Holiday Stress

“Presence is more than just being there.“
~ Malcolm S. Forbes

The end of a year can bring on tremendous stress, between meeting calendar year business objectives and the rush of the holidays. How is your year winding down? Do all those holiday “to do’s” feel like obligations or delightful opportunities? Make the conscious choice today to be present this holiday season in all that you do. We sometimes feel burdened by all that we “have” to do, forgetting that we “get” to do things like spend time with friends, hear joyous music, see our communities decorated, make our homes welcoming, eat too much great food and perhaps give or receive a gift or two.

When you see a friend or family member at a gathering, consider by-passing some of the usual small talk in favor of telling that person why he or she is a gift in your life. Find out how that person’s year has been, both the triumphs and the hardships. Ask them what they’re hoping for and encourage them in pursuing possibility. Share from the heart what’s going on with you. Connect. Even though there may be twenty people at a party that you feel the need to say “hi” to, make sure you truly connect with at least one.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, ask yourself what’s most important in terms of your core values, and what you may have taken on that’s merely a “should.” If this were your last December ever, what would you focus on? Goals are important magnets to pull us forward, but the calendar year is often an arbitrary deadline – don’t let it rule you to the point of losing perspective on enjoying the present. The time you spend with people right now, and the beauty of the season won’t be here in January – lots of the other things on your list will be.

What if every day between now and December 31 you took two minutes to focus completely on five things for which you’re immensely grateful? You’d have 155 thoughts of gratitude about your life just as it is – a nice present for yourself, and powerful, too. Try this upon waking, or right before going to sleep. Watch how it shifts your attitude from stress about the future to peace about the present. Notice how you become more aware of all the gifts in your life. As you become more centered and present with others, observe how contagious it is. Be one of the 155 grateful thoughts that someone in your life has.

Enjoy yourself. Slow down. Be gentle. Sing. Dance. Hug. Celebrate. Happy Holidays!

Entrepreneur Seminar in Durango January 5, 19, February 2, 16

Get yourself and your business in good shape for the new year with “Survival Skills for Entrepreneurs (and other self-employed types).” Just the thing for anyone who works for him/herself, this four-part workshop will be offered at the Durango Arts Center Wednesday evenings on the dates noted above, from 6:30-8:30. Participants will write a business plan, focus their marketing strategies, develop systems, and much more! You’ll receive a workbook, lots of great information and learn from your fellow entrepreneurs. Space will be limited, so call now to reserve your place. Sign up by December 20 to receive early registration pricing. Call me at (970) 259-4847 for more information. If you refer two or more registrants, you’ll receive your registration at half price.

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Reach Me: Telephone: (970) 259-4847; Fax: (970) 259-4874
E-mail: ginger@magellangj.com
Web: www.magellangj.com

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