Timely for this week's group meeting, Express Yourself, I'm adding a free Webinar option to this week's call/blog.
Note: On the Blog (immediately below this post is the DimDim sign up/sign in) with an opportunity for the first 20 people who can attend the Live Call to also attend a webinar. To join the webinar, you will need to have access (at the time of the call--noon PST) to a camera/computer. We normally have about 20 on the Live call, so everyone should be able to access the video of me during this week's call. I will still be on the phone conference call as usual (meaning--I will be wearing head/ear phones so all can hear or see the call) and it will be audio taped as usual--though the video is recorded for viewing after the meeting. (I'm trying this company's webinar system as a test for the 2010 Online Group to include video and audio--so your feedback will be welcome.)
This week, your assignment is to communicate effectively with your family, friends, and co-workers how you are celebrating this holiday season. For example, if you are saving money, then it is important to communicate IN ADVANCE of gift lists and party favors to discuss what/when/where and how much everyone is planning to spend, eat, and give in your "spheres." For example, by suggesting a "draw one name out of the hat" for office or extended family gift giving (or drawing for adults, giving to children only) and/or setting a dollar value weeks in advance, everyone can get on the same page and no one will feel as if they are surprised. Communicating with family, especially, includes BRAINSTORMING, not telling people what to do.
As for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, meals, snacks, and desserts...unless you plan who is bringing what, you might not have healthy options. Magazines, such as Prevention, always have healthy, organic, or vegetarian recipes. Be sure to offer to bring healthy options to parties and shared meals.
As for time, planning your quiet time and workouts IN ADVANCE when you are scheduled to be with family and/or traveling for full days takes skill. Having an ipod or music to drown out crowds is helpful. Awaking early, or traveling late at night instead of during the day can provide quiet time in the car--but you'll need a travel lamp for reading.
Once again, communicating your plan with your closest friends and family, brainstorming "win-win" ideas for food and gift-giving, and even creating a family exercise walk after a big meal will help everyone experience a healthy and more meaningful holiday season.
Be encouraged,
Becky
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I think what I've communicated to my immediate family (which is really all I have, since my friends will be gone for the holidays) is that I am taking the next 8 weeks and focusing on some different things.
ReplyDeleteI wrapped up the semester's Bible study, and chose to stay home until January when I will go back to BSF. Btw, I think I am going to be serving with children instead of just adult women-God has switched my focus.
I've got a few medical appointments to tend to.
I'm trying to communicate to my husband that the dogs need walking....a lot of walking...
My blood pressure for some reason has decided to go up despite my meds--further reason to de-stress and get to better eating and walking.
My time with God is going to be alone, and not in a group (but am looking forward to the Luke study).
And because money is so tight, I'm thinking of new ways to simplify the giving.
Mainly, I let my family (husband and Mom) know that I am here to focus on them this holiday season. And maybe take a little time for myself too.
Laura, thank you for being consistent in posting. The interchange helps us all.
ReplyDeleteThis week I had some sweet moments that God gave me through praying for my children and new to be son-in-law. I could see the effects of the prayers and it was glorious. I decided to take my already written prayers out of my journal, add the new ones that will be written and bind them in some pretty way. I will box these up tie this beautiful cross ornament on top and that will be there spiritual gift. Each one is getting something they really want and then a few essentials for stocking. (haven't figured out how to change the stocking theme) any ideas? It feels so doable. Communication is the key to not having unmet expectations. I just bought the engagement work books for my daughter so I read that section. Great tools for any time of the year.
I am so excited. Thanks for the push to communicate with family. AND i LOVED Rogers suggestion to dialoge, not just "tell". Holidays traditions are a very emotional subject. I have been able to start the conversation with my sister and sister in law. My daughter was the youngest in the bunch of cousins on both sides and she just graduated from HS. I have nephews with full time jobs and my son just got married. I think we will move to some kind of drawing names for gifts.
ReplyDeleteThis morning at work I just sent an email titled "Scrooge Alert". There are 8 of us in the office and each year we have exchanged gifts between us so I had to buy 7 gifts. I suggested we drop the gifts and just continue to meet after school for our normal"holdiday" appetizers. EVERYONE agreeded and seemed relieved. WOW, 7 gifts off my list plus assorted older nephews and neices. YEA We spend time together which is the most important gift of all.