Monday, November 21, 2011

Ask Not What You Can Do For Yourself

We're heading into the annual stretch of time here in the States known as "the Holidays."  We start thinking about our families, our time away from work, our lists, our parties, our, our, our...  Hmm...


Why do I know so much about this "our" syndrome? Basically because I spend a whole lot of time each Holiday season perfecting my skills at accomplishing the list above.  


One New Thing
It's not that I am completely self-absorbed during this time of year, far from it.  But as I begin to see the television commercials, lights, and hear Christmas music on the radio, I'm trying to get out of the rut of being so focused on "my stuff."  So here's what I'm thinking...


What if each of us picked one new "good" thing to do over the next 45 days for someone else? This should be in addition to what we normally do. As I've been thinking about what I do each year there seems to be a certain sameness to my efforts.  I think it's time to change things up!


How About You
Regardless of your faith perspective, this time of year brings a different feel to life. Are you up for doing something special; or is the Egg Nog malaise already setting in?

I'd love to hear from you.



No Excuses.




pic courtesy of 123rf 

5 comments:

  1. This is a compassionate and timely idea. What about trying to get at least one unemployed person into a job next year, to break the vicious unemployment cycle and help give people their lives and confidence back? Let's try to make 2012 a year of prosperity for as many people as possible.

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  2. Great post! We all have the tendency to become self-absorbed and let's face it, the media perpetuates it! One thing that is starting to happen is the buzz for putting Veterans to work when they return. That's gonna be a real issue when our military men and women come home.

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  3. Laura - great idea, and thanks for the comment. We've been focusing on that here as an HR team, and so far it's been fairly successful.

    Susan - excellent point...with so many Veterans coming home soon, we'll all need to be prepared to support their transition back into private life. With CenCom based here in Tampa, this issues becomes even more poignant for us.

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  4. All great comments. Yes we need to help our returning veterans, and those already struggling to find work!. Check out your local area, most if not all Non-profit charities will continue to struggle this year, seek them out, they are not hard to find. Last but not least, never forget about the children. If you want a give that will keep giving month after month. Think about becoming a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) Volunteer, there is no greater joy than to help children that don't have a voice.
    Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas to all, now go get busy, busy that is helping others!

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  5. Thanks for your comment Steven. I applaud your focus on helping children. Since I work at a Children's Hospital, this issue is near and dear to me!

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