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#IntentionalPositivity: Being ThankFULL

Nov 15, 2017 04:03PM ● By Laurie James

Holidays can be the most uplifting and dreaded time of year. If you look forward to this season with great anticipation, it’s probably because you’ve conquered it by treasuring great memories with loved ones. If not, you might consider some soul searching…or just keep reading!

There is a distinct smell that probably comes to mind for you in November and December. For me, it’s the smell of a big Thanksgiving Butterball turkey. The stuffing, cranberries, and pumpkin pie bring vivid mind movies. The smell of a fresh, real Christmas tree always brings me back to my childhood when our family celebrated that special time of year.

The most important thing to remember as 2017 comes to an end is to create your own experience by embracing the FULL holiday experience.

FOCUS on family and friends.

If you’re at odds with your family, now is the time to make the effort to change. Make the first move. Live without regret. And if you don’t have family or friends nearby, try volunteering at a local shelter. Dishing out food for those in need will warm your heart and bring you to a new attitude of gratitude. And who knows…you may nurture some friendships along the way.

UTILIZE your time wisely.

Holidays are extremely stressful. Year-end budgets, parties, peer pressure to find the perfect gift for that special someone, school winding down with kids or grandkids home for long breaks, memories of yesteryear that you can’t recreate…you get the picture. Schedule your time efficiently so that you give yourself enough time to relax and have fun. The “6 Most Important Things to Do” List is a great habit to embrace. Use it daily to balance your time efficiently.

LEAVE a legacy.

Memories can be made anytime and anywhere! If you have traditions to pass along, do it now! If you don’t have any traditions, consider starting some. Ask your friends and family for ideas. Make a difference. If you were to find out that you only have three months to live, how would you spend your holidays? Live like you will never have another holiday season, and you will surely leave a legacy of great memories for others to remember.

LOVE yourself.

Love others. Pass it on. There are three things that last: faith, hope, and love. And the greatest of these is love. Have faith in others; have faith in yourself! Love like there’s no tomorrow! Respect yourself and others. Be patient in traffic and while shopping in stores or online. Remember to thank everyone who makes your life possible (and that is a LONG list!) Gestures of thanks can be grand or small…either way, be sure to love yourself and others enough to pass along great habits of thanks.

Make this holiday season your best yet. Embrace your FULL self and share your goodness with others. It will set you up for success and happiness that can last a lifetime. #ThankFULL

 

Laurie J. James is one of 18 Master Career Directors globally. She co-founded and presided over the Professional Résumé Writing & Research Association from 2000-2004. PRWRA rebranded to Career Directors in 2005. Laurie has created 10,000+ job-winning résumés in her 30-year career. She is a credentialed résumé and LinkedIn profile writer, seasoned public speaker and award-winning career image coach.