-Income Ratio (DTI)

    Before you start shopping for a house, the most important thing to know about is your debt-to-income ratio. Every bank you go to, every lender you speak to, and even some real estate agencies will want to know this number.

    Most of these organizations will do the math on your DTI for you, but it’s a good idea to know before you get turned down for the loan required to purchase your dream home. It will also save you time spent at the bank going through all of your expenses line by line.

    Save Your Credit Score!

    Another great reason to have your DTI calculated before you start applying for loans is that it will save you from unnecessary “hard checks” on your credit.

    When a major lender has to run a credit check, this counts as a hard check and can reduce your overall credit score by a couple of points. These negative marks stay on your credit score for two years, and there’s no way to get them removed sooner.

    Obviously, if you want a home loan, you’ll have to consent to at least one credit check. But it’s a lot better than getting denied for multiple credit checks because you were applying for a larger loan than you could get approved for.

    How To Calculate Your DTI For Home Loans

    Your debt-to-income ratio is a number that compares your monthly debt (bills, loans, expenses, rent) to your income. If you’re single, only your income matters. If you’re married, they’ll also count your spouse’s after-tax income towards your income, which can significantly boost your DTI.

    Calculating your DTI ratio is simple- divide your monthly income by your monthly debt and expenses.

    This is where you’ll have to do a bit of inventory. You must itemize all of your debts and expenses, not just the big payments.

    Include how much you spend on groceries, entertainment, gym memberships, subscriptions, phone bill, internet, and even your pets. The bank will go through your bank statements anyway, so you’re not going to be able to hide anything.

    So, let’s say that your total monthly expenditure is $3,000, and your monthly salary (or business income) is $10,000. Divide your income by your debt, and you’ll get a DTI ratio of 33%.

    A 33% DTI is excellent, but most Americans have a higher DTI- especially after COVID. The higher your DTI ratio is, the worse it is. In general, banks and lenders like to see a 43% DTI ratio or lower.

    You might be able to get a loan with a higher number, but you’ll likely have to make a higher down payment or be required to pay a higher interest rate.

    calculator

    Looking For An Easier Way?

    One of the easiest ways to calculate your debt-to-income ratio is to head over to MortgageCalculators.info. The site is 100% free to use, and their DTI calculator is second to none!

    All you need to do is enter your pre-tax income, your spouse’s post-tax income (if applicable), expenses, and mortgage details (if you know them). Once you’re finished, press ‘Calculate,’ and you’ll have all of your numbers. You can then screenshot or save all of the information.

    If you’re looking for other essential real estate calculators, the site developers have created an excellent line-up of tools, including:

    • Monthly payment calculator
    • Minimum income requirement calculator
    • Home loan limit calculator
    • Repayment charts
    • Closing cost calculator
    • Reverse mortgage calculators
    • …and a lot more!

    Overall, MortgageCalculators is an excellent resource for anybody who wants a simple way of calculating all of their numbers. The writers have also included in-depth guides on how to apply to federal FHA loans, how to refinance your home, and more.

    The best part of it all- it’s 100% free!

    Don’t Stretch Yourself Too Thin

    One thing that COVID taught almost everybody in America is that you should never stretch your resources too thin. Before this happened, there were a lot of people who had high DTI ratios, and as soon as they lost their job, they lost everything.

    If you’re shopping for a home or trying to get a home loan, then the best thing you can do is reduce your monthly expenses as much as possible.

    Real Estate Changes After COVID-19

    Pretty much everybody can agree that things aren’t the same as they used to be; this also applies to the real estate market. Possibly one of the biggest changes we’ve seen is one of the most iconic- no more “Open House” signs.

    In the past, this was one of the easiest ways to go house shopping. You could hit up all of your favorite neighborhoods and just drive around until you saw an “Open House” sign, walk in, drink a soda, eat one of those grocery store cookies that the real estate agent puts out, and see if you liked the place or not.

    Today, though, things are a bit more impersonal. In some states, where the virus isn’t as bad, you may be able to schedule an in-person visit with an agent. However, more agencies are switching to virtual tours, at least for first-time showings.

    These usually involve a video or Facetime call where the agent walks around the house and shows you all of the important interior and exterior features.

    Although they’re not quite as inclusive, these virtual tours are a great way to do a preliminary examination of a house. If you indicate that you like the house, then the agent will typically be able to schedule a short personal visit. The virtual tours are a good way to get a feel for the house, but ultimately, you really won’t know whether you want to buy it or not until you see it in-person.

    Sales Are Down

    The biggest change to the real estate market is that sales are down, meaning that it’s not the best time to be an agent. Since money is tight, many people who planned on buying a home this past year decided to wait a bit longer.

    … But You Might Get A Deal

    The flipside of that is that you could stand to get a better deal on your home. There are still a number of people who are desperately trying to sell their home. With sales down, many sellers may be willing to reduce their home price to sell it faster.

    home price

    Final Tips For Buying A Home

    There’s no need to cancel your plans to purchase a house in 2021, even with a pandemic going on. Although the real estate market is undoubtedly going through some changes, home prices and loan rates have stayed steady throughout most of 2020. If anything, you may stand to get an even better deal since fewer people are shopping.

    Ultimately, owning a home is the ultimate security. You’ll be able to reduce your monthly living expenses, and you’ll actually get to own the house. In the future, you can use the house to help you get business loans, and owning a home looks great on your credit!

    Remember, though, before you start shopping, check out MortgageCalculators.info to calculate your DTI ratio (and anything else you might need). As long as you know your numbers, you’ll know exactly how much home you can afford, and finding a lender will be much easier.

  • How To Bring Positive Change In Life With Crisis Management

    How To Bring Positive Change In Life With Crisis Management

    There comes a time in everyone’s life when you have to go through crises. Whether it is a physical or mental health problem or financial difficulties or loss of a job or loved ones or organizational problems, if you implement proper crisis management techniques, then you can overcome these difficulties with a positive change.

    A new year brings hope! See how you can experience joy and gratitude in the coming year. In times of crisis, it is hard to be hopeful. But it’s not impossible—and maybe the key to mentally surviving a crisis like this. Despite the burdens of the recent past, you can look to the future with the likelihood of positive change. You can turn turmoil and crisis into opportunity. Discover your primary inner strength that will bring you through the problems that life gives you?

    Share your experience in spinning the gratitude wheel. Draw a big circle on a piece of paper; divide it into 4 sections; in each section write what brings you joy; spin a pen and share your experience with whatever joy it lands on. 

    dancing and life

    Now here’s how you can turn a crisis into an opportunity! Don’t let a crisis deter you from what you love. Sometimes taking back control of your life starts with rediscovering what makes you tick, or learning to take care of yourself, or making time for the people and things that you love. Many successes are born out of uncertainty. While the world has thrown a lot at us, there are ways in which you can take control. It’s important for you to see how you can grow. What’s holding you back?

    Share with us a video or photo of you catching an imaginary curveball, defending yourself with a warrior scream.

    dancingandlife

    This, this, this! This is what learning from the past is all about.
    Whatever you experienced last year could have made you feel good, satisfied, engaged, invigorated, inspired, and even in the flow.
    What made you the happiest last year? How can you learn from this? Can you share how you felt when you were writing these down?

    Share a video of yourself doing power moves to “I’m a Survivor” by Destiny’s Child or to any other powerful upbeat song. See what people say about how you’re surviving.

    quiz

    I love it when I see people really achieve their intentions. The secret to creating resolutions that will last is creating plans with intention. You succeed when your plans are aligned with your big-picture goals.
    Tell us what your goals are for the year, and how they align with your resolutions. How do you plan to put your intention for this year into action?

    Share your wish for the year, and tag two other friends in your picture.

    quiz

    A positive mental attitude goes a long way in changing the world around you. Positivity keeps the world going strong. I’m so glad you’re keeping it upbeat.
    What an awesome message, my friend! Tell us if anyone responded. I love the hope you’re showing. Who else will be especially important to you for the coming year?

    Post a short video where you dance with positivity to a song that’s trending.

    quiz

    Get rid of what doesn’t bring you joy! Be like Marie Kondo! When you decide to let go of what didn’t work in 2020, you will open up to new possibilities in 2021.
    In life, there can be a great injustice, but if you learn to let go of that pain and what didn’t work for you, you can create new possibilities in 2021.
    We all need to learn to let go and go on. How do you feel now?

    Write down what you want to get rid of from 2020, and show us a picture of yourself tearing up that paper — and everything that you want to forget from last year.

    register

    Healing is essential to our continuing happiness. Even after a terrible year, it’s important to learn to move on and take care of yourself.
    When you take care of yourself, you can get closer to keeping your intentions. If you don’t heal, how can you grow? How do you feel now?
    How are you helping the people around you heal?

    Share a video of you pulling an imaginary sword from your sheath and hold it up high — pretending you are cutting the ties with the pain that holds you back.

    register

    Nice! It’s so great that you can help people heal by being present for them and creating a space for them to share. Now that’s what I call letting your inner child run free! How did you feel afterward? What do you think has been keeping you from giving others space and being present for them?

    Share your biggest challenge of 2020 and what you want to change in 2021. Then share one thing you’ve learned during the past week — and tag a friend who needs to hear about it.

    register

    How great that you will embrace physical actions to mentally reset yourself to get better this year. It’s a terrific example of taking charge of your life.
    Don’t let a crisis deter you from taking care of yourself. We all need to do something to keep us grounded and emotionally sound. It’s important to enjoy your passion guilt-free, even amidst a crisis. Did you feel any guilt or shame?

    Share a video or photo of your breathing techniques to get rid of tension — and tell us how you feel.

    register

    Whatever affected you the most last year — your health, your job, where you live, whatever — you can use it to change for the better.
    Thanks for sharing what you’re going to be doing this year. Can you share how you felt when you were making that decision?

    Take a video of yourself flipping a coin and deciding on doing something you’re not sure about — heads for option A, tails for option B. Flip the coin and tell us your decision.

    register

    I love it when I see people show how they want to succeed, despite everything! We are all in this together. I’m so happy you’re channeling channel energy into what you want to create more of in life.
    Tell us how you’re making a plan to succeed. What would you want other people to know about making a successful plan for the year ahead?

    Share a brief video of you WINNING and singing “All I Do Is Win Win Win No Matter What” — or anything winning song.

    register

    It’s amazing that you are so willing to do something a little uncomfortable to help yourself grow and become happier and more successful in life! Positivity keeps the world going strong. I’m so glad you’re keeping it upbeat.
    What an awesome message, my friend! Tell us if anyone responded.
    I love the energy you’re showing. What is especially important for you this coming year?

    Post a short video where you dance without music for 7-10 seconds.

    register

    It’s so great that you know that self-care is essential to a happy life. I’m delighted you’re taking care of yourself this year. Now that’s what I call following your bliss. We all need to do what we can to make sure we’re at our best. How do you feel now? How are you scheduling self-care this year?

    Post a picture or video of yourself walking in the fresh air or giving yourself a self-affirming talk.

    register

    It’s wonderful that you’re taking steps to keep on track this year! Congratulations! Getting past limiting beliefs is so important to moving forward!
    When you don’t hold back, you can really take advantage of what the world has to offer. How are you making sure you break through limiting beliefs this year?

    Share a picture or video of yourself making a virtual ski run with a victory dance. Celebrate your win!

    register

    It’s so great that you have set your goal for how you want to change this year, and you’re figuring out a plan for getting there and staying on course. That’s really setting your intention for the year! How did you feel about this? Has anything been keeping you from reaching your goals? What are you doing to stay on course?

    Write down an outcome — such as what you hope to achieve at the end of this 30-day program. Then proclaim it by flipping your hair. If your hair is short or you don’t have hair, just do an imaginary hair flip!

    register

    How great that you are setting goals. You definitely belong to 30 percent of the population who achieve their goals! It’s a terrific example of taking charge of your life. Don’t let past challenges prevent you from taking care of yourself. We all need to do something to keep us grounded and emotionally sound. It’s important to enjoy the process toward your goal. How are you doing this?

    Write down your outcome for the next 30 days, and hy you must do this for yourself. Take a picture of the outcome and share it publicly. 

    register

    This is how you move ahead! Take small steps to big goals. I love it! How smart to break up your time into chunks, so you’re processing daily and long-term goals more easily. Thanks for sharing what you’re going to be doing this year. Can you share how you feel about your goals?

    Draw a pyramid on a piece of paper and above it write your goal. Inside the pyramid, write out 3 actionable steps. Take a photo of this and post it.

    crisis

    I love it when you celebrate your milestones. It’s great that you are planning both big and small outcomes. This is what really keeps you going — no matter where you are on your journey you can always celebrate! Tell us how you’re marking today’s milestone. What is giving you satisfaction?

    Share a brief video of you “raising the roof” and proclaiming to the world one thing you’ve learned this week or that you achieved today.

    crisis

    It’s amazing that you are working so hard yet you know the importance of taking care of yourself. Mindfulness keeps you going strong. I’m so glad you’re doing what you need to be present and fit. I’m happy to know that you have a plan for decompressing, so you can recharge. Tell us, what’s your mode of recharging?

    Post a video of yourself being happy! Dancing, singing, celebrating your life! Tell us why you’re happy and share it!

    challenge

    It’s terrific that you are making connection a priority. Especially when so many of us have been cut off from our loved ones! I’m delighted you know you can schedule a regular connection time to connect with friends, loved ones and even yourself. We all need to do what we can to make sure we’re staying social. How do you feel now? What are the ways you’re connecting with others?

    Post a video of yourself giving yourself the biggest hug, smiling your biggest smile. 

    crisis

    It’s fantastic that you’re giving yourself breaks. You can’t keep running at 100% all the time. I’m so glad you know you realize that healing is an essential part of growth and that you’re giving yourself breaks and also scheduling naps, meditation, reflection time and other moments for stepping back from the rush of daily life. When you don’t take care of yourself, your work and your outlook can suffer. What are you doing specifically?

    Share a video of you massaging your head for 15 seconds or so to a soothing song — classical or pop, your choice — it’s a chill-out head massage. 

    crisis

    It’s so great that you are figuring out your why for the year. You know that goal-setting is essential in the planning process for long-term success. Without goals, we only guess at our progress. How are you feeling about the coming year? Is anything standing in the way of your goals?

    Share a video of yourself holding a victory pose, and saying how you will succeed this year.

    crisis

    How great that you are breaking down your goal into actionable steps, and you’re feeling less overwhelmed about reaching your outcome. This is such a wonderful way to change your life. Try to do something each day that will move you forward. What are your plans for this? How do you feel about it?

    Post a video or photo of yourself doing something uncomfortable like taking a cold shower for 10 seconds — and celebrating your win.

    crisis

    This is how you gain perspective — you look behind to look ahead! How smart to zoom back and see what you’ve done, so you can make adjustments to make sure you can still reach your goals. Can you share how you feel about where you are in reaching your goals?

    Film yourself asking yourself the one thing great you did this week. Share it and shout yes.

    quiz

    I love that you are learning to celebrate every little goal, not just big ones. You know that celebrating wins moves you forward to the big goal with more energy and joy. This is what really keeps you going — no matter where you are on your journey you can always celebrate! Tell us how far you’ve come — what is making you.

    Share a video or photo of yourself assuming a winning pose, whatever you feel makes you look like a winner — and shout out why you’re doing so well.

    crisis

    It’s amazing that you are able to find new ways to make your everyday tasks so rewarding. Creating routines leads to great results — but keeping those routines fresh makes you even happier to keep at it. I’m delighted that you’re doing what it takes to continue reaching your goal. How are you making your routines fresh?

    Share a video of yourself looking into the mirror when you wake up in the morning, and saying, “Thank You and I love you.”

    crisis

    It’s terrific that you are protecting yourself from overdoing it and running at full charge all the time by scheduling self-care or downtime. I’m glad to see that you are aware that even the best intentions can be overdone if you don’t give yourself a break. We all need to schedule time off to heal. How are you feeling? What are the ways you’re disconnecting this year?

    Share a video of your “me time”. Go somewhere into nature (a beach, a park, your backyard). Sit in silence for 5 minutes (phones off). Write down in pen and paper what came up for you and let us know. 

    crisis

    It’s fantastic that you’re practicing gratitude to ensure that you maintain a good attitude as you work toward your goal. Gratitude is a gift for your self-esteem. I’m so glad you know that being grateful to others makes you stronger. How are you being grateful today? What specifically gives you gratitude?

    Toss the gratitude ball. Share a video of you saying what you’re grateful for, packing your gratitude into an imaginary ball in your hands, and sending it to the sky. Release your gratitude to others.

    It’s fantastic that you’re not concerned with setbacks but with what lies ahead and how well you’ve done. I’m so glad you know that you realize how much progress you’ve already made. You realize it’s not productive to judge yourself if you have any setbacks. Treat setbacks and failures as part of the process. What are you doing to keep yourself moving forward? How do you feel about your progress?

    Share your success. Post one thing you’ve succeeded at during this 30-day challenge! Share why this has been so important. Tag two friends.

    crisis

    It’s wonderful that you’ve developed healthy routines in pursuing your goal. Routines are the best ways to move ahead with purpose. I’m so glad you know that you can turn what you’ve learned into good habits to keep the momentum going. What are the good habits and routines you’re developing? How do you feel after 30 days?

    Powerful Pose and Congratulations. Film yourself striking a powerful pose to congratulate yourself on completing the 30-Day Challenge. Shout “Yay!”