Recently, NBC’s The Today Show did a segment on women’s body image issues and trends. The first topic of discussion was a 1984-survey of 16,000 women answering questions about their self-image. The Survey, conducted by Glamour magazine, revealed “75 percent of women felt they were too fat, and more than 60 percent said they were dissatisfied with or ashamed of their stomach, hips, and thighs.”

So how do women feel today—25 years later? To find out, Glamour conducted a follow-up survey, asking 16,000 women similar questions. The poll showed that, sadly, not much has changed. “More than 40 percent of women still seem to be struggling with their body image,” reports Glamour.

The discussion, while disheartening, was an eye-opener as to how much time is actually spent criticizing one's self.

I, for one, am guilty, and I wonder how I would feel and what I might accomplish if I applied this energy elsewhere? I’m determined to find out by embracing the things I like about myself, beginning with my desire to always find a silver lining.

What will you put first on your list?

Posted by Wendy

I’ve been enjoying monthly breakfast with a friend from high school days for a couple years now. I hadn’t seen Kathy for decades when, hurrying into a new grocery store one rainy morning, there she was! Although it’s sometimes hard to find a mutually good time and place, we always carve out some time together. We talk about the usual (and not so usual) happenings of our families and friends as well as what we do at the office and in our free time. On one hand, it’s all pretty casual. On the other, our little Breakfast Club is all about one of the most important pieces of living well—building and maintaining good relationships.

I’d like to be a better listener and focus less on trying to “fix” things.

The Greek philosopher Epictetus reportedly said: “Nature gave us one tongue and two ears so we could hear twice as much as we speak.”

That’s good advice. Here’s some more:

The less you talk, the more you’re listened to. - Abigail Van Buren

Let others confide in you. It may not help you, but it surely will help them. - Roger G. Imhoff

A good listener is not only popular everywhere, but after a while he knows something. - Wilson Mizner

It is all right to hold a conversation, but you should let go of it now and then. - Richard Armour

So, dear readers, I’d like to let go of this one-sided conversation and listen to you! Post your comments, questions, and ideas about making (and keeping) good friends below.

Posted by Adrianne

And a spring in my step, too. Living in the Midwest offers the opportunity to watch, hear, and even smell the seasons as they change. It gives us the chance to look forward to the upcoming weather, too. Along with its fair share of rain, Spring brings sunshine and warmer temperatures. Familiar sounds of birds chirping, children playing outdoors, and dogs barking remind us that we’ll soon see flowers bloom and leaves fill the trees. Aromas of outdoor grilling, fresh rainfall, and fragrant gardens compel us to step out of our winter hibernation and into the gifts of the spring. Some look forward to a break from school, a chance to set the clocks forward, celebrate Easter, or simply tend to gardens. But for everyone, the changing of seasons provides a time for rejuvenation and a fresh perspective—with nature as our guide.

What do you enjoy about the springtime? Tell us about your specific chores, activities, or routines for this season.

I had no idea there are so many types of coffee makers. There are multi-, double-, and single-cup brewers, machines, grinders, carafes, decanters, and press pots, too!

What I’m looking for is a good cup of hot coffee that is ready for my husband at 6 a.m. and an equally good cup (or two, or three) for me at 8 a.m. Carafes are out: My coffee was always lukewarm at best. Grinders and press pots seem like too much fuss, and you even get to pay extra for the inconvenience. As you can tell, we are more into the economical, easy-to-clean maker versus all the bells and whistles.

But bells and whistles aren’t always bad. My parents (plus two brothers and at least one niece) select from at least a dozen types of coffee and tea brewed directly into their small, medium, or large cup each morning. On a recent visit, I opted for piping hot cups of butter toffee and Swiss chocolate almond coffee and chai tea. Easy-to-clean? Yes, but we’re back to that money thing.

So what’s your favorite coffee maker/brewer/machine, and why?

And what coffee or tea do you brew at home? (Our current pick is Eight O’Clock Coffee, 100% Colombian, ground.)