One Journey Consulting November 2009 Greetings! Radio stations play holiday music nonstop, spectacular light displays brighten our neighborhoods and delicious cookies and pies bake in our kitchens- the holiday season is officially upon us! This year, December brings us joy and good tidings, both of which we share with you. We hope this last newsletter of 2009 offers you support during this season. With a new twist on an age-old tradition, we suggest 'Make Your Holiday List' and give to yourself this year. We've launched some new ways for you to stay connected with One Journey Consulting. Check out the various ways we're online (including our blog chronicling our Base Camp series). And save the date for the workshops below- we want to help you reach those New Year's resolutions. So we wish you a wonderful holiday season! May you have joy and good tidings! Sincerely,   Renee Cooper Di Hall One Journey Consulting   Upcoming Events at One Journey Consulting  If you're thinking about placing 'dating again' on your list of New Year's resolutions, then join us on Saturday, January 16 for the Dare to Date...Again! workshop. We'll get you ready to attract and maintain the best relationship for you. Or if 'getting your finances in order' tops your list, then we hope you can attend the free financial session with Brian Gaffney of Merrill Lynch on Thursday, January 14 at 7:30pm. Whether you are now responsible for your own budget, or have to learn to live on less, this informational session will provide techniques and resources to address your questions and help you take steps to develop a plan to Find the 'Fine' in Financial. All workshops will be held at One Journey Consulting, 75 Claypit Hill Road in Wayland. To register, visit One Journey Consulting, or contact Renee at 508-276-1764 or info@onejourneyconsulting.com. Make a Holiday List by Renee Cooper  Lately I've been reading a lot about the holidays: what to cook, how to decorate, what to buy (and what to ask for...). And gradually it dawned on me -- these articles are all about what to do for others, or what to ask others to do for you!    Don't get me wrong - I think "doing for others" is generous and noble and kind. Problem is, when you're going through a divorce, there's likely to be a whole lot of "doing for others", and usually not an "Other" to do for you. So instead of experiencing the joy and peace of the holiday season, you probably find yourself feeling tired, stressed, resentful and lonely.   I want to suggest something different. What if, this year, the gift you give yourself is to be your own "Other?" What if you promise to treat yourself with kindness and compassion? And this year, give yourself those things that will inspire you, energize you, and fill you with joy and gratitude.    So I challenge you- instead of waiting for someone else to fulfill your dreams and desires, write your holiday wish list and then use the next few weeks to give yourself those gifts.   [Disclaimer: I'm not suggesting you max out your credit cards at the closest shopping mall. However, there is something gratifying to purchasing a long desired item. If your bank account can handle it, go for it. And do it guilt-free which is often more valuable than the item.]   So with the material item bought, here are some suggestions to put on your holiday list (and then begin granting them to yourself!):   ·A good night's sleep ·A delicious meal with a good friend ·An hour to really play with your children (with no distractions) ·An afghan, cup of tea and a great book/movie ·Lessons that empower you to enjoy the single life (mastering the grill, cooking a healthy meal or using a power drill) ·Permission to ask for help ·Financial wisdom (adhering to your monetary limits so January's bills do not defeat you) ·Acceptance that this is your life right now ·Clarity to realize this doesn't have to be your life in the future ·Courage to make the changes so you live the life you want     If you use this holiday as an opportunity to take a step in learning to be your own best friend, you'll hopefully create a pattern that will continue all next year! One Journey Consulting Online Groups and Networks We are very excited about the new ways we can stay connected and offer support to our community, especially during the holiday season. Please check us out on: Become a fan so you can stay informed on upcoming services and share information. Join us at where you can interact with live chats and online discussion boards, share photos and stories, ask questions to our network and get support when the roller coaster is going too fast. We're also on and will be tweeting tips on how to enjoy the holidays. And check out our two blogs- Divorcing Eve (written by one of our alumni) and Consulting One Journey (where we'll be blogging on the information presented in our current Base Camp). About One Journey Consulting One Journey Consulting is a coaching and consulting practice dedicated to personal renewal and rediscovery, particularly through the experience of divorce and other significant life transitions.  Services include weekly workshops, one-day seminars, individual coaching and weekend retreats. For more information, visit www.onejourneyconsulting.com.      One Journey Consulting                  75 Claypit Hill Road                   Wayland, Massachusetts 01778