As it's the beginning of a new year, everyone is talking about New Year's Resolutions -- either making them, breaking them, or not bothering at all.  My favorite coaching person, Michael Bungay Stanier, says "Quit your resolutions NOW!"  Why?  Because they don't work and we just use them to beat ourselves up.  He doesn't let us off that easy, though.  Instead Michael gives us two alternatives -- Sound & Sensible or Pushing the Edges; actually, he suggests doing both.  To find out more, visit Michael's blog -- "Bored by Your New Year's Resolutions?" (and be sure to check out "The Eight Irresistible Principles of Fun" and "The 5.75 Questions You've Been Avoiding" on that page).

But whatever you do, I wish you a wonderful 2008 filled with peace, joy, and love!

We just passed the Winter Solstice -- shortest day/longest night of the year.  It's not a coincidence that the holidays this time of year focus on light -- Chanukah with its eight days of candles; Christmas lights and candles; the Hindu Diwali Festival of Light; Kwanzaa candles.  In ancient times, as the days got shorter and the nights longer, people were afraid the sun was disappearing and never coming back.  So they lit candles and fires to bring warmth and light back into their lives.  Over time, this became part of the holiday traditions.

Thinking about lighting candles reminds us about that little light that shines in each of us.  We each have something special to offer, something that is ours, and, as the song says, "this little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine."  May you shine bright and true in 2008!

I'm looking for some special clients -- can you help me find them?  I would love to work with a business that wants to start a newsletter.  And I'd also like to find companies who want their employees' business communications to look and sound better.  If you know anyone who could use these services, please let me know.  Thank you!