[ETS/PARC List] 12 Pieces of Advice

[drew Moore]

12 Pieces of Advice


 
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The holidays surrounding this season are perhaps the most reflective about
our lives, the most reverent for the highest power we believe in, and the
most joyous for the celebrations we share with those we hold most dear.


It is a time for the highest of highs, and unfortunately, a time for some
lowest of lows mixed in: sadness for those we've lost, regret about what
might have been, panic about the difficulties that often seem overwhelming.


Yes, this season is the intense crucible that foments the most powerful
forces in our lives.
Over the last 45 years of working with older adults, persons with mental
illness, and their families -- as well as dealing with my own family and its
history and dynamics -- I've learned a few things about getting the most
satisfying and peaceful outcomes of the season.


Let me share some hard-earned advice.

1.       Call or visit with those you love most, and tell them how much you
love them and what they mean to you. None of us have any guarantees on
tomorrow, so make sure that your love for someone doesn't go unspoken and
that you don't go to bed before making amends.

2.       Create a list of the  most important people in your life --
mentors, friends, family. If they are still alive, call them and tell them
why they are an important part of your life. If they have passed on, set up
a short meditation time and thank God for these people. And while you are at
it, ask God to forgive you for those you have wronged.

3.       Make or buy toys for an anonymous kid who wouldn't have one without
you. If you have children or grands, make it a family event at the toy
store.

4.       Attend a worship service or concert that includes glorious music.
There is something about
<http://marketing.leadingage.org/m0002p0040kZ1qrYNwn0PF0> Handel's Messiah,
for example, that is truly divine intervention every time I hear it.

5.       Find time to pray for peace, for wisdom, for strength, for guidance
for yourself and for the leaders in every domain of our lives -- especially
our state, national, and international leaders. Many of us spend a lot time
criticizing the people in these roles, so let's carve out a few minutes to
pray for them.

6.       Visit someone who will have trouble getting out during this season.
Offer to help them decorate or to address cards or to purchase gifts.

7.       Call or visit friends or relatives going through a hard time --
loss of job, grief over a recent death, trouble with a tough health problem.

8.       Wherever you go, find things to laugh about -- old jokes,
embarrassing moments, good times. Wear something a little silly when you
venture out!

9.       Eat fried chicken, pie, cornbread, oyster stuffing, almost anything
chocolate, and everything with icing or gravy on it -- unless of course your
family or your doctor has you on a diet of tofu and bean sprouts for health
reasons (perhaps a few candy sprinkles on the tofu would be OK?).

10.   Stop by the night shift dressed up like Santa Claus or an elf, and
bring along toys, sausage biscuits, and donuts with lots of those sprinkles
on them -- and some hot cider, too!

11.   Avoid poisonous people: the hostile, the intoxicated, the chronic
complainers, the guilt inducers -- anyone who puts you and others down.
Meanness spoils things for everybody.

12.   And finally, quit trying to change certain people! Ya can't teach a
pig to sing; it frustrates you, and it annoys the pig.



If you follow these 12 pieces of advice this holiday season, you'll be able
to step back into your day-to-day routine having enjoyed one of the best,
most meaningful holidays ever. You'll feel renewed and reconnected to those
most important to you!
It's a feeling that can last all year -- and far beyond current and future
generations!
Happy Holidays!

 
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Larry Minnix
LeadingAge President and CEO