- When your "to do" list keeps growing, and everything on it is top priority.

- When you're awake and worrying at 3:00 AM. And 3:30 AM. And 4:00 AM. - When you're nagging yourself to death.

- When you're worrying about a million things at once, and not taking action on any of them. - When you feel as if you are under incredible time pressure and will never get anything done on time. When every decision or option is stupid. - When you can't focus.

- When you can see only one choice.

- When you know that everyone else is doing everything else better than you ever will. - When you're afraid to try something new.

- When you only hear criticism and not praise. Or when you discount praise. (My personal Gremlin was really acting up when I wrote this, so I'm pretty sure it's accurate!)

When does your Gremlin show up? See if you can notice him (or her, or it, or them) at least fifteen times this week, and e-mail me with your discoveries.

For a much more detailed explanation of Gremlins, and how to tame them, read Richard Carson's book, Taming Your Gremlin. It is available from MYM at http://www.manageyourmuse.com/reading/index.html.

NAME YOURSELF: You are valuable and vital to your world. People love and respect you in many different circles, because you are a well-rounded person. Look up origin of your name. Study your geneaology if that interests you. Your parents gave you your name for a good reason. Find out history of your name. Were you named for a relative or friend or a famous person? What an intriguing way to celebrate yourself and your history.

HONOR YOURSELF: Cultivate confidence in your personality,your skills (all of them) and your abilities. Take time to write about positive contributions you've made to your local, national and international community. Highlight your daily successes in your journal entries. Your self-esteem can always use building up, especially during busy or stressful times.

SHARE YOURSELF: Don't be afraid to stretch your comfort zone just a little bit. Take a new class. Go to a concert. Join a book club. Chat with a like-minded person in your local coffee shop. You may just find a new friend or at least an acquaintance along way.

Above all, don't underestimate how important you are! May your self-care skills grow and expand daily!