Season's Greetings, friends,

 

For most of us, this is a hectic time of year. We are a nation of "busybodies," rushing to and from work, dashing to the grocery store, going from one meeting to another, shopping for holiday gifts, attending parties, and more. 

 

When we're the busiest, it's that much more important to stop, take inventory, and reflect on all of our blessings. Whenever you can, give yourself some quiet time each day. Make it a priority to stop whatever you're doing, shut down for a few minutes, and think of all the things you feel grateful for and let yourself really feel it.
 
We are human beings, not human doings. Stop "doing" for a few minutes each day and just "be." This is difficult for most of us.

Maybe you feel grateful that you have a wonderful job, that you work with people whom you like and admire, that you and your children are healthy and safe, or that you have a terrific marriage or partnership. Maybe you're grateful for the support you receive from a close friend or colleague. Maybe you feel grateful that you have heat or air-conditioning in your home, a comfortable bed, and a pantry full of food.

When you feel grateful it warms your heart and makes you want to share your emotional wealth with others through gestures of kindness or empathy.

I'm especially grateful that I get to wake up each day and do what I love. I agree with children's activist, Marian Wright Edelman, who once said, "I'm doing what I think I was put on this earth to do. And I'm really grateful to have something that I'm passionate about and that I think is profoundly important."

My hope is that you are doing what makes your heart sing and that you surround yourself with joy, laughter, and lots of love this holiday season.

With gratitude,