Three Minute Leadership: Peace to You and Yours

It is that wonderful time of year again when the holiday spirit fills our mind and heart, and gently moves us away from the hectic pace of our lives.  While results and commitments are no less important, holiday activities such as gift buying and preparing for family and friends get-togethers begin to take precedence in our list of priorities.  The world around us contributes to our change: stores are wonderfully decorated; holiday music streams from radios and ipods; home decorations appear.  Our environment is transformed around us to one of festivity and joyful tranquility. It is a time of peace. As Norman Vincent Peale, minister and author, once said, it is as though the holiday season “waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful.”

Memories fill us.  We remember the joys of our youth and the people who were and are integral parts of our lives and happiness. There is a sadness and emptiness for those we love who are no longer with us.  This gentle memory of them, however, is our gift to them, and theirs to us.  It is our way of saying to them: “I love you forever and will never forget you.” We embrace those around us and share with each other the very special gift of love.  Hamilton Wright Mabie, essayist, captured this spirit of the season:  “Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.”

May you enjoy and take great learning from this time.  As Eva Logue writes, may you be as a candle which makes no noise at all, but slowly gives itself away.  May this be your greatest gift to yourself and others that in your quiet reflection you see with brilliant clarity the happiness and joy of all the beauties that life offers.  May you and yours have a joyous and beautiful Holiday Season, a Merry Christmas and may this New Year be the best ever!

Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!

Have a beautiful day and a fantastic week!!!

Mike