December 2007 - Janelle's Blog

Toss the Resolutions Out

On this last day of 2007, you may be thinking about your New Year's resolutions. Several people have said to me, "I'm not going to make any New Year's Resolutions this year. They always fail." Have you made your list based on guilt and regrets? How about throwing that list out the door and trying a new approach for 2008?

This time last year I was busy and completely missed making my New Year's resolutions. Then about February, I started a notebook of things I wanted to accomplish. I had it going strong into March until I flew to New York City. Somehow, my notebook apparently was left on the airplane. This has never happened to me before, and I was heartsick at losing special thoughts and plans. Then I remembered the author of those plans was me. While trying to recapture the exact words, my mind stretched to bigger possibilities and new ways of looking at things.

The Accidental Tree

I accidently bought a Christmas tree last October at a garden nursery in Dallas, even though I didn't intend to buy one until later during the holidays. It was a little off-season and unexpected to find this 9-foot tree standing tall among a small forest of other artificial trees. Its miniature pine cones entwined through green snow-tipped branches that were filled with white, sparkling lights.

Since I arrived on the holiday scene so early on, I scooped up a plentiful supply of over-sized red, shiny balls, frosted red and white candy canes, and twinkling giant red snow-flakes to adorn the tree.

I could hardly wait to get the tree home and set it up in its new holiday corner of the family room. This was the first time in several years our living space was large enough to accommodate such a nice-sized tree.

Positive Reinforcements

You may have watched the TV coverage today on the funeral of Roger King, CEO of CBS Enterprises and King World Productions. If you did, you saw the likes of Donald Trump, Oprah Winfrey, Rachel Ray, Dr. Phil, and a line-up of celebrities honoring him for his personal contribution to their own successes in television. It was more like a celebration of his life than a funeral.

Oprah Winfrey said, "Roger was the best sales executive this industry has ever known. He was a larger-than-life partner who helped me launch two decades of success in syndication. I will never forget what he did for me. And this industry will never forget his legendary presence."

Beyond the Glitter

The holiday season is here, in all of its tinsel and glitter. It's the most wonderful time of the year.

But, the holidays may also stir up emotions that are painful. They can spotlight lost relationships and sadness. If you are experiencing breast cancer, you may want to run and hide from the crowds, but it is important to get to the heart of those negative feelings. You may be angry that you have breast cancer or that someone you love died of breast cancer. These negative emotions can feed stress.