A Pure and Simple Plan for The Greatest Holiday Ever!

With the holidays just days away, some of our most precious memories of the year are upon us. Knowing that, for a lot of us, this time will be rich with family and friends, it's easy to understand why there is great anticipation of joy. Consider the possibility that the most important leadership work for each of us will come during this time.

A common comment from Pathways to Leadership participants is a desire for greater balance in life. And, for a lot of us, time with family is a fundamental element in developing and sustaining our own personal wellness.

How can we make the most of this important time? Being a great leader includes taking responsibility for, and having a greater influence on, the circumstances in our life instead of simply reacting to those circumstances. As you prepare for this important holiday time, here are some thoughts to assist you with the objective of living this time fully:

• How would you like to see this valuable time unfold?
• What do you need to do ahead of time to make this happen? Forgive someone? Call and make plans ahead?
• What's the greatest non-material gifts you're going to give your loved ones?
• Since you determine your ability to live on-a-roll, to focus on what's working well in your life, what's your plan to use this holiday time so that it provides a foundation for the new year?
• What are the top reasons maximizing this time with loved ones is important to you?

Choosing Not to Feel Lonely

And, yes, some of you may not be with family and friends during the holidays this year, but you can choose not to be lonely. How will you make this "the greatest holiday ever?" Most of the questions above will work for you too, but here are some additional ones:

• Do you have a choice in how you act and feel during this time?
• Can you choose to focus on what's good in your life rather than having a "poor me" attitude?
• Can you choose to help someone less fortunate than yourself?
• Are there organizations in your area that need volunteers during the holidays?
• Is there a church/synagogue/mosque/club that is collecting food, money, providing meals, visiting shut-ins, etc., during the holidays?
• Is there a children's hospital nearby or a nursing home? Seniors are very often alone during the holidays and would love a visit from anyone.

Can you break out of your comfort zone and get involved in one of these groups? No? How about going to the mall (or a church) to see if there is a Giving Tree or Angel Tree where you can take a card and buy a gift for someone needy. Each card has the name of a child, their sex and age. You simply have to buy an appropriate gift, wrap it and return it to the mall or church.

What "random acts of kindness" can you perform during the holidays that will bring joy to others? Do you live in an apartment complex? Why not bake some homemade cookies, wrap them in gift paper and tie to the doorknob of a neighbor.

Yes, there are innumerable ways you can spread cheer both within your own or the greater human family. I'd love to hear some examples of how you plan to do this. After all is said and done, the real message of the holiday period is "peace on earth, good will to men." And as the words of the song truly proclaim, "let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me."

Myself and the Pathways to Leadership staff have truly treasured serving our clients and web visitors in 2003. Have a wonderful, warm and fulfilling holiday season!

Steve, Craig, Donna, Denise, Lisa, Colleen, Elaine, Allison, Amanda, Noreen, and Randy

(c) 2003 Pathways to Leadership, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.