Pass the Blessings, Please

Pass the blessings, please

Turkey up, put down the fork and season the day with a compliment

In the Spirit of the Thanksgiving season, offer the gift of self for the season. Join me as I embrace the words of a fellow author, blogger and columnist and wish them a wonderful holiday.

Add spice to the moment and pick up that phone. Let your voice warm the kitchen of a family member, old friend or neighbor like hot apple pie.

In celebration of the meaning of the day, visit postings and wish the friend the gift of giving. Season your words with motivation, energy and mirth.

Make this the gift that keeps giving and when blessed, share the sentiment with a nearby stranger.

Remember to receive give with an open heart and you'll be surprised how one kindness multiplies!

Pass the blessings, please...

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Writers the Moment is Now

I attended the SF Writing for Change conference this past weekend.

Under the warmth of a November sun, we gathered at the SF Hilton in the Financial District, just steps from the heart of Chinatown. The Writing for Change conference is one of my favorite events. The core element is non-fiction and the atmosphere is rich with individuals reaching for a better tomorrow by understanding today.

Not only did I re-ignite my creative energy, refocus my goals and connect with positive people, I learned that I can walk into a conference without mascara and eyeliner. What a better place to forget my makeup than a motivational self-esteem building event. Maybe I'll go naked next time.

From Stephanie Chandler to Kevin Smokler to Dan Millman to Rita Rosenkranz - the message was clear: the moment is now. My moment is now.

Yes, Kevin I will strive for balance and at all times be happy. So good to see you again and I'll see you in February. I appreciate the kick.

Thanks Stephanie for the countless tips and book. I listened and will act. Your energy is contagious.

Dan, I bought a huge club to ward off procrastination. Interlopers and time thieves beware.

Excellent conference! Thanks Mike Larsen and Elizabeth Pomada for a wonderful experience. I'm so glad to part of your team.

Gobble-gobble or Not to Gobble

Gobble-gobble or not to gobble.

75% of my invited Thanksgiving Day guests and family all agree - they do not like turkey.

Go figure.

I wonder then just how many people partake of this annual ritual on Thanksgiving to be polite. Are rituals negotiable? Is a turkey dinner the symbol of Thanksgiving or is the symbol the gathering together to share blessings?

I plan to share the blessing and not serve a roasted turkey with all the trimmings.

For me and my family this year it's steak, mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes.

Yes, rituals are negotiable and compromise comes in many shapes. No turkey on Thanksgiving? No way.

Compromise also comes in many flavors including See's milk chocolate foil-wrapped turkeys.

A Thanksgiving Day I don't spent probing a turkey's cavern is fine with me. For that I give double thanks.

Chocolate anyone?