Some days are harder than others. How discouraged or down you feel may depend, at least in part, by how much you've heard or read the news on any given day.

No matter what your situation is--employed, looking for work, contemplating a new career--being in a positive frame of mind will only help you as you go about your life.

Since everyone seems to be so busy these days, here are three simple tips that might easily be included into your weekly activities:

Have you ever considered how your parent's expectations, their own particular career choices and work attitudes, or your home environment affect your work-related decisions?

Fear is not always a warning that you should stop what you are doing or that there is real danger ahead. If fear is coupled with a feeling of positive anticipation (like butterflies in your stomach), it could signal a new experience that will challenge your limits and your trust.

It is finally here: winter in Maine. While the season actually changed on December 21, the winter solstice, nature has belied this fact until today when we experienced our first storm of the season.

Feeling down often accompanies unemployment, being in a job that is less than satisfying, or difficulty finding new work. Periods of mild depression are understandable and normal responses to those difficult situations.

Being satisfied and happy in your work is not always easy to achieve. That result is realized from a number of factors that come together in your favor. What you do for work and how you experience it are shaped by multiple influences, not the least of which is the influence of family.

In case you