Because of various family tradtions, Christmas lasted for weeks at my house in Pennsylvania. Each celebration was accompanied with much fanfare and excitement, especially the day after Christmas. The event was held at my Aunt Sue and Uncle Paul's house and was an event I looked forward to every year. While we exchanged lots of gifts on this day as well, it wasn't the presents that made me most grateful.

Growing up with much extended family meant that none of our gatherings were small. On the day after Christmas, relatives that I rarely saw came out of the woodwork to celebrate together as one BIG family unit. While my aunt and uncle have passed away and we no longer celebrate in the same way, I will always be grateful for those wonderful December 26th memories.

(And, yes, there's even leadership and upside in this if you look close enough......)

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After over a decade of work in Federal law enforcement, I can truly appreciate the men and women who work in professions that don't close on December 25th. My mother is a nurse and she gave up many family Christmases to help others. I, too, worked on Christmas, as did my husband, which is why we choose to visit Jim's place of work on Christmas day. We bring food, smiles and a caring heart.

The greatest part about being there is seeing everyone come together to make a difference in a way that isn't like other work days. I find it difficult to explain because it isn't something tangible. We also didn't see anyone complaining about being there, either. It's just another sacrifice they make because they believe in their work and know they are making a difference.

Upside thoughts and Christmas blessings to everyone working today! You truly do make a difference!

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I refuse to get caught up in the mad rush that occurs the week before December 25th. My mother purchased her gifts starting in September and finished her wrapping by Thanksgiving. Because of her example, I shop all year, choosing to spend the season relaxing and enjoying the good company of friends. I try to see a Christmas play and treat myself to something special.

Yesterday afternoon, I sat spellbound from a phenomenal Christmas performance at the Lawrence Welk Theatre in Escondido. As if that weren't enough, Jim and I went to one of our favorite restaurants, Anthony's. While the food there is the best Italian I've ever eaten, one of the best parts of the experience is Brad. Brad is the manager of the restaurant or "ristorante" and created the definition for customer service excellence. He's genuine, honest and rates as one of the top three best servers we've ever had in our lives. His leadership example is one that should be modeled by anyone in retail throughout the country.

Even if you're not trying to avoid the holiday hustle, get out and see Brad at Anthony's. He's definately an upside thinker!

www.anthonysristorante.net

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The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential... these are the keys that will unlock the
door to personal excellence."

Eddie Robinson (1919 - )
Hall of Fame college football coach

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Why do people buy gifts for others? Gifts are something that is given voluntarily, without any compensation expected. During the holiday season, most people spend both time and money attempting to select the "perfect" gift. I, too, am one of those people, turning into Santa's elf around the 15th of every December. But I still haven't answered the original question ~ why do people do it, why do they buy gifts for their family, friends and loved ones?

I believe that giving a gift to someone is more about the thought than what is given. Personally, I take my time when I am traveling to consciously and intentionally think about the people in my life. When I see something that seems "just perfect", it's like finding a hidden treasure. It excites me to give this gift to a special friend, hoping that they understand how much they mean to me and that they were on my mind and it doesn't have to be big or expensive just personal. After all, who doesn't like to feel special? (Which, by the way, is something that great leaders do very well......)

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The Christmas season prompts me to do things I don't ordinarily do. I move slower and with greater focus about why I do what I do. One of the joys of the Christmas is taking the time to count all of my blessings. These are just three that are at the top of my list.

I recognize abundance. We have amazing riches in the United States of America -- such wealth. I visited my sponsor child, Zenebech, in Ethiopia last year. It was my first trip to a 3rd world country. I can attest to the fact that we are all wealthy.

I recognize how important it is to live grateful for every challenge and every opportunity that comes my way in order to see the miracles around me. Life is short. If you don’t think so, ask someone who’s lost a loved one recently.

I recognize the importance of appreciating my family, friends and colleagues for who they are, not what you want them to be.

There is magic in the season of Christmas and it's good to remember to have a time of year to re-focus on living with an attitude of gratitude.

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I wrote about my dog, Edison, in my monthly newsletter. I picked him out at the animal shelter when I was 6 years old. When I received the call that Eddie had died, I was in college. Most people don't have the pleasure of enjoying their pets for over 15 years. Edison was wonderful because no matter what I experienced during the day he was always there for me. Whether I had a good or bad day at school and wanted to tell someone all about it, Edison would listen patiently until I finished the entire story. If I needed someone to play with, Eddie would be at my side without protest. And what I remember most of all is that when I came through that door after school each day, he showered me with unconditional love.

When I reflect upon these childhood experiences with Edison, I believe there are some leadership lessons that we can integrate into our personal and professional lives. In the workplace, if you’re serving (yes, serving) in role of executive, manager or supervisor, do you turn off the “taskmaster” long enough so your employees see you when you walk through the door each morning – full of greetings, smiles and cheer? Or do they dread seeing you each morning because they know that before they can settle into their chair and get their day planned you will be bearing over them with another work-related question or task?

This is a great time of the year to take inventory of our behavior and how we interact with family, friends and co-workers. Have you ever thought about what they think of your behavior or how you are perceived and what you could do better? I encourage you to ask them as they’re the ones you interact with most and they’re the best source of valuable feedback on how you can become a better person in your personal and professional life. A positive change in your life just might be the best present you could give someone this Christmas season.

(partial reprint from December 2006 newsletter)

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This is the time of year for endless Christmas parties. Jim and I travel from house to house for the festivities, leaving very little time in our already busy schedules for each other. Since taking on the responsibilities of being the diocesan coordinators for Catholic Engaged Encounter, our plate is full. However, as we look around at our friends and business associates, it is one of the things we have in common. Busy people know how to live life to the fullest.

Because of our newfound duties, Jim and I were responsible for helping to plan the annual Christmas party. As ususal, we recevied rsvp's from every couple and their children as well. On the day of the party, Santa came and brought gifts for each of the children which isn't something that had been done in previous years. The joy and gratitude on the face of each child made all of my trips to the store and running around worthwhile.

I invited Santa because I truly care about each of the children in this ministry. However, I believe there is a lesson I learned that could have only been found through the eyes of those children. If we live our lives each day with the intent of making a difference, the leadership possibilities would be endless...and everyone would be an upside thinker!

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When I was asked to speak at graduation for ITT Technical Institute, I was truly honored. To me, a graduation ceremony is more than the receipt of an academic degree or diploma marking the completion of studies. Graduation is the beginning of a new chapter in a persons life -- one with unlimited possibilities.

At least once a week, I can be heard saying to someone that education is also the great equalizer -- that which knows no boundries of race, sex, religion or nationality. It has the power to change someone's life for the better and can never be taken away.

I receive emails and letters about my motivational speeches and how they have inspired an individual to recognize the possibilities in their life but I knew this was going to be different. I told the graduates that while I wasn't qualified to talk about the future of technology or what career opportunities there will be in the field of electronics, Information Technology or Drafting and Design, I was qualified to talk about leadership. I shared the importance of having a mission statement to provide direction in life and challenged them to make it meaningful.

In the middle of my speech, I said the following, "You are the only one with your life. You may meet other people along your journey with your degree, however, there is only one person that can see what you see, feel what you feel and do what you can do the way you do it. No one else has your very special life." This is true for all of us. What will be the legacy you leave?

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Last night I attended the For You Network Holiday Extravaganza. The spirit of Christmas could be felt through the room -- not because of the beautiful Christmas lights and decorations but because of the wonderful women in attendance. The For You Network is known as the network with heart and the organization prides itself on encouraging connections from the inside out. I have witnessed these women coming together not only in times of joy but also in great sorrow. Even during this holliday event the women paused for a few moments of silence to honor and remember the women who served in the network and had passed away.

While I enjoy being part of For You, I love being the director of the Moreno Valley chapter. If anyone at the event last night demonstrated the ability to make a heart connection, it was those women. They ooze with kindness, compasssion and know how to have fun. The silent auction provided entertainment throughout the night as I fought for my prize....amongst with my friends in Moreno Valley!

There is power when women come together, heck, just when people come together, to support a common cause. The extravaganza was different this year but it wasn't because the format changed. Rather, it was different because of the the dynamic women who were there to celebrate each other and demonstrate the power of Moreno Valley!

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"I'm a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it."

Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826)
3rd President of the United States and principal author of the Declaration of Independence

p.s. Continue to ride the upside and you'll have much luck today!

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Does friendship have a place at work? When I worked for the Federal government I asked myself that question many, many times. The difference between being work associates and friends extends beyond liking someone. Friendship is a relationship between two people that involves trust and unfortunately, not all individuals involved in my line of work can be deemed trustworthy.

Interestingly, last night, Jim and I went to a Christmas party at our friends house. The Kosslers are wonderful people -- kind and gracious hosts -- who open their house every year to their friends. Richard is my attorney and Jennifer and I are fellow board members of the For You Network - Moreno Valley connection. Our relationship began in the work setting and blossomed into an incredible friendship of which I am very grateful.

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O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree, How Lovely Are Thy Branches!

My family always invested in a live Christmas tree. My mom picked a date to take the annual drive to a local tree farm and select the perfect one. We scoured the field, looking at the color and the texture of the branches (and the price!). After we made our decision, my mother would have it cut down and tied it to the roof of our car as we sang Christmas carols on the drive home.

While my parents still put up a live tree every year, I've never had a live tree of my own. Sure, I've put up a fake fir but never felt quite like Christmas, nor did it have that Christmas smell. This year I asked Jim if we could have a live tree. He wasn't crazy about the idea and so I let it go. This afternoon, however, he went out to run an errand and came home with a 7 foot Christmas tree! It is one of the most beautiful trees I have ever seen and it looks perfect in our house.

Whether you're at work or at home, doing something "nice" for someone -- being thoughtful and kind, should be part of who you are. Setting an example or modeling excellence gives others an opportunity to see the possibilities or options even in crummy situations. This Christmas season choose to be an example of all that is good in the world. Choose to live on the upside.

p.s. What is your amazing Christmas tree memory?

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There are times when I'm working and it just doesn't feell like work. Everything comes together -- my thoughts, my creativity, my plans -- and I am in awe. Today was one of those days. Ursula and I spent hours working on our upcoming book at Panera Bread while sipping on tea and eating sweets. Anyone watching us would have been inspired. (I wanted to take notes on us!) We were firing off ideas and wordsmithing as if there were a prize at the end of the day. And, there was a prize. The prize was satisfaction for a job well done -- That's how you know you're fulfilling your life's purpose. While work may be challenging, it should never be dreadful. Have you discovered your life's purpose? If so, what do you enjoy most about your work?

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