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Another end to another year. I thank you all for you readership and patronage in 2014 and look forward to what we might create together next year.

WISHING YOU A WONDERFUL HOLIDAY SEASON!

LBF and the Now What?® Authorized Facilitators

H-Holiness
O-Opulence
L–Light
I-Integrity
D-Disappointments
A-Attention
Y- Year-end Crunch

H is for Holiness
The season where Christmas, Hannukah and Kwanza are observed, brings our hearts to a quieter place. As our pulse slows, our capacity to feel increases, and if we can fill our hearts with the meaning of these holidays. What these holidays ask us to remember allows us to tap that place we might define as holy. No matter what we call it, in all of us lies an essence of goodness that when felt, I think we can agree is holy. Meet the holy in yourself and everyone you come in contact with.

O is for Opulence
We buy gifts, put out our best house wares, put on nice clothes and enjoy festive food. It’s a time where we live like Kings in relative degrees across our socio economic landscape. We also remember our fellow citizens who can’t tap that richness on their own so we give as we can to share in the wealth. Feel the opulence whether yours in grand or small.

L is for Light
All the holidays of the season include lights—candles on the menorah and on the Kwanzaa kinara, candles in church and lights on the pagan symbols of the Xmas tree and in modern times, all over our homes. As our family lights the menorah, I ask my family to share what they see as the spark of light in each other. they roll their eyes and hate when I’m ‘coachy’ but to hear them tell each other once a year
how they see the goodness in each other, goes a long way to making the holiday more than gift frenzy. Acknowledge the light.

I is for Integrity
Yes, integrity. As odd as it may sound, as we make decisions about spending during this season and whom we include on our card list or invitation roster, our integrity gets a workout. Are obligations out of integrity or in integrity? Just something to think about. Feel free to comment here to share your thoughts on this.

D is for Disappointments
The holidays are not all joy and laughter. It’s a time of sadness for a lot of people. It’s a time when we think about how we feel let down by family, friends or life in general. It’s a time where the longing for people who are passed or no longer a part of our lives can be acute. There may even be disappointments about people’s behavior as the gatherings increase and new flaws become apparent or old flaws flare up. Let’s face it, the holidays can be a bummer. That doesn’t mean they should be avoided, but simplifying them and making some changes about where and whom you gather with might help. And if you are one of the people who feels terribly alone I know only one antidote. Do something for someone who needs help more than you do.

A is for Attention
In our schizoid divided-attention world, the holidays give us a chance to put our attention on family and friends. Whether it’s for a short gathering or the holiday weekends, the non-workaholics can lay down their phones and care. Care. The people in your life just want you to care. Pay attention, listen, spend time together
and elevate your connection above the ordinary.

Y is for Year-End Crunch
Tax planning, year-end giving, gift shopping, work completion, parties to add to your schedule, kids’ concerts and events, and holiday prep make this month a stress bomb. What can you do? Not care, not go, bow out. But if not, my best advice is put a note in your calendar for October 2015 to start next year’s year-end chores.
Leave only what’s necessary for December. We know it’s coming every year . Why is it such a surprise?

My Wish for You
I hope you experience the best of what the holiday season can offer. May you use it to restore your soul and bring you into a New Year kinder and gentler with yourself and more aware of your ripple effect in the world.

Namaste