Do you get the blues at the big holidays like Christmas or New Year's? Many of us do. Part of it is caused by stress and unhealthy behavior (too much rich food, alcohol, burning the candle at both ends) and part by our expectations. We look at Christmas through our childhood memories, somehow expecting that our adult Christmases will invoke the same anticipation, excitement and warmth as those of our childhood. Television, commercials and movies reinforce the idea that the holidays are overflowing with joy, love and fun. We believe these holidays are supposed to be filled with good times, fabulous friends, lots of parties and a warm loving family. Most of us have these at one time or another, but not consistently for a month at a time, somehow all converging on this one time of the year, just because it is a holiday. Everyone is busy at this time of year. Everyone is feeling more stress, less energy. And lots of your friends and family are also feeling the blues right now.

So where does this leave us? How can we have more joy, feel better and enjoy rather than dread the holidays?

Have you waited until the last minute to buy a gift for that person who has everything? I have a couple of great ideas for you that are so easy.

How about a Coaching gift certificate? I offer gift certificates for coaching with me. Do you know someone who would benefit from coaching? Someone who is in transition in careers, major life changes or retiring? Someone who seems stuck and could use a little boost?

I also offer Workshop Gift Certificates. These can be in any amount and will be applied to the cost of any workshop. Or you can choose a specific workshop and prepay the fee. Either way, the recipient will receive a beautiful gift certificate in the mail with your best wishes.

Interested? Call me today at 713.528.5971 for more information.

I'm feeling especially grateful for my business and for all of you being a part of my life. I'd like to invite you to join me in celebration of the New Year and all the joy and prosperity it will bring to us.

Just as life unfolds in unexpected ways, my free gifts to you will unfold in useful, surprising ways. Each day starting on January 1st through January 7th you will receive a gift via e-mail from Life Unfolds. That's a whole week to celebrate the new year and to get ready for your best year ever.

Each gift will be something you can use, something that will help you live a life that matters and to help you live with more joy and peace. Each gift is completely free, nothing to buy, no hidden agenda...just gifts for you.

In the spirit of the season and of Life Unfolds, please share this with your friends, colleagues, family and clients? At the bottom of this newsletter, is a "Forward Email" link to make it easy for you to share.

Thanks for being a part of our community!

Many businesses have regular slow times, often around the holidays or in the dead of winter. Instead of feeling anxious about this, use the time to do the things you have been putting off. Here is my own personal list of what I'll be doing over the holidays.

Time...slip sliding away. Time is precious. We do not know how much time we have here to live our lives, to love our families, to achieve our goals. This is part of what makes it so precious.

Often we hear inspiring stories about survivors of a natural disaster or a plane crash or even cancer. Many seem to look at life in a different way when they have a close brush with death. They begin to see what is truly important in their lives. They begin to appreciate the small, simple things in their lives. They strive to laugh more, love more and spend more time, energy and money on what really matters.

There is no end. There is no beginning. There is only the infinite passion of life. -- Fredrico Fellini

Our world is incomplete until each of us discovers what moves us--our passion. No other person can hear our calling. We must listen and act on it for ourselves. To hear it, we need a positive environment that supports deep listening and truth telling. -- Richard J. Leider

One person with passion is better than 40 people merely interested. -- E.M. Forster

The worst thing in your life may contain seeds of the best. When you see crisis as an opportunity, your life becomes not easier, but more satisfying. -- Joe Kogel

Read more articles and get more fr*ee resources in both my blogs:

Mid-Life Unfolds Blog

Solo Biz Buzz Blog .

And my newest blog for those of you in the Houston area,

Houston Nature Walks Blog