Holidays
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Help for the holidays
“One of the most important ways to reduce stress is to ask for help. This works not only during the holidays, but also all year ’round.” – Dr. Daisy Sutherland Lately I’ve been noticing more articles on the topic of why some folks secretly dread the holiday season — even though it’s supposed to be a time of comfort, joy, and celebration. Ironically, rates of depression typically rise between Thanksgiving and December 31st, with many people reporting feelings of sadness. For others, the holidays simply add another layer of stress and busy-ness. Some of us have trouble saying “no” when it comes to stuffing every moment in December with nonstop activity.…
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What happens when you “pay it forward”
“You can get everything in life you want — if you will just help enough other people get what they want.” ~Zig Ziglar Yesterday I wrote about the economics of holiday spending and the real meaning of generosity. Throughout the day, which happened to be Giving Tuesday, I also thought about the phrase “paying it forward.” To pay it forward means you remember your own good fortune and help someone else (sometimes anonymously) without expecting something in return. It’s a different kind of reciprocation. I’ve learned over the years that whenever I share what I have with others, my life magically improves, too. Of course, it’s harder to be generous…
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The real measure of generosity
“A life is not measured by what we do or what we give, but by who we are … The impact we’ve had on the lives around us could be felt for decades. How present am I with the people in my life? Am I able to take responsibility for the actions that hurt others? Do I want to be right or can I choose to be thoughtful and kind?” ~Cheryl Richardson Most of us equate “generosity” with lavish gifting — especially this time of year. As I type this, economists are tracking and comparing annual statistics on holiday spending, including the types of purchases we make and how much money…
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Happy Thanksgiving
“We must find the time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives.” ~John F. Kennedy Unlike our highly commercialized Christmas season, Thanksgiving doesn’t demand as much from us. It doesn’t require spending loads of cash or credit on gifts and decorations, nor does it push us to party through January 1st. Regardless of our religious beliefs or church affiliation, Thanksgiving only asks that we sit down together at a table — one day out of the year — and express our appreciation. Too often, we’re so focused on our worries that we take our advantages and opportunities for granted. Or we forget to acknowledge…
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Your harvest, your life
“The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.” ~Oprah Winfrey Late autumn inspires us to take stock of what we’ve planted or accomplished. The season of Thanksgiving — not just the holiday itself — underscores a simple choice we always have: We can celebrate all the good things we’ve reaped and experienced, or dwell on the difficulties we’ve encountered. A positive mindset is the natural outgrowth of appreciation. It’s part of the harvest we reap when we count everything that enriches our lives, large and small. Many Americans will spend this weekend shopping for food to share at their Thanksgiving tables. Some…
