Celebrate Yourself!

Okay, this is definitely a tough time...we've heard enough about that, haven't we? But here's a suggestion. Do what my husband and two daughters will do tomorrow night on Christmas Eve. We'll be reviewing our "defining moments" from the past year. A defining moment is a moment when you found something in yourself you didn't know you had - and pulled it out. It's a moment when you said, "Here's how it's gonna go," or "Here's what I've decided..." It might be a time when you stood up - when it would have been so much easier to sit down. But it's always a moment after which you never quite think of yourself in the same way. We all have them - big ones, small ones. Take a look back into the year and find yours. And help the people you love find theirs.

When you remember your defining moments, you'll see that a pattern will emerge. And the pattern is called, "courage." And you'll realize that you have the courage and the energy you need to step forward into the New Year - in spite of the challenges, the chaos and the noise - with all flags flying.

You've already got what it takes. You just have to "know" it. So celebrate yourself - and the people you love. It's exactly the right time to do it...

All the best,

Gail

Don't Hunker Down!

It's very tempting right now to hunker down, to wait for things to get easier, or for there to be light at the end of the tunnel - before you step forward, present your idea, try your luck at something new. Don't do it. This is exactly the right time to step up - not back. The Chinese are right - there is always opportunity in the crisis. The trick is to spot it - and seize it. But that takes courage - enough courage to speak up, stand up and step up to the plate. We're looking for leaders. Why not you?

Gail Blanke