Being the “new kid on the block” at work can be both fun and frustrating. For one, the newness of it all—new co-workers, new challenges, new environment—makes for a stimulating experience. With all the novelty, however, comes uncertainty. You don’t know exactly how you will take to your new office mates or how they will take to you, and you feel the pressure of trying to make a great first impression. Here are a few ways to ensure that those first few weeks at work are socially and professionally productive ones.

In the United States, it’s commonly known that retirement planning is a good thing.  Many employers offer retirement benefits, government agencies offer pensions, and Americans are generally encouraged to save money for retirement.  If the general public has an awareness that retirement planning is important, why do so few people actually do it?

Before we address that question specifically, let’s examine a few key government statistics.  The U.S. government estimates:

As I watch my children grow, it amazes me how much our parental involvement influences us  -- we learn deeply from how we are taught and I try hard, every day, to give my kids a fair, honest, and straightforward approach to what I think they need.

I was struck by the fact that one of the children in our neighborhood didn't know their home phone number, so I resolved to make a list of these top things that I think every child, including your own, should be able to do.

In no particular order, I believe a child in the 7 - 11 year old range should be able to, or be learning how to:

1) Recite their parent or guardian's full name, street address, and phone number.

2) Cook eggs, toast, and ham, or some equivalent simple meal.

I believe that many of us are starting up, and supporting, green businesses, because when it boils down to the basics we have a great deal of respect for doing the right thing.

There is so much poverty in the world. Many people do not have access to clean water, or to medicine, or to a safe place to sleep. The status of women and girl children is very low in many cultures. Beyond basic necessities, millions of people also suffer from a lack of hope -- this is spirit-crushing and manifests itself as depression, suicide, and substance abuse. We must dream. We must believe in hope for ourselves and the future. With hope, we have passion, enthusiasm, and the will to survive and thrive.

How does your day flow? Where does your time go? Are you aware of how much time you are spending doing which tasks?

A typical day for me consists of my five main activities:
1) Thinking, reading
2) Researching and writing
3) Organizing and planning
4) Working on projects
5) Meditating

Then I also do the following:
6) Connecting with others, volunteering, communicating
7) Exercising and enjoying the outdoors
8) Resting/Sleeping/Eating/Laundry/other Maintenance