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Clear Pathways Coaching Newsletter, 12/9/09
Dear Friends: Welcome to Clear Pathways Coaching monthly newsletter. I wish you all blessings and joy this holiday season, whatever holiday you celebrate, and into the new year.
Warmly,
Lillian
To read this newsletter on-line go to: http://www.clearpathwayscoaching.com
Follow me on http://www.Twitter.com/LillianMills
In this issue:
Quote of the Month
The Main Thing
Humor Your Stress
QUOTE OF THE MONTH
If instead of a gem, or even a flower, we should cast the gift of a loving thought into the heart of a friend, that would be giving as the angels give. - George MacDonald
THE MAIN THING
“This week, I wanted to focus on the kind of gift that could really make a difference in someone's life - a gift that not only brings joy after the holidays have passed, but also gives you an opportunity to strengthen a relationship with someone you love. It's the gift of your time and talent.
Right now, in this very moment, there's someone you care about who is burdened by a project they feel unequipped to handle - something you do well. Think about it. Is there a family member who has trouble getting organized, a sister who would love help with holiday decorating, or a friend who needs curtains for his new apartment?
This year, instead of spending money on gifts, why not offer to help out? Here's a fun, new approach:
1. Make a list of five people you intend to buy gifts for.
2. Schedule a time to call each one.
3. When you do, say something like:
"Hey Maggie, I know we all have a project or task hanging over our heads that we keep meaning to get done. This year, rather than buy you a gift, I thought I'd offer my time and talent to help you get a project completed. If you're willing, why don't you spend some time this week thinking about something we could do together, and when I call you back next Monday, let me know what you've come up with and we'll schedule a date. How does that sound?"
4. Follow up with a call and, if the person agrees, schedule a date to work on the project together.
There are several benefits to giving this kind of gift. First, you relieve a loved one of the emotional stress that comes from procrastination. Second, you give this person an on-going reminder of how much you care. After all, if you help a friend organize a kitchen closet, he or she will think of you and feel loved every time they open the door. Third, giving the gift of our time adds less "stuff" to the planet. And finally, sharing your talent gives you a chance to spend meaningful time together.
So, this week, consider a new tradition. Just imagine how life would be different if everyone helped each other in this way!”
– Cheryl Richardson
HUMOR YOUR STRESS:
Nigel's business trip had gone quite well, but he was ready to return home to the warmth of his family. Bristol airport, on the other hand, had turned a tacky red and green; the loudspeakers blared annoying renditions of once cherished Christmas carols and ancient pop songs.
Nigel enjoyed Christmas and took it very seriously, and being slightly tired and irritable, he just wanted to get home. He approached the check in desk humming a carol quietly to himself in an attempt to keep his spirits up.
He began to check in his one suitcase when he saw hanging mistletoe. Not real mistletoe, but very cheap plastic with red paint on some of the rounder parts and green paint on some of the flatter and more pointed parts, that could be taken for mistletoe only in a very surreal type of way.
With a considerable degree of irritation and nowhere else to vent it, he said to the girl at the desk, 'Even if we were married, I would not want to kiss you under such a ghastly mockery of mistletoe.'
'Sir,' replied the attendant politely, 'look more closely at where the mistletoe is.'
'Ok,' muttered Nigel, 'I see that it's above the luggage scale which is the place you'd have to step forward for a kiss.'
'That's not why it's there.'
'Ok, I give up. Why is it there?' snapped Nigel irritably.
The attendant quipped: 'It's there so you can kiss your luggage good-bye.'
He who laughs, lasts.
Lillian Mills, B.S., M.Ed., C.L.C.
Reinvention Coach
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