Thought for a Sunday - 11 December 2011
Hi Everyone. Hope this finds you well. I'm looking out my window this morning at a clear blue sky. It was very chilly this morning when I left the house, yet it was so refreshing. I love seeing the lawns covered in frost especially at this time of year.
Have you started feeling pressures of the holidays yet? I have talked to many people that seem to be stressed out about getting things done - perhaps overdone. What I have noticed is that women seem to be more stressed than men at this time of year. Do you think we women put too much pressure on ourselves to make everything perfect - whether it be gifts, parties, baking, etc.? I am definitely guilty of having been that way in the past. I have a couple of events this week and was asked to bring something to the work party - I said no problem I'll bring a side dish and already know what I want to pick up pre-made at the grocery store. Another party I said sure I'll bring cookies as long as you know I won't be making them - one reason is that I do not like to bake. I am all for making it easier on myself and helping the economy along. My goal is to enjoy the time I spend at the parties/events with the people that are there and not worry about the food. What about you? Any feedback?
From a different perspective, I'm not sure I understand why parents feel they must give everything a kid wants as holiday gifts. I understand trying to give kids things, but sometimes economically it's just not possible. Yet parents are willing to go into debt to pick up an enormous amounts of gifts instead of focusing on the one or two things. As an Aunt I try to get my kids at least one thing they want. I usually ask them for a list of their top three and let them know that they may get one of them. When I hear I want, want, want constantly from anyone I usually ask why they think they deserve it and let them know they need to earn it. That usually keeps them quiet for a while. I love to give gifts and the look of surprise or happiness on the recipients faces. And yet at the same time, I would not want anyone to just expect me to give them something. Does that sound selfish? Of course the best gift I have found is just being there for people. When you are present in the moment with them listening and giving your full attention it's amazing. Any thoughts?
I am almost done with a great book: Kitchen Table Wisdom by Rachel Naomi Remen, M.D. I am reading the 10th Anniversary Edition. The book contains stories that heal. She blends the viewpoints of a physician and patient. It is wonderful!!!! Read anything good lately?
Well I dropped out of the Y this past week. I thought it was expensive monthly, but I was willing to bite the bullet. What put it over the top was a letter that in December I would be charged a new annual fee. That just did it. One reason I was mad is that the letter was dated a month before I received it and they were going to take it out the next week. Second, I have this thing against paying annual fees when I pay monthly fees. So I popped in the other afternoon and pulled my membership. I explained why and advised they should not charge my card for the annual fee or there would be bigger issues to pay. They processed an adjustment right there and then as they fee was coming out the next day. They sort of indicated that they had heard from other customers as well. I told them I was not blaming them, but corporately not sure it was a good decision. I can find plenty of places a bit less expensive and without annual fees. I also explained it's the same reason I will drop a credit card company or bank. Oh well, now to find a new place to workout. I did walk yesterday morning and it was nice to enjoy the chill in the air.
I hope you get a chance to walk or drive through your neighborhood to enjoy the holiday lights. There is one house near me that has the lights on dazzle I think - the flashing, blinking, etc. I joked that I could not look at them too long. Most of the displays are very fun and brings a big smile to my face.
Well I better get moving. I am going to an open house this afternoon where the hosts collect toys for Toys for Tots and food for the local food bank. I have my deliverables almost ready. I just love this idea, I think the hosts indicated it was their 15th event and it seems to grow every year. It's a wonderful afternoon seeing colleagues and people that I just don't get to see too often.
This week on the calendar:
13 December: National Cocoa Day
I hope you have a good week. Take some time to breathe a little - it does help. Take care. Chat soon. Marie
"GIVE THE WORLD THE BEST YOU HAVE, AND IT MAY NEVER BE ENOUGH; GIVE THE WORLD THE BEST YOU'VE GOT ANYWAY." Mother Teresa
"LEARN TO LET GO. THAT IS THE KEY TO HAPPINESS." Buddha
"I OPEN NEW DOORS TO LIFE. I REJOICE IN WHAT I HAVE AND I KNOW THAT FRESH NEW EXPERIENCES ARE ALWAYS AHEAD. I GREET THE NEW WITH OPEN ARMS. I TRUST LIFE TO BE WONDERFUL." Louise Hay
Have you started feeling pressures of the holidays yet? I have talked to many people that seem to be stressed out about getting things done - perhaps overdone. What I have noticed is that women seem to be more stressed than men at this time of year. Do you think we women put too much pressure on ourselves to make everything perfect - whether it be gifts, parties, baking, etc.? I am definitely guilty of having been that way in the past. I have a couple of events this week and was asked to bring something to the work party - I said no problem I'll bring a side dish and already know what I want to pick up pre-made at the grocery store. Another party I said sure I'll bring cookies as long as you know I won't be making them - one reason is that I do not like to bake. I am all for making it easier on myself and helping the economy along. My goal is to enjoy the time I spend at the parties/events with the people that are there and not worry about the food. What about you? Any feedback?
From a different perspective, I'm not sure I understand why parents feel they must give everything a kid wants as holiday gifts. I understand trying to give kids things, but sometimes economically it's just not possible. Yet parents are willing to go into debt to pick up an enormous amounts of gifts instead of focusing on the one or two things. As an Aunt I try to get my kids at least one thing they want. I usually ask them for a list of their top three and let them know that they may get one of them. When I hear I want, want, want constantly from anyone I usually ask why they think they deserve it and let them know they need to earn it. That usually keeps them quiet for a while. I love to give gifts and the look of surprise or happiness on the recipients faces. And yet at the same time, I would not want anyone to just expect me to give them something. Does that sound selfish? Of course the best gift I have found is just being there for people. When you are present in the moment with them listening and giving your full attention it's amazing. Any thoughts?
I am almost done with a great book: Kitchen Table Wisdom by Rachel Naomi Remen, M.D. I am reading the 10th Anniversary Edition. The book contains stories that heal. She blends the viewpoints of a physician and patient. It is wonderful!!!! Read anything good lately?
Well I dropped out of the Y this past week. I thought it was expensive monthly, but I was willing to bite the bullet. What put it over the top was a letter that in December I would be charged a new annual fee. That just did it. One reason I was mad is that the letter was dated a month before I received it and they were going to take it out the next week. Second, I have this thing against paying annual fees when I pay monthly fees. So I popped in the other afternoon and pulled my membership. I explained why and advised they should not charge my card for the annual fee or there would be bigger issues to pay. They processed an adjustment right there and then as they fee was coming out the next day. They sort of indicated that they had heard from other customers as well. I told them I was not blaming them, but corporately not sure it was a good decision. I can find plenty of places a bit less expensive and without annual fees. I also explained it's the same reason I will drop a credit card company or bank. Oh well, now to find a new place to workout. I did walk yesterday morning and it was nice to enjoy the chill in the air.
I hope you get a chance to walk or drive through your neighborhood to enjoy the holiday lights. There is one house near me that has the lights on dazzle I think - the flashing, blinking, etc. I joked that I could not look at them too long. Most of the displays are very fun and brings a big smile to my face.
Well I better get moving. I am going to an open house this afternoon where the hosts collect toys for Toys for Tots and food for the local food bank. I have my deliverables almost ready. I just love this idea, I think the hosts indicated it was their 15th event and it seems to grow every year. It's a wonderful afternoon seeing colleagues and people that I just don't get to see too often.
This week on the calendar:
13 December: National Cocoa Day
I hope you have a good week. Take some time to breathe a little - it does help. Take care. Chat soon. Marie
"GIVE THE WORLD THE BEST YOU HAVE, AND IT MAY NEVER BE ENOUGH; GIVE THE WORLD THE BEST YOU'VE GOT ANYWAY." Mother Teresa
"LEARN TO LET GO. THAT IS THE KEY TO HAPPINESS." Buddha
"I OPEN NEW DOORS TO LIFE. I REJOICE IN WHAT I HAVE AND I KNOW THAT FRESH NEW EXPERIENCES ARE ALWAYS AHEAD. I GREET THE NEW WITH OPEN ARMS. I TRUST LIFE TO BE WONDERFUL." Louise Hay
Posted by Beacon Coaching - Marie Nagle at 12/11/2011 12:00 PM 
Categories: Gratitude, Friends, People, Stress, humor
Categories: Gratitude, Friends, People, Stress, humor
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