I have to say that the last week was hectic.  My gift to my future year is to keep down all the busy-ness of this past week.  Calm but sure that’s my mantra for next year.

So, those coming to me with dire emergencies are going to have to wait in line!

And so can it be for you too.

Begin by enjoying this holiday at whatever point you find yourself and relax.  Because it is getting better and no matter what you read out there I can tell you that the business world is moving again. 

January is going to be a good hiring month.  I know of more hiring right now – and I work across country, not just Midwest — more hiring than I think the entire rest of the year combined.  That says a lot.  And believe me, I am not going to say something on this blog that I don’t believe is correct.

My thoughts for you is to work with what you’ve got to make it a beautiful Christmas.  Give gifts of yourself not $$$ gifts.  Have fun; laugh a lot.  Take walks.  Play with the kids.  Turn off TV or turn it on if that makes you happy.  But just take in the moment.

Because that is exactly what I am going to do.  I may blog again next week – because that makes me happy.  But I am stepping back from the business  and just enjoying the week with my Denver family – 3 year old girl and 23-day old boy<):

And while I do this, I am going to began to journal about how I can help you more.  I think remaining calm and refusing emergencies is a beginning.  I will attend a very important conference of all the leaders in this industry that I admire and learn from — that is not until March.

What I want to do most is bring to you all that I know, plus a calm encouragement of what I believe is true for each one of you. Help you see that you can rely and believe in yourself again.

The work is ahead of us – we both know that.  But it is now the time for stopping, not worrying, looking at each family member and friend as a treasure.  That is all – nothing more.

So, enjoy the season, each other and just know that if you really decide to restart your life, get back to work, do something new — it will happen.

A beautiful Christmas everyone, Mary Ann