Baby, You're a Firework!

What a splendid day; the last of 2010! Count your blessings and celebrate your success.For those of you who are not sure what to celebrate or what to dream of as a new year comes round, perhaps you need a little motivation. This song, by Katy Perry, is a wonderful reminder of the spark that is in all of us. Let 2011 be the year you let your shine through! Baby, you’re a firework!



For details on Personal Motivation Packages and the workshop, Embrace Your Potential™ coming to St. John’s, contact Lisa Quinton, Professional Motivator through her website.

On a personal note, I’d like to extend thanks to all who check in with my blog and my business, Connections for Success. I look forward to helping you define and execute your vision of success in 2011. To my family and friends, a most sincere debt of gratitude for the support you have shown me. One of the keys to a successful execution is a strong community and I will always be appreciative of those people who believe in my potential and encourage me to shine.

Yours in possibility,

Lisa

Boxing Day - A Sigh of Relief

When you think about how you spend your time leading up to the BIG DAY and then the day itself, much of it seems like a blur. You make your list; you fight the traffic; you shop and shop and shop; you wrap; and then you hope and pray that what you bought will be received and NOT returned or tossed aside. You drag your tired butt to the obligatory family events, go to church, eat turkey. And, just like that, the kids have passed out from too much electronic stimulation and candy canes, and Christmas is OVER!

Is that how it is at your place? How do you feel today now that all the fuss is over?

Most people don’t work on Boxing Day (save the wonderful souls in retail). We can sleep in and do whatever we want without the strict demands of the previous few weeks. With Boxing Day comes a big sigh of relief from those who have to muster up the courage to ‘survive’ another holiday with the family. If you are one of these people, I congratulate you for making it through another year.

My view of Christmas is much like any other festive time... I make it last for as long as I can!!! I am a celebrator by nature and revel in the spirit of giving that makes Christmas such a special time of year. I still love the change in energy that comes with Boxing Day. It is a quiet day that makes me reflect on past Christmases and how, each year, my experience changes because of choices I have made. I am aware, however, that many people get completely mesmerized with the hustle and bustle of this time of year and need a little reminder [from The Grinch]:“What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.”

The day after Christmas has always seemed to capture more of the true meaning of the season than another other. Boxing Day is one to relax, spend quiet time alone, or surround yourself with friends – basically, it is a day that is all about doing what you want to do – in alignment with your vision of success. Today is the breath of fresh air you’ve been awaiting ever since the Christmas frenzy began. Enjoy it! And remember, every day can be like Boxing Day if you choose to create it.

For help creating your vision of success, contact Lisa Quinton, Professional Motivator.

The Spirit of Giving

My grandmother, Mary Elizabeth Jeans, passed away last Sunday at the age of 89. The eulogy, delivered by my father, described how her generosity would be remembered and, in fact, has been passed on in her large family. She was a ‘giver’ all of her life and what she has given me and my 37 first cousins to pass along to our children, are the memories of a strong woman who loved life and always shared what she had with others. I described her to my daughter as ‘the original Ms. Independent’. She led a very active and social life up into her early eighties when a stroke took that independence, and her ability to speak, away.

Although we are fast approaching Christmas, the subject has barely crossed the lips of the relatives I have been visiting this week. Despite homes being decorated and cards arriving in the mail, not one person has asked me if I’ve got all my shopping done; no one has asked the children what Santa is bringing. It seems our minds are focused on ‘more important’ things. Ironically, we were actually experiencing the true spirit of Christmas as we shared good times together, reminiscing and making plans to stay in touch.

Last week, I had a similar experience when I was in Montreal to attend the annual convention of the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers. I was caught in the whirlwind of activities, sessions, presentations, and networking from the time I arrived up until the plane left the tarmac, bound for home. As I overheard strangers on the plane chatting about the holidays, I realized that it hadn’t even come up at the convention. This was remarkable because I had been in the presence of some of the most generous professionals I had ever met. The spirit of giving was ever-present, just as it was this week as we laid my grandmother to rest.

Has the true meaning of Christmas surrounded you at home, at work, at play, and at peace? You may not recognize it if you are looking in the wrong places. The spirit of giving isn’t something that you can find at a store, wrap up and put under a tree. It’s found when you open your heart and give of yourself. Let your light shine through: a kind word, a helping hand or a batch of freshly baked tea buns goes a long way toward creating a legacy of giving – one that can be celebrated all year round. Thank you, Nan Jeans, for the inspiration.