The past few weeks have flown by: I am so glad our family adopted the tradition, brought with us from our time in Germany, of four Advent candles. The first candle we light on the fourth Sunday before December 25th, the second one is added the next Sunday and so on until all four burn brightly together from the last Sunday till 25th (not continuously, of course!)

A burning candle reminds me to pause and breathe. You can't rush a candle to burn faster! It also reminds me of one of my favourite quotes on spreading  light (see later). And at this time of year it reminds me of how time passes...

I've also included the "Annual Review" questions, and some thoughts from Rumi...
Till next time, next year! 

                Sue  

As the holiday season approaches, perhaps you find yourself getting bogged down in all the busyness and forgetting  to really connect with the essence of the meaning of the season.

 Enjoyment can easily turn to stress, especially when expectations are high. Here are seven tips to help reverse the trend and create a more magical time.

Get clear about what you really want to do over the holidays - have a plan, with clear intentions - before compromising with others. Otherwise you might find yourself getting swept along with desires of others and getting sucked into their schedules. Yes, you may decide to compromise later but get clear first to avoid negative feelings.

Don't be concerned about getting things "perfect". Let your best be good enough! Set a budget for both your time and money... and stick to it. Remember it's the thought that counts.

3. Shorten your to-do list.

What does the holiday season mean to you? For many, it's about family and friends and spirituality....If an item doesn't add to YOUR holiday spirit, delete it!

It can be liberating- try it and see. Too often begrudging feelings of obligation trump what you really want. When there are options, choose what will make you happiest.

If there are certain events that can't be avoided, you can limit the time you are there.

Yes, the old standards can help keep stress at bay: eat healthfully, exercise, keep hydrated. Schedule in time for rest, relaxation and fun....

When there is lots to plan and to do, start early to avoid a last-minute frenzy. And don't let the burden of preparations fall on just ONE person (you?).

So, here's to a your magical holiday season!

And remember, if a wonderful holiday season feels completely out of reach, you may experience the blues..Many people do. Don't beat yourself up for feeling the way you do:  rather, reach out for the support you need from those around you.

Yes, it's that time of year again! As the year comes to an end, we tend to begin to mentally prepare for next year. But I like to encourage you to stop and think about your accomplishments and challenges during THIS year, 2014....

Each year around this time I include these "Top 10 Year-End Review Questions" (the most feedback I ever received following a newsletter were queries as to why these questions didn't appear one year). I am pleased it seems to have become an end-of-year ritual for so many of us.

 

1. What have I accomplished this year?

 Be specific : write it all down. And schedule some time to celebrate!

 

2. What have I learnt this year?

 What skills did you pick up? What emotional lessons?

 

3. Who contributed to my successes?

 What can you do to recognise these people- these members of your personal or professional "team"? 

 

4. What got in my way?

 

5. What were my biggest disappointments?

Take some time to reflect on what that disappointment is about.

 

6. What mistakes did I make?

And what did you - and can you, still- learn from them?

 

7. How were my activities (at work and/or personally) consistent with my values- all those things that I hold as important in my life?

What will you do about the inconsistencies?

 

8. How would I rate my satisfaction overall this year?

 Give yourself a 1-10 score, or a letter grade.

 

9. What do I need to let go of?

  Doing so can help you move on with less effort into the new year.

 

10. What was missing for me this year?

How will you incorporate this/these into next year? 

 

info@suecowancoaching.com
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If you are curious to know more about what I do, or about coaching in general, you can visit my coaching  website     www.suecowancoaching.com