Products by

Susan Fee

In This Issue

News & Notes:  Give it Away

Topic of the Month:  Put Happy Back in Your Holidays

Questions for Reflection

Action Step

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News & Notes: Give it Away

Your talent is not yours to keep; it’s meant to be shared with others.  Guarding your gifts is just as destructive as hoarding anything else.  You can only pile up so much before it takes over and becomes a burden. 

If you’re about to blurt out that you’re not talented, stop!  Everyone has been uniquely gifted with strengths. What that looks like for you, I’m not sure.  But, I’m positive about this: you need to give to get.

During tough economic times, it’s tempting to hang on tightly to our assets out of fear that we’ll lose more than we can spare.  What I’ve learned is that if you’re using your talents correctly, the well never goes dry.  You have endless ideas, products, and services – enough to spare!  And, here’s the best part:  it’s the best marketing you’ll ever do. 

 

It’s very possible your well feels empty already.  The holidays can expose what we’ve managed to conceal all year.  This month, I’m focusing on tips to help you fill up to the point of overflowing!

 

Until next month,

And, just for fun and inspiration, take a look at this speech by d

Susan Fee

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Topic of the Month:  Put Happy Back in Your Holidays

 

‘Tis the season to be stressed!  Not everyone looks forward to Christmas music playing 24/7, shopping, and spending time with relatives we only pretend to like.  If your holiday season feels more like obligation rather than rejuvenation, it’s time to refill your own cup.  Here are five ways to regain your spirit:

Keep a healthy perspective.  Focus on what you can control. Stress results when we focus on those things we have no control over and dwell on them.  

Make YOUR Plans.  Start planning your ideal holiday season now, without any thought to possible invites or obligations.  Ask yourself, how do I want this season to look for me? Get a clear picture in your mind, remembering to focus only what you have control over. Schedule your version into your calendar NOW. Then when you get additional requests or think about "have to's" measure those against what's already in your calendar. If you're booked for you, turn down additional items.

Stop All-Or-Nothing Thinking.  No one made a rule that everything has to fit into one day or week. If seeing family or writing a meaningful card to someone is important to you, then make it important all year long. Spread out the savoring of relationships rather than cramming them into one obligatory season.

Accept Reality.  Don’t expect difficult family relationships to magically improve just because it’s the holidays.  Otherwise, you’ll be filled with resentment and disappointment.  If you choose to spend time with people, do it because you want to, not for anyone else.  It’s okay to limit the amount of time and energy you invest. 

Re-evaluate Traditions. Just because you've always done something doesn't mean it still works in your life today.  Continue traditions that are meaningful to you versus ones done out of habit.  Maybe it’s time to start something new?

 

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Questions for Reflection

Do you enjoy or dread the holidays?  How come?

What do you need to do more or less of that would increase your positive feelings?

What do you need to do today that would make you look back on this time and say it was enjoyable?

 

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 Action Step

Look at your calendar right now.  Do you have time scheduled in just for you?  If not, block out slots immediately and honor them the same way you would an appointment with someone else. 

 

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Interested in booking training or coaching?  Let me know how I can help, Susan_Fee@msn.com. 

 

Susan Fee is a professional clinical counselor, personal coach, and national speaker.  She is the author of Positive First Impressions, Dealing with Difficult People, Dealing with Mean Girls, Building Resiliency, Secrets of Successful Presentations, and the college survival guide, My Roommate Is Driving Me Crazy!  She can be reached through her Web site at www.susanfee.com or by email at Susan_Fee@msn.com. 

 

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, 2010