"Christmas, children, is not a date. It is a state of mind."
Mary Ellen Chase - From QuoteGarden.Com
It might sound silly, but I really enjoy holiday music in stores the day after Halloween. In fact, I purposely tune into 'all Christmas music' stations at home and in the office, and stock my car with Christmas discs shortly after Halloween. The music makes me happy and promotes a good mood. I love the Holiday Season because I am able to spend quality time with my family in the Midwest and work slows down enough for me to take a few weeks off for rest, relaxation and play. The spiritual side of Christmas, along with wonderful opportunities to give and share non-materially throughout the Holiday Season are equally important to me.
Since 2008, when I chose the resolution theme of 'gratitude and giving back', I have worked to "keep Christmas in my heart" year-round. That resolution is a permanent 'Lifetime Resolution', as I continue to 'give back' in several areas of my life, which include being intentionally kinder, doing more to help the environment environment and donating my time and money to promote breast cancer research (all of which bring joy and reward to my life). Of course, my mindfulness and good intentions do fly out the window at times. There are frustrating days, hours that I am full of doubt and moments that I am crabby, but through it all, I try to apply a positive, optimistic tint to my glasses (they are not rose-colored, I am far too realistic and pragmatic for a pair like that . . . I like to think they are a nice soft shade of turquoise blue).
I firmly believe joy and happiness are by-products of my state of mind, my focus and my determination to 'do what I love and love what I do (my longtime mantra in both my business and personal life). I try not to stew over unhappy moments and I definitely don't chase happiness, as my time is better spent on other pursuits.
With that in mind, this Holiday Season, I am opening my eyes, ears and senses to wonderful moments that are simple and free. For instance, I intend to 'Rock With Holiday Tunes', every day, as part of my I Resolve To . . . Challenge: 365 Resolutions For Health & Happiness. Why not join me? The objective is very simple: Do at least one thing each and every day to promote health and happiness for 'YOU'. Banish the 'Someday, Someday, Someday Syndrome'. Instead, make every day New Year's Day. Make every day count with 'daily resolves'. The list of possibilities is infinite and can be tailored to your own dreams, resolutions and daily goals. If you need some help - a little nudge, a bit of inspiration, tips, advice, and news about the best ways to make resolutions a reality - please use IResolveTo.Com as one of your resources. Resolve365 in 2009.
Here are the simple 'Daily Resolves' that are helping me to rock with holiday tunes and delight in the simple joys of the Holiday Season':
- Organize my tasks and build a realistic schedule to reduce the stress that comes with the crush of holiday crowds, shopping, parties, and other activities.
- Remind myself that the most precious moments are often free, such as cuddling, laughing and sharing with loved ones.
- Be kind to me this holiday season: Pamper myself with adequate rest, relaxation, healthy food, and exercise (looong walks!).
- Remember that generosity doesn't have to cost a lot of money: I can donate good used clothing and food; volunteer a few hours of my time or my special skills to causes that I care about; smile at strangers; and be kind on the roadways, in stores and restaurants.
- Let the true, spiritual meaning of Christmas shine brightly in my heart throughout the Holiday Season.
Remember: I Resolve To . . . Achieve My New Year Resolutions, One Resolution, One Day At A Time For One Year. It's your choice. Do it today. Turn your resolution into reality in five simple, common sense steps: Dare To Dream, Decide, Define, Develop A Plan, and Do It Daily. Make your resolution a permanent Lifetime Resolution, something that's with you for good! Above all, Be A Resolutionista, someone who makes resolutions, keeps resolutions, and enjoys the journey! Let's Go For It!
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Kim M. Simpson - December 3, 2009
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