As I write snow is falling outside, I’m sipping coffee and my flight has been cancelled.
Normally flight cancellations are not welcomed…however I find myself grateful.
Grateful business allows me to travel to exquisite parts of the world, speaking to thousands of people and mentoring some of the coolest leaders in amazing companies. I am grateful for a dedicated team that help navigate it all and grateful this time of year gives us many reasons to stop and reflect.
As an Aussie living in the USA I ‘m still not used to a snowy Christmas. Sure we grow up with images on holiday cards, hearing carols and watching American movies… but an Aussie Christmas involves BBQ, the beach, sunshine and champagne… at least I can keep the champagne tradition going in Bucks County!
Christmas is by far my favorite time of year. I am the annoying neighbor who has the house decorated with lights, tree decorated, cards sent, packages shipped overseas… often before December 2nd! Not this year! It has been a really busy year with many changes.
Today’s snow reminded me to stop, be grateful and reflect. What are you grateful for this holiday season? Regardless of what you celebrate… make time this week to m remind someone how important they are to you.
Make time in time – if you still send holiday cards, write them while watching the fire, enjoying a holiday movie (I recommend Elf… cracked me up), or watching your favorite TV show holiday special. People still value a hand written note knowing you thought of them at this busy time of year. I don’t send a huge number of holiday cards but those I send are super special people to me.
Make time for memories – ask any adult their favorite childhood memories and many involve spending time with someone they cared about at this time of year. I have the cutest goddaughter on the planet (and no I am not biased, she is!) and we are creating a tradition to go up to NYC to see the Radio City Rockettes perform with her mum and my BFF. What memories can you create that will last a lifetime? Maybe it’s buying a tree and taking it home to decorate and then enjoy dinner together? My girlfriends enjoy an annual holiday lunch at the Four Seasons in Philly – it’s a wonderful tradition.
Make time for what matters – if you can’t bake for the neighborhood cookie exchange (still show up, that’s what I do … I don’t bake), people want to be with you and don’t care about your cookies, make time to meet a friend for coffee and sit and chat, send a note to a client you loved working with this year and let them know how much you loved working with them. Leave the office early to take someone shopping, find something that matters to others and do that.
Make a donation to charity – there are too many to list here and we are all passionate about our own however this time of year choose an organization to give, wrap a gift for a child, make a donation online, donate gently used coats… just do something. We believe every child deserves a smile, which is why we support Operation Smile – you can find out more here:
We are grateful for you this year that you have been reading along with us, booked us to speak at your organization or allowed us to coach your executive leadership… it’s been an AH-Mazing year!
We have many exciting projects planned for 2014 including our new Folding Time Online mentoring program… watch this space for more news (mentioned on TV in Memphis) If you want gifts for your clients of course we’d love to share our resources with you. If you want your team to be more productive in 2014 and you are looking for a gift, consider our latest book Folding Time (buy it here if you want a book or check out the Kindle Version on Amazon).
Whatever you do this holiday season and whatever you celebrate, we want to wish you a truly special time celebrating surrounded by those you love.
We are grateful to you,
Neen James (a grateful little Aussie who is loving this snowy weather)
