I am proud to say that—minus the getting off the computer by eight in the evening—I have adopted these activities and routines wholeheartedly. In turn, my overall view and perspective of shopping for the “teeny-weeny bikini” has shifted.

Award season is pretty much over (I think), and I gotta say I ain’t mad at that. But that’s a bit sad because I used to get so amped up over seeing my favorite stars being recognized for their work in music, film, television, and humanitarian efforts. The speeches, the perfect video shots of prideful spouses in the audience, and the standing ovations for legendary appearances by the industry’s greatest. I mean, I would rearrange my schedule just to catch all of this.

At the tail-end of November, a few days after I turned thirty-one, I had an awakening. I remember looking in the mirror, sternly telling myself, “Look, Elana, this is your life. You get what you put into it. Excuses get you nowhere, so continue to focus on the future and connect the nuts and bolts that will help you get to where you want to be.”

Despite the commercialist society we live in and the pressure to gift give and spend your hard-earned paychecks just on stuff to show you care, try to evaluate what is important to you as well as to the person you would like to give a gift to.

I may very well be the Scrooge of Halloween. The idea of “dressing up” on this day (ugh!) gives me a combined feeling of annoyance and anxiety. Those who cheer in their delight to be a mermaid, Frankenstein, dominatrix, rock star, or whoever, Lady Gaga even, sometimes get under my skin. What makes you so excited?

The “Back to School” year is a major time for nearly everyone. From the little kindergarteners who can’t wait to get their hands on Justin Bieber T-shirts to teenage girls who are begging their parents for approval on certain items (like those insanely tight denim short shorts), returning to the classroom means something unique to each person.

Recently, when hanging out at a bar on Sunset, I looked around, noticing a trend that was scary. It was the “I don’t care what my shape is, I’m gonna show off every curve and lump and bump” mini-dress. I was saddened watching overweight gals trying to keep their legs together when sitting on a bar stool or yanking down their spandex material as they huddled and walked in groups to the restroom. I also couldn’t help but notice that there were very few men being lured in by this style. These ladies, that night, were not unattractive. In fact, you should have seen their smiles, hairstyles, and shoes.

This is the first time I’ve written in more than a month. A break-up will do that to you. Separating my life from someone after nearly five years has been a life-altering experience, to say the least. And amidst the process of moving out, moving in, not having access to a personal computer, and crying on the shoulder of my mother . . . I felt like I lost it.

There will always be “haters”—people who get a kick out of seeing someone else fail. Those are individuals you want to steer clear of. A friend should provide support when success comes your way as well as when you feel down and out. This year, try making it a point to evaluate who in your life is worthy of your friendship.

We naturally feel a newfound sense of compassion for these people during the holidays, handing out dollars where we can. Being selfless is part of the holidays, a time for you to step out of your comfort zone and also provide volunteer services, canned goods, and clothing for those who may only be able to repay you with a smile.