While proving that you suffered a loss may sound like easiest requirement to meet, issue is a bit more complicated. The Tax Code defines loss as an amount that is included in your books as income, but is never collected. A classic example of such a situation would be a manufacturer that provides products to retailers on credit. The manufacturer can show a real loss if retailer files bankruptcy. Unfortunately, there is almost no way to claim a loss if you provide hourly services and use a cash accounting method. The IRS does not consider expenditure of time and effort to be a sustained economic loss.

Small businesses suffer all to often from uncollected receivables. If you failed to claim such losses as a tax deduction during your last three tax filing years, you should file amended tax returns to get a refund.

Just because we can work really hard to make more money doesn't mean we have to or that we should. We get to choose. We forget that, though, and that's how we end up working 60-hour weeks and wondering when we'll ever get another vacation.

Insert mindfulness here.

Instead of mentally listing all your bills, your future obligations with kids going to college or your retirement plan, veer away from knee-jerk rationalization about your chosen squeeze and watch what happens when you ask: "What matters most?" and "How can I get that while truly enjoying every day?"

Now, I'm not saying you have to change a thing. But simple process of asking is a powerful eye-opener. And really, that's what mindfulness is all about--gaining perspective.

Don't shy away from squeeze vs. juice question. Ask, and keep asking. And make sure you're sipping that tasty juice every single day.