Give the Gift of You

Professional Speaker-Personal Development-Positive Attitude

It’s the day after Christmas and…

  • All the gifts are unwrapped – and probably a few returned
  • The holiday music is packed away until next year
  • And Santa Claus has found his way back to the North Pole

It’s time to take a deep breath and think about your holidays – the good, the bad and the ugly.  Hopefully you’ll find a lot more good than the other two. 

It’s no secret – I love this time of year!  And  for many reasons.  One of them is because I always come away with such amusing and amazing stories.  Just think about it for a moment and I’m sure you’ll discover many of your own.

Was there something someone said – or didn’t say.

Something they did?  Or didn’t do???

A recipe that went wrong?  A dog that knocked over the Christmas tree?  A child who screamed with joy at the simplest of pleasures – usually the box that your well thought out gift came in. 

Take some time to write down these stories, or record them.  Make your story come to life by describing all the twists and turns.  Be the star of your own story and take us along on your journey.

Just imagine what a gift this will be for someone else, especially someone who loves you endlessly.  I would do anything to hear my father’s stories in his own voice; to read my mother’s stories in her own handwriting.  What a precious gift that would be. 

Imagine the possibilities and warmth you can bring into someone’s heart.  So take a moment now, heat up some of that leftover eggnog, and start writing or recording.  You’ll be amazed at what you can create.

Categories: Personal Development Positive Attitude Positive Mindset Professional Speaker
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May You Always Find Reasons to Believe

At seven years old, I sat on Santa Claus’ lap and I believed in him and all he stood for.  So many years later, I still believe.

I believe we can…

Wonder at everyday life

Delight in our own uniqueness

Stop and listen to the music in our heart

Celebrate our strengths

Be kind to ourselves

Find time for joy

As I write this list, I can’t help but think of the movie The Polar Express and the theme of believing.  As Santa Claus takes the bell and hands it to the little boy, he says: “This bell is a wonderful symbol of the spirit of Christmas – as am I.  Just remember, the true spirit of Christmas lies in your heart.”

It doesn’t matter what holiday you celebrate, or what faith you practice, the power of believing keeps us all strong and hopeful and alive.  During this holiday season, I raise a toast to you and all that you can accomplish if you choose to believe.

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The Backstory of “A Christmas Carol”

Professional Speaker-Personal Development-Positive Attitude

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.  Have you heard of it?

This one story has been told through films, stage plays, operas and so much more. I know it so well that I could probably repeat it without any help at all.

The one thing I didn’t know was the backstory.  How it went from a blank piece of paper to one of the most popular stories of all time. 

So when my brother and I decided to go to a movie called “The Man Who Invented Christmas,” I had no idea it was about Charles Dickens and how he created A Christmas Carol.  In fact, I had never even heard of this movie, but I love Christmas and it was the only one playing at the local theater with a holiday theme, so off we went.

It was amazing – I LOVED it!  And it made a huge impact on me.

Did you know that Charles Dickens went from great wealth to suffering from financial problems  just before A Christmas Carol was published?

Did you know that as a 12 year old boy, he was left to work in a filthy, rat-infested factory?  This haunted him just like the ghosts that haunt Scrooge in his book.

Did you know that many people told him the idea of A Christmas Carol would never work?  His publisher, printer, illustrator – all told him “no” at some point, yet he persisted and refused to give up.

Now I know that there are many Hollywood touches to make this story come to life on the big screen, so I did some research.   Much of it is true – a very fascinating story.

If you are interested in seeing the trailer before you invest the 10, 12, or 14 dollars to see this movie, check this out: https://binged.it/2z3w9iR.

Even if Christmas and the holiday season aren’t your time of year, you can’t deny the determination, relentless attitude and belief in himself that Charles Dickens had.  It made me think of all the times I almost quit because someone didn’t believe in me.  This movie is a reminder that once you put your mind to something, great things can be accomplished.  Charles Dickens wrote A Christmas Carol in six weeks – YES – six weeks.  Now just imagine what you can accomplish once you set your mind to it.

Categories: Personal Development Positive Attitude Professional Development Professional Speaker
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Your Holiday Obsession

Professional Speaker-Personal Development-Positive Attitude

The holiday season brings out a part of me that surfaces only once a year.  The creative side!  I find this hysterical because… I don’t have a creative bone in my body!  I don’t knit or paint or cook or anything even close to that!   But for some reason, I LOVE to wrap gifts.  I have no idea why, but I actually look forward to it.

Several years ago, I took a gift wrapping class at one of those adult education sessions.  I learned all about wired ribbons, how to twist and turn them into the perfect bow, and especially how to add the finishing touches by putting a bell or Santa or something holidayish in the middle of the package, making it all come together.  In a recent trip to downtown Chicago, I even found myself taking photos of Macy’s window display so I could get new and improved ideas for wrapping this year’s gifts.  At home, during my gift wrapping sessions, I emerge covered with glitter from head to toe – it’s everywhere – and I love it.

Do you have a holiday obsession?  Something that brings you great joy, and something that happens only this time of year?  Decorating cookies?  Putting lights up outside in the freezing cold?  Or something totally out-of-the-box.  I’d love to hear it.  Please share with us your own uniqueness and individuality that brings a smile to your face during the holidays.

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