When you answer that for yourself, is the first thing that comes to mind some \u2018thing\u2019 such as a tv, tablet, purse, kitchen gadget, power tool, or whatever the latest gizmo may be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If it is, that\u2019s just fine. This is and always will be a zero-judgment zone. I would say it\u2019s good to have \u2018that\u2019 type of a list in some form \u2013 why wouldn\u2019t you want some entertainment, luxury upgrade, or hobby add-on. Otherwise, we are just paying the bills, eating the food, and starting over next month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s okay to want things and you should give yourself permission and feel deserving of whatever does in fact come to your mind to put on your next purchase list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sometimes even those things add value beyond the purchase or utility. It might be with your own self-image or saving you time or creating memories or enhancing your life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, I\u2019d guess for most of you the first thought that came to mind when you read that question was not a thing. Instead, it might have been a person, perhaps some experience, or potentially some ideal that you\u2019d like to see realized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Maybe it\u2019s a quiet evening together watching a Christmas movie, a dream vacation you want to plan, having more family dinners, time to read books you enjoy, or seeing your friends more often.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here\u2019s what I know\u2026 most people feel guilty about \u2018wanting\u2019 anything and that\u2019s an unhealthy approach to take. Of course, I want you to be responsible with your money and not cause added stress by over doing materialistic things at the expense of financial security but there is balance and moderation to everything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Most people like you and me when we think about the Holidays and especially Christmas we think about what we want to do for or give to others. It\u2019s a theme we carry forward through the entire year. And it\u2019s not just inside of your practice but also outside of your practice in your personal life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Again, just like spending versus saving, there is balance to all of this. It\u2019s great to give to others (and not just in money but also in what we talked about last week, in time, in attention). Just remember you can\u2019t give what you don\u2019t have.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Find a balance and be okay with both… giving to others and also giving to yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whatever first comes to mind on your Christmas wish list, if it\u2019s important enough to think about, dream about, or write about, then it might be important enough to forego waiting around and hoping it is magically gifted to you in some way. Instead, commit to making it happen and take the actions necessary to earn it; whatever \u2018it\u2019 is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We\u2019ll talk \u2018New Years\u2019 next week. For now, I\u2019d strongly considered ignoring what gifts you want to unwrap for a single holiday and focus on the gifts you want to keep with you all year long \u2013 whether those are people, places, experiences, or anything else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you are together as a team, take time to listen to everyone share some gifts they most want to give to others and to themselves this year that will bring lasting meaning and happiness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I\u2019d like to wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukah. And most of all, I\u2019d like to wish you peace and joy while you celebrate and cherish the Holidays. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"