DECEMBER 2005 HAPPY HOLIDAYS to all of my wonderful friends –
clients, media and pals.
I am writing this special holiday newsletter amid
the clutter of the season. I challenge you to participate in the
exercise below as a family, or with friends. I hope that it will
help you to clear your head, and settle into the true meaning of
this season – to share the gift of unconditional love with your
family, friends, and strangers you don’t even know. I look forward
to joining you again in mid January, to start off the new year
together. Until then, I thank you for being my friends. I am so
blessed to have you all in my life.
Of the 72 people I surveyed, 68 of them said they
just dreaded the holiday season this year, and couldn't wait for it
to be over. There is so much to be done. Those who are lonely are
even lonelier. Those who are concerned about their finances are
stressed. The noise and clutter is deafening. Why?
*Materialism is a way of life in this world of
instant gratification. We are so focused on the bottom line, and
determined to get the ‘things' we want, that we forget to focus on
what is really important: our families and friends. Wants become
needs before we know it.
*Time has become our enemy. We try to do too much
too fast and don't have time to look around and appreciate the
moments. Suddenly time has passed and we don't know where it all
went.
*We compete in a win or lose world, where winning
is everything and losing is not tolerated. We are so busy competing
that we forget to pay attention to just playing the game.
*Our lives are full of noise and clutter. We
can hardly hear ourselves think because we are being bombarded by
technology, audio and video stimulation constantly.
THIS HOLIDAY SEASON COULD BE DIFFERENT.
Try this exercise and you will see the focus
change, your heart enlarge, and your spirit soar. You will find the
joy that is possible only when you give to others, unconditionally.
As you experience the Christmas and Hanukah season in the spirit of
giving, you will find the noise cease and moments will become more
precious. Only then will you discover true joy in your humanity: by
connecting to family, friends, and strangers you may never even
know.
A LIFE CHANGING EXERCISE
Ten to 4 days before the holidays, tell your family
members and/or friends that they must do as many acts of kindness
for others as the possibly can. Then write down descriptions of what
you did, what you noticed and how you felt. At your holiday dinner
have everyone report on their experiences, discuss them and how they
affected you.
Here are the rules:
*SSSHHH - Do this by yourself, and keep it to
yourself until time to report to your group.
*Giving unconditionally means that you expect no
recognition in return.
*This exercise is about giving of yourself, not
just your money (although that will work too).
*This exercise requires a little creative thinking.
Look around and notice what is going on around you an just imagine
new ways to help
*This can be a simple act. Sometimes the simplest
things can be the most meaningful
Examples:
Help someone cross a street, help a little girl tie
her shoes, give a hamburger to a homeless person, smile at a sad
looking stranger, volunteer to push someone in a wheelchair, help
someone who is looking for something in a store, pay the toll for
the person in line behind you.
I would love to know how this worked for you.
If you send me your final your list, and your
reactions, I will send you a special surprise.
Thank you, and have a blessed holiday.
Cheryl
Cheryl Perlitz is the author of the inspirational
book "Soaring Through Setbacks - Rise above adversity - Reclaim your
life" and “Soaring through Setbacks….Survival Tips Handbook’ As a
dynamic speaker and facilitator, her inspiring, fun and motivational
stories help listeners and readers to "TRANSFORM THEIR MOUNTAINS
INTO OPPORTUNITIES FOR ADVENTURE AND POSITIVE CHANGE."
Cheryl is not a therapist, or medical doctor. She
does not have a PHD or an advanced degree in psychological theory.
She is a regular person, like most of us. She is a sought after talk
show guest because of her easy casual style, her ability to tell
wonderful stories that the listeners and readers can relate to, and
her understanding and compassion for others.
QUOTE of the MONTH
"Kindness in words creates confidence.
Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving
creates love."
