December 8, 2009

In This Issue

Featured Article: The Best Gift of All

Announcements

Speaking Schedule

Daddy's Little Girls

Welcome to this week's issue of Appreciation (and Authenticity) in Action.

I hope you are enjoying the holiday season so far and taking some time in the midst of it all to appreciate yourself, those around you, and life in general.

Last week’s article was all about staying grounded during the holiday season.  It was also published on Oprah.com; feel free to click here to check it out.

Today’s article is about the most meaningful gift we can give for the holidays; appreciation.

I appreciate you being on my email newsletter list.  Thank you!  Have a great day and rest of your week.

With Gratitude,






The Best Gift of All

(For this week's audio, click here.)

During one of her shows a few years back, Oprah Winfrey made a profound and beautiful statement that I appreciated very much.  She said, “We do shows about lots of ‘stuff’ and my ‘favorite things,’ but what people want more than anything else is to know that they’re appreciated...that’s the best gift of all.”

At this time of year it's easy for us to get caught up in the stress of getting everything on our “list” crossed off, preparing for parties and events, and rushing around to buy gifts. And, with money tight for many of us this year, there's added stress as we think about what gifts to get for our family members, friends, co-workers, and others.

Instead of just giving "stuff" for the holidays this year, what if we gave the people in our life the most meaningful gift of all; our appreciation?  Let the people around you know what you appreciate about them and why.

What do you value most about your best friend? What is it about your kids that you really appreciate? What do you love best about your spouse? How does your co-worker or your boss make your job easier and more fun?

Expressing our heartfelt and genuine appreciation for the important people in our life is magical and it’s essential to our ability to create happiness, fulfillment, loving relationships, healthy families, successful teams, and productive communities.  Appreciation is also an important element of effectively dealing with the stress of challenges and uncertainty that so many of us are facing these days.

This year, our holiday gifts can be expressions of true appreciation which will have real impact on our relationships and make our holiday season one to remember. And, with things the way they are financially for many people these days, taking time to appreciate others and life is so important this year.

Here are three simple suggestions to make your holiday gifts and your holiday season special and meaningful:

1) In addition to (or instead of) giving gifts, take time to write heartfelt thank you cards. Write cards of gratitude - letting the people around you know what you appreciate about them and how they have impacted your life in a positive way.  Express your appreciation genuinely, specifically, and personally – in a heartfelt way.

2) Ask people what they really want. Giving something specific that someone really wants will have them feel appreciated and valued. It doesn't have to be expensive, as long as it's personal to them. And, if you ask them directly you may find out that what they really want is something simple that can't be bought or doesn't cost money.

3) Give the gift of your time or service - Make a list of a few important people in your life and instead of buying them something, call and ask each them if there is some project they’ve been putting off or procrastinating that you might be able to help them with. Schedule time to come over to their house or support them specifically in getting that task or project accomplished.

Remember what most people want, more than almost anything else, is to know that they are loved, valued, and appreciated.  Appreciation truly is the best gift we can give to the people in our lives (for the holidays and at any time of the year).

Who do you appreciate in your life?  How can you share your appreciation for them this holiday season in addition to or instead of simply buying them “stuff?”  Share your thoughts, action ideas, insights, and more on my blog here.



For this week's audio message (including additional tips and suggestions) - click here.

Listen to my Interview with SARK

I recently had the honor of interviewing my friend and best-selling author and artist SARK on my radio show, “Let’s Get Real with Mike Robbins.”  SARK and I talked about many things – the gifts of grief, the importance of creativity, the power of authenticity, her inspiring company Planet SARK, and a number of her wonderful books.  It was a fun, honest, and heartfelt conversation that I think you will enjoy!  To listen, click here (and then scroll down and click on the link to my interview with SARK to download the MP3 for free).  My show airs on Energy Talk Radio daily at 7:00 AM ET and 5:00 PM PT (as well as each Friday at noon PT).  Check it out!

Her Turning Point – Audrey Cavenecia

My good friend and veteran coach Audrey Cavenecia has created a powerful company called Her Turning Point.  Her Turning Point, is designed to address the unique way in which women can embrace and emerge from a turning point in life.   Many women want a positive turning point in life and don't know how to create it or are going through a negative turning point and don't know how to come out of the other side with a positive outcome.  Her Turning Point offers coaching, an audio series, and many other wonderful resources for women at all stages of life – all focused on how women specifically relate to life and produce results.  Audrey has created innovative programs for some of the foremost leaders in personal development, designed leadership trainings for multi-billion dollar companies, and coached celebrities, leaders, and people of all kinds.  To find out more about Audrey, Her Turning Point, and more click here.  And, to listen to a recent interview I did with Audrey on my radio show, click on this link.

Moment by Moment Foundation

I recently became aware of the incredible and beautiful work of an organization called Moment by Moment - a non-profit founded by Karen Henrich focused on providing the gift of portraits for low-income families that have a child with a potential life limiting illness.  Over two hundred professional photographers throughout California volunteer to capture (through their lenses) the hope, courage and connection of a family.  These families are going through such a challenging time with the illness of their child and most of them are not in the financial position to get these types of photos taken on their own.  The pictures are not capturing illness; they are capturing a life filled with spirit and love.  Referrals are made through staff members at the California Children's Hospitals. The portrait sessions are either arranged to take place in the hospital or more often, in the family's home town (at a park, the photographer's studio, etc.).  For more information about Moment by Moment and to find out how to support their important work, click here.

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