Don’t you just love this time of year?  Is it the glitz, the glam, the family, the presents, the food, the celebration of our Lord’s birth or is it something else that it signifies to you? All of this and the fact that we get to start over every 365 days… such a gift… Our guaranteed Christmas gift…

Truth is, you can start over every day if you wish. You have the choice to reinvent yourself every fresh new day, so why is it that many of us keep going on the path we are on simply because we think we must….  You know the old saying “you made your bed, now lie in it…”  Has that saying become part of your unconscious makeup? Do you repeat it to yourself, either knowingly or unconsciously like a mantra?

Could this explain why many of us stay on a path that we really don’t want to be on anymore or one that feels comfortable… hmmm is it the devil we know vs. the devil we don’t…..  Why do we stay in relationships that don’t work for us believing that if we just work harder at it things will be rosy? Why do we continue to work at a job that makes us sick… yes sick… stress kills… When you force yourself to go to a place for 8 hours a day and do a job you dislike, whether you know it or not you are stressing yourself out!  So why will we take our health for granted and believe that one day when we retire all the stress we piled on will just disappear and we will be 100% again?

We are intelligent people… I think it’s time to stop living in the guilt we put on ourselves and let go of what is no longer making us happy, filling up space because we have to….

It’s time to enter the homestretch of 2010 leaving the self-induced guilt behind, letting go of all the things you did that you didn’t want to, putting to rest all the things you “should have done”, leaving behind all the things you dislike and no longer want to do, burying the last of settling for comfort over challenge and get on with a brand new year, another 365 days of your life… This is your next chapter, you get to write it on a fresh blank page… what will you fill it with… will you have a clean slate or will you carry those heavy feelings of guilt with you?

My challenge for 2011 is to make room, space for all the things I want in my life by clearing the clutter, figuratively and physically.  I was inspired by a friend on Facebook who challenged herself for 2010 to give away things she no longer uses to make room for more of what she wanted… My turn, I know I have too much “stuff” taking up space in my closets and my life… I am looking forward to simplifying my life by giving away things I love to those I love, those that need it and those that may want it… I will empty my closets and the closets of my mind by sharing good thoughts with those in my life, ensuring I give them a gift of how much they mean to me, sharing in their triumphs and giving what I can to help enhance their lives… in return for this… I open myself up to receive all good things that will take me closer to my goals and live the path I will enjoy every single minute of every single 365 days of 2011……

There is a rainbow before you…. And the difference is you! What differences will you make in your life?

- Tina Dezsi

Check out the FUN tips below for giving the right gift.

Our very knowledgeable Green Personality Style will love any gift that furthers their knowledge and competence. Greens are not into possessions or ‘things’. Avoid fluffy slippers, kitschy Christmas sweaters and gaudy jewellery. Knick knacks will find themselves in the next garage sale. Greens have a unique sense of humour, so tickets to a comedy show would work, as would a trip to an interesting place with lots of history. A magazine subscription to something that interests them, such as science, nature, how to go ‘green’. Avoid packaging; it’s likely that our Greens are totally serious about going ‘Green’. Greens love ideas and concepts, a trip to the museum would be most welcome.

The core need for our Gold Personality Style is belonging, tradition and responsibility. Think about practicality and how the gift will help the Gold personality type carry out their responsibilities or honour a family tradition. Do not be extravagant and ensure that the gift is of high quality they love trusted brand names. Some gift ideas – a planner for the New Year, a new briefcase to replace the old worn one, a labeller – Golds are very organized, or an alarm clock to ensure that the Gold is always on time. Gold personality types will appreciate that you put some thought behind the gift. As long as you are happy they are happy.

Woo Hoo! The Orange Personality Style is motivated by freedom and impact. Don’t fence me in! Just like Tigger – Oranges bounce. Orange Personality types are all about the senses. Think about gifts that relate to the senses, perfume, music, art work, fine wine or chocolate, a soft sweater. Oranges also like variety and fun, so look for something they can use in their leisure time. Plan a spa day and go with them – make sure there is lots of variety and choice. How about an adventure weekend like white water rafting or horseback riding? Even if you get it wrong, oranges won’t care, they get over it easily – they’ll just bounce back.

Meaning and Significance – that’s the key to a Blue Personality Style’s heart. The Blue temperament has a core need for unique identity, meaning and significance. Their talents are as caregivers, facilitators and mentors. They value harmony and cooperation. People of the blue temperament will not really care about material things. You will really impress a blue if you wrote a poem about them, or, knit something special for them (even if it does look a bit wonky). Blues are often found in the Self Help section of the book store – careful though – they may already have all of them! Try a wall plaque that has a motivational saying, or a day out that pampers them, blues so often are caring for others. No matter what you give a blue, it will be treasured and appreciated. Blues are relationship centred; any gift that treasures your relationship with them will be welcomed.

By Irene Anderson

I plan so many details around this majestic color and hues of it.

If you have experienced a wedding or a large social event, the planning that goes into a Celebration such a this, can go on for months. I was honoured and had the pleasure to assist my daughter with many details, such as reception location, menu, guest list, her flower arrangements, and the bridesmaid’s dresses and not to forget the expenses. (My husband still frowns at our over indulgence)

Planning.

We do it for the holidays, birthdays, anniversaries and yes, weddings. Our life goes from one plan to the next and yet, despite the fact we know it’s inevitable, so many of us are reluctant to plan for our Cemetery and funeral arrangements.

Although I have heard people say, “Oh I’ll leave that for my kids to do”, “My children can do that for me, I have done enough things for them, they can look after this detail” or “We don’t want to discuss that just now, were going to wait, It depresses me”.

Leaving this responsibility to loved ones is a huge financial and emotional burden, which can be eliminated for them, and on the worse day of their lives they won’t have to make these important decisions for you.

Making a decision in regards to Cemetery and funeral arrangements on the day that a death occurs, can be avoided by taking a few moments now to discuss this with family, loved ones and close friends.

In some cases an illness is diagnosed or a death occurs and the family sadly will call me to meet with them, with no knowledge of your “final wishes”, which often occurs.

I believe that Pre Planning is a Gift; a Final Gift that your family will be forever grateful for; A gift that say’s that you care enough about them to do this, leaving a lasting loving memory.

If you have experienced a recent death of a loved one or a close friend, draw upon some of your fondest memories during this holiday season. I find they bring comfort to me, they never leave me, and they are forever etched in our hearts.

Often the holidays are a difficult time sometimes the whole season, I find comfort in my “happy” and “fun” memories of my loved ones. I take advantage of memorial services and candlelight service that honor our loved ones and they offer much solace and friendship.

During this Holiday Season celebrate and create some wonderful new memories with your family and friends.

Deborah VanPelt

“Old Beliefs Do Not Lead You to New Cheese”

Does everything you do turn out the way you planned? Not likely… You can spend countless hours and money marketing and networking and maybe things are not percolating along the way you want. Ask yourself – am I making the same assumptions, am I doing the same things? or – am I sourcing out new cheese?

“Having Cheese Makes You Happy”

Of course it does – we all want success, we deserve it right? We worked hard! What happens when the cheese is gone? We ask – how did that happen? It’s not fair! We tend to blame.

“The Quicker You Let Go Of Old Cheese, The Sooner You Find New Cheese.”

Move on…that’s right – get on with the adventure – step out of your comfort zone. When I try a new service or workshop out – sometimes it doesn’t fly – so, I go back – turn it on its head and re-think. Usually, I end up on a completely different path from the one I intended, but that’s OK – keep your eyes and ears open for new adventures, partnerships and opportunities. It will all work out.

“Move With The Cheese And Enjoy It!”

Sniff - out the situation and see change coming.
Scurry – get into and stay in action immediately.
Hem - don’t be Hem – staying where you are will not work.
Haw - Haw did not believe in himself and followed Hem. Step out of your fear – be bold.

I hope this little parable will help you to Sniff and Scurry your way to success.

Those two words can make a huge difference in the lives of those that have the courage and choose to say them and for those that have the generosity of heart and choose to accept them.

It all comes down to choice, doesn’t it? We have the choice to face up to our mistakes and offer a sincere apology and try to correct the problem.  There is also the choice to blame it on someone or something else or pretend it didn’t happen or doesn’t matter.

We all make mistakes.  Some are careless, thoughtless mistakes.  Some are just goof ups.  Some are hurtful words uttered when we are tired and cranky.  Some mistakes just happen, no rhyme or reason.

There are times that you can’t go back and fix the problem.  You made the mistake expecting only positive results and yet…the impossible happens.

Some mistakes are nothing more than a misunderstanding of words or intentions never meant to hurt the feelings of those you love.

So why say “I’m sorry” if you meant no harm, if you had only good intentions, if someone else was to blame?

Your family, friends and colleagues are not mind readers.  They can not read your mind or know what is in your heart.  A heart felt apology can open the doors to open dialogue and understanding.

I believe my relationships with family, friends and business colleagues will be strengthened if I stand up and admit to my mistakes promptly and sincerely. Accepting an apology shows a strong character.

I’m sorry.  Could those two words save a failing relationship, personal or business?

I’m sorry.  Could it set a good example for a child and build their confidence and trust in you?

I’m sorry.  Could those two words prevent a war?

Shirley Bankey