It is so cliché to talk about giving back during the holiday season, but much less cliché to actually do it. Here a few thoughts to help you keep your head above water during these next 5 weeks:
1- What are you thankful for, like, REALLY thankful for this Thanksgiving?
Why figure this out? Because when you think about what you are really, truly thankful for, it sort of re-centers your life around the important things. We get SO caught up on tasks and things that at the end of our life are meaningless. Instead of making our priority of every minute about things that do matter. I heard a quote recently that said “Life is not about finding yourself.. it is about CREATING yourself” That stuck with me, because it’s true! We waste time trying to find the meaning instead of making our life meaningful in every moment. Leave a legacy by being in the moment and remember what you’re thankful for (not just at Thanksgiving, but every day)
2- Enjoy the “Hustle and Bustle”.
Why? Because at the end of the day it’s our OWN fault if we don’t leave enough time for traffic, shop for Christmas gifts last minute, forget that lines during the holidays are LONG, and eat too many cookies. This year, plan ahead, and stay in control by taking responsibility of your actions instead of punishing others with “scrooginess”.
3- Make memories, not drama.
Why? We all have one in the family, or the “friend circle” that LOVES drama, whether they know it or not (maybe it’s you? Maybe it’s ME!). During a busy and stressful time like the holidays it is easy to get caught up in it. This year make an honest attempt to be the peacemaker between your friends and family. Remind them that it is more important to make lasting memories from the holidays than it is to “be right”… even if they are right. Let it go and enjoy the night. Hopefully they’ll get the drift, and at the very least, you will feel good about staying above it.
4- Give Back. For real.
Why? Not only does it set a good example for your kids, friends and family (and it will certainly inspire someone else to join you as well), but it really does help bring you back to the #1 on this list- remembering what you’re thankful for. There is nothing like feeling like you may have made a difference in someone’s life. Whether it’s by packing bags of groceries, buying a Christmas gift for a child that wouldn’t get one otherwise, or volunteering at a soup kitchen and working directly with people. It reminds me that you do have a lot to be thankful for, no matter who you are.
Don’t let this holiday season be a repeat of last year! Make a change, be different, and make memories 
Sincerely your coach,
Emily Long
