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Hope, Health, and Happiness. Would you like to live your life with less stress and more happiness? Discover how to take small steps towards a healthier, happier, more resilient you. Stress is a powerful force in life. It can bring about illness, destroy relationships and cause chaos. There is not a one-size-fits-all coping strategy for dealing with stress. Our goal is to put a plan together that helps us to deal with the sources of stress, take care of ourselves during those stressful times, and allows us to reach out to those around us for support. The Work Smart Live Smart flash briefing focuses on helping you to Harness Your Energy, Build Your Resiliency and Protect Your Mental Health!
Episodes
24 minutes ago
24 minutes ago
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It is Christmas Day for those of us who celebrate this time of year.
As we go into the holidays, I wanted to share this little blessing with you.
To you I wish all the blessings of Christmas.
May you experience the warmth of home,
The cheer and good will of friends,
And the hope of a child-like heart.
May love work its magic into your life,
And may you touch every life you meet.
May you provide compassion to those in need,
And have the courage to stand up for yourself.
May the stars light your way.
May you have unmatchable success in life and the ability to handle it with grace.
Have a blessed Christmas.
#mentalhealth #hr
2 days ago
2 days ago
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It is Christmas Eve for those of us who celebrate this time of year.
As we go into the holidays, I wanted to share this little blessing with you.
To you I wish all the blessings of Christmas.
May you experience the warmth of home,
The cheer and good will of friends,
And the hope of a child-like heart.
May love work its magic into your life,
And may you touch every life you meet.
May you provide compassion to those in need,
And have the courage to stand up for yourself.
May the stars light your way.
May you have unmatchable success in life and the ability to handle it with grace.
Have a blessed Christmas.
#mentalhealth #hr
3 days ago
3 days ago
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Holidays provide opportunity for celebration, and they often bring about family tension. By determining your goals for the holidays and by staying in control of your reactions, you can help to ward off excessive stress and have a stress-free family gathering – whatever that may look like this year.
Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!
So here are today’s Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Stress-Free Family Gatherings Week:
The first and most important step to a less stressful family gathering is to determine who pushes your buttons. Then understand what the person gets from being so difficult. Some want to feel more in control over what is happening around them. Some want to feel important and listened to, and some want to avoid outright conflict, but will act out their annoyance or disagreement through other negative behaviours.
By understanding what people expect to gain from using undesirable behaviours, we are in a much better position to deflect and defeat the difficult behaviour and move the person towards more acceptable ways of responding. Our job is to help these family members feel more in control, more listened to and more important.
My second tip is to avoid ‘holiday perfectionism’. Thinking, saying, or planning for the best holiday ever can lead to certain disappointment. Be okay with disorganization, conflict, and family chaos. Going with the flow will help to reduce your stress.
Finally, stop and be in the moment. When you start to feel the tension rising, take a moment to notice the wondrous sights, sounds, and smells around. Changing focus helps to reduce your stress level.
Wishing you a meaningful, joyful, and Stress-Free Family Gathering.
Remember, If you like today’s wellness tips, let me know. You can leave me a review on amazon or through your #alexa app.
Looking for more ways to build your resiliency during the holidays? Check out my holiday infographic at: https://worksmartlivesmart.com/mental-health-infographics/
or read a few of the articles posted at: https://worksmartlivesmart.com/?s=holiday+stress
#mentalhealth #hr
4 days ago
4 days ago
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What would a day of complete silence be like?
Would you love it or hate it? Would you be lonely?
Some people dislike being silent as they equate it with being alone. Would you know how to cope with silence for a day?
We live in a very loud world where TV, music, and smartphones fill the void with white noise. Many of us, never take the opportunity to sit and enjoy silence.
Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!
Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Be A Lover Of Silence Day:
Silence and solitude give us the space to think, act, and play "catch up" with our mind, and can be very healthy for our physical and mental wellbeing. By keeping external silence we are allowing our internal thoughts to be heard.
Shut it off. Noise has a negative impact on the brain, which can lead to elevated levels of stress hormones. Researchers found that silence can release tension in the brain and body in just two minutes. It was even more relaxing than listening to "relaxing" music.
Finally, if you can’t keep silent for an entire day, start off small. Engage in deep breathing exercises or meditation. This helps calm your mind and quiet it at the same time.
For more information on coping with mental health issues, sign up for one of my on-line courses at worksmartlivesmart.com under the resources and courses tab.
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5 days ago
5 days ago
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Every one of us has heard the phrase “Look on the bright side!”
Look on the bright side is used to refer to focusing on the good part of something that is mostly bad.
Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!
As we head into a new year, let’s focus on these Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Look On The Brighter Side Day:
#1 It's difficult to look on the bright side when you're surrounded by negativity so be careful who you spend your time with.
Remove “can’t” from your vocabulary. A defeatist attitude will get you about as far as a car without an engine.
Be grateful. There are times when looking at the bright side of things can seem out of the realm of possibility. However, it’s important to take a step back and concentrate on what you do have, rather than what you don’t have.
Finally, It’s OK to make mistakes. Your past mistakes are meant to guide you, not define you. Remember, no one is perfect. Rather than looking at the negative aspects of a mistake that you’ve made, look at the bright side of that mistake and use it as a lesson moving forward.
So today, I challenge you to look on the bright side of a negative situation and use it to your advantage.
Looking for more resources to build your resiliency? Check out my Live Smart blog at worksmartlivesmart.com
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6 days ago
6 days ago
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Have you ever gone caroling?
We used to when I was in public school. We would go to the nursing homes and entertain the elderly residents there. I probably didn’t appreciate it as much as I would today.
Christmas caroling is believed to have originated by St. Francis of Assisi in 1223. Though caroling has slipped by the wayside, I still love watching the old Christmas movies that depicted the carollers dressed up going from door to door singing the old favourites.
Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!
Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Go Caroling Day:
While you might prefer to stay indoors with your eggnog, Christmas cookies, cozy blanket, the point of Go Caroling Day is to get out and share the spirit of the season, however, you celebrate it, with everyone.
And a quote from a favourite Christmas movie character, Buddy the Elf says that “The best way to spread Christmas cheer, is singing loud for all to hear.”
Looking for more tips to build your resiliency? Look for my book on Amazon called Stress Out. 52 Weeks To Letting More Life In
#mentalhealth #hr
7 days ago
7 days ago
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I can still remember playing parcheesi with my grandma and euchre with my grandpa.
What kind of games do you most enjoy the most? Board games, card games, or maybe its video games? Whatever game is you favorite, this is the week to play them and have some fun!
Research finds that it is not just academic skills being developed over time by playing board games. Social skills are also enhanced as we improve communication and practice good sportsmanship traits.
Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency
So here are today’s Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Game Week:
What better a break could you take from the stresses of the holidays than to partake in Games Week? Playing games is a great way to just kick back, relax and have some fun with your family of friends.
Conduct a poll on Facebook to find out what kind of games the people invited enjoy the most, and use the results of this poll as your guide to choosing the right game or games to keep your guests entertained all evening and well into the night.
Looking for more ways to build your resiliency, take my free on-line vulnerability test at worksmartlivesmart.com under the resources and courses tab.
#mentalhealth #hr
Thursday Dec 18, 2025
Thursday Dec 18, 2025
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Thank you! Good work, as always. Thanks for getting this done. You are a lifesaver.
Thanks for your help today.
One step to emotional wellness is being able to learn to give to others. Recognize and tell someone that they are doing a good job. Research says that you will be boosting their health and yours.
Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!
So here are today’s Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Tell Someone They Are Doing A Good Job Week:
Don’t forget that your people want to do well. Before getting frustrated with someone remind yourself of that, and then decide how to provide constructive feedback.
When someone does something well, tell them that you notice. As a leader, it is easy to forget to mention it. Most leaders wait until something goes wrong before they even think about giving employee feedback. And then it’s only negative. Block out some time during the week to reflect on positive contributions your team has made over the week
However, don’t overdo it. If you are sending people emails every day then your positive feedback becomes diluted and meaningless.
Finally, don’t use phrases like "great job" or "nice work" as these are so vague as to be virtually useless. Use the opportunity to teach which of their terrific behaviours you would like to see repeated in the future.
Looking for more tips to build your resiliency? Look for my book on Amazon called Stress Out. 52 Weeks To Letting More Life In
#mentalhealth #hr
Wednesday Dec 17, 2025
Wednesday Dec 17, 2025
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Did you know that flowers and plants freshen the air?
This is a day set aside to honour our clean air and to raise awareness of the many environmental issues that are changing our climate on Earth. This is one of several official days to pay attention to your environment and the air we breathe. Air pollution is the largest environmental health risk in the country, ranking alongside cancer, heart disease and obesity on the scale of its health impacts. Air pollution affects us all at work, at home and when we are out and about. It causes heart and lung diseases, affects children’s lung development and shortens life. 1 in 8 deaths around the world is linked to poor air quality.
Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!
So here are today’s Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Clean Air Day:
Clean Air Day is the perfect opportunity for people to ditch their cars and either walk or cycle to work.
Even the smallest contribution soon mounts up when large groups of people pledge their commitment.
Taking a walk in nature, breathing in the cool crisp air and slowing down for a moment is also a great way to celebrate
We need to protect Mother Earth and make sure that the air that we breathe is as clean and healthy as possible.
Looking for resources to build your resiliency? Check out my Live Smart blog at worksmartlivesmart.com
#mentalhealth #hr
Tuesday Dec 16, 2025
Tuesday Dec 16, 2025
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Today is my day to indulge. Chocoholics, rejoice! For today, we celebrate the treat of dipping anything in chocolate
Chocolate compliments so many different flavours. From chocolate-covered pretzels to chocolate-covered espresso beans, sweet, salty, and savory items can all be dipped. Love this quote from Charles M Schultz: “All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.”
Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!
Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating National Chocolate Covered Anything Day:
If you don’t have access to a chocolate fountain, you can still have some chocolate dipping fun. Look up melted chocolate recipes and instructions and gather your favorite foods to dip in chocolate. Make it healthy and dip strawberries, pineapple spears, or really any fruit. Or go decadent and dip marshmallows, cookies, and cakes. You can really dip almost anything in chocolate, and it will be delicious. Though I may draw the line on chocolate-covered bacon, jalapenos or fish.
Cover your food in chocolate today, and, in the spirit of the holiday season, share some of your chocolate-covered treats with your friends and family.
Discover how to take small steps towards a healthier, happier, less-stressed you by visiting my website at worksmartlivesmart.com
#mentalhealth #hr
Monday Dec 15, 2025
Monday Dec 15, 2025
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This day is a day of encouragement and inspiration. National Wear Your Pearls Day was created by best-selling author and motivational speaker DeAnna Bookert to celebrate life after she emerged from a deep depression.
She said, “I wear pearls as a reminder that I have purpose and value,”.
We are reminded that one irritating grain of sand can cause an iridescent pearl to form.
National Wear Your Pearls Day reminds us that when life throws dirt our way, we can take that dirt build on it and turn it into something meaningful and precious.
Pearls symbolize wisdom acquired through experience and represent new beginnings.
Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!
So here are today’s Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Wear Your Pearls Day:
Embrace the beauty of your life, a beauty that is often formed through hardships and trials.
And when life throws dirt your way, put on your pearls.
Looking for more tips to build your resiliency? Look for my book on Amazon called Stress Out. 52 Weeks To Letting More Life In
#mentalhealth #hr
Sunday Dec 14, 2025
Sunday Dec 14, 2025
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Yoga can give you a piece of time to observe your mind and your heart. People have different ways of relaxing, some of them healthier than others. Some people drink a glass of wine, some doze off in front of the TV, and some people prefer physical pursuits. One of the best and oldest ways to release the tension building up in both the body and the mind is practicing yoga. The benefits of practicing yoga, such as mastering countless techniques of controlling the body and the mind, have been widely recognized by the Western world for years.
Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!
So here are today’s Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Yoga Day:
If you are a devout practitioner, today is the day to celebrate as it is the birthday the man called “the father of modern yoga,” B.K.S. Iyengar.
Even if you don’t consider yourself a particularly fit person—don’t worry! Due to its slow, fluid movements, few people suffer any kind of injuries practicing yoga, and many of the meditation techniques, breathing exercises, and certain postures are considered safe and beneficial even for those suffering various illnesses as well as pregnant women. Just make sure you don’t attempt a headstand the first time you decide to give yoga a try.
Looking for more ways to build your resiliency? Take my free on-line vulnerability test at worksmartlivesmart.com under the resources and courses tab.
#mentalhealth #hr
Saturday Dec 13, 2025
Saturday Dec 13, 2025
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When was the last time you wrote a letter by hand’ We’re quick to email or text our friends, but nothing can replace the joy of receiving a personalized letter in the mail. December is the perfect time to stop what you’re doing and drop a note to a friend or a family member.
Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!
Tips For Building Resiliency and Write A Friend Month:
Researchers have found that people with few ties to others had 2 to 5 times the death rate as those who had more ties. Support and connectedness can be powerful tools in preventing illness by acting as a buffer to the effects of stress. One way to continue building that sense of connection and deeper friendship is to continually communicate and writing allows us to contemplate, ask questions or show appreciation in a very different way than by calling or emailing.
One of my favourite quotes is: Life is to be fortified by many friendships.
It is a shame that for many of us, the more stressful life gets the less connected we become.
Remember your friends. Let them know that they matter. Connect when possible – but don’t leave it up to chance – or time may pass you both by.
Discover how to take small steps toward a healthier, happier, less stressed you
by visiting my website at worksmartlivesmart.com
#mentalhealth #hr
Friday Dec 12, 2025
Friday Dec 12, 2025
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Unmentionable thoughts.
There is a Festival that celebrates these thoughts. Guess that is what today is. The Festival of Unmentionable Thoughts
Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!
Beverly’s Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating the Festival of Unmentionable Thoughts:
We aren't going to mention any subjects you could be thinking about today. Feel free to think about them yourself, but make sure not to mention them.
We don't even want to know what you're thinking. It’s not that we don’t care. Some things should just stay unmentionable.
It’s surprising how little control we seem to have over the timing and content of “bad” thoughts. Researchers found that people have about 500 thoughts a day that are unintentional and “intrusive” and that last about 14 seconds on average. While most dealt with the concerns of everyday life, 18 percent were unacceptable, uncomfortable, or just plain bad—politically incorrect or mean thoughts. And a remaining 13 percent were ugly, out of character, or downright shocking.
So whether they are morbid, perverse, or prejudicial, know that we all have them, but what we do with them and the significance we attach to them are key.
If you like today’s resiliency tips, let me know.
Don’t forget that you can find more tips for coping with mental health issues, by checking out my Live Smart blog at worksmartlivesmart.com
#mentalhealth #hr
Thursday Dec 11, 2025
Thursday Dec 11, 2025
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What is your favourite app?
Do you have one that saves you time or reminds you to do something that you couldn’t live without?
Apps are so ingrained into the way we do things now and there are very few people who don’t use at least one app.
Apps can be used for communication and entertainment.
Travel apps provide needed information and tools, helping with everything from transportation to finding the closest restaurant.
Other apps help people organize their homes or perform essential functions at work. Some can help build your resiliency.
Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!
Today’s Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating National App Day:
According to Flurry, mobile users spend 86% of their time on mobile apps. App Annie says that the average user now has around 80 apps installed and uses around 40 every month.
Look for apps that are easy to use and make sense in your daily life.
There are many apps now for almost any kind of stress therapy, be it meditation, mindfulness breathing, cognitive behaviour therapy, relaxation techniques, colouring in, or online therapy chat services. Use these apps to build in a pause to your day or as an aid to get a better night's sleep.
Though keeping up with technology can be a source of stress, it can also be used to build our resiliency.
If you like today’s resiliency tips, let me know.
Looking for more ways to build your resiliency? Take my free on-line vulnerability test at worksmartlivesmart.com under the resources and courses tab.
#mentalhealth #hr
Wednesday Dec 10, 2025
Wednesday Dec 10, 2025
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One bad decision can have devastating effects.
This my family knows only too well as over 30 years ago one young man’s bad decision after work left our brother and sister-in-law dead on the side of the road. Drunk driving, left parents heartbroken, robbed brothers and sisters of the chance to lean on each other, left future nieces and nephews without cousins and impacted this young man’s freedom for the next few years.
But there is a long way to go and much of that work is within my own generation. Many of us grew up not thinking a whole lot about drinking and driving. Where the only goal was not to get caught and get a ticket on the weekend. For some, this is still the goal. They’ll say things like, “I’ll take the back way home”, or “I haven’t had that many”.
Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!
Here are today’s Tips For National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Week:
Really, it is one simple tip. Don’t be that person who makes this bad decision.
Assign a designated driver before the night even begins
And don’t be afraid to address the ‘elephant’ in the room when someone tries to drive after they have been drinking or if you believe they are stoned.
If you like today’s resiliency tips, let me know.
Looking for more ways to build your resiliency, take my free on-line vulnerability test at worksmartlivesmart.com under the resources and courses tab.
#mentalhealth #hr
Tuesday Dec 09, 2025
Tuesday Dec 09, 2025
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I love Christmas Cards, however the sending of Christmas cards may be becoming extinct. In a world where we are already too busy, the thought of buying, writing, addressing, stamping, sealing and sending cards seems like an overwhelming task.
Just before my oldest son was born, I started a tradition of writing a Christmas newsletter and sending it with my Christmas cards. There have been times when I have thought that I wouldn’t send it out but then someone gives me a comment about looking forward to reading my annual update and seeing the pictures of how the family has changed.
Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!
Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Christmas Card Day:
Christmas cards and letters take time, but I have found the benefits to outweigh the cost. It let’s the receiver know that they are being thought about, which in this day of disconnectedness and isolation is especially important.
Another unexpected benefit of writing these annual newsletters is that I have logged many important family events. I have kept copies for myself and for my sons. They have a record of the special moments from their past.
If you like today’s resiliency tips, let me know.
For more information on coping with mental health issues, sign up for one of my on-line courses at worksmartlivesmart.com under the resources and courses tab.
#mentalhealth #hr
Monday Dec 08, 2025
Monday Dec 08, 2025
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I loved reading. I would read between homework assignments, favourite TV shows, or on the bus. I loved to stay awake until the wee hours if the book was enticing enough. That was before children. It seems that for many of us, our daily reading habits center around tweets, Facebook updates, or the ingredients of our morning cereal’ We read on average 5 or less books a year.
I find it difficult to add reading to my long list of daily to-dos. For me, the holidays give me the opportunity to slow down a bit and pick up a good book.
Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!
Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating Read A Book Month:
Obvious tip alert – pick a book that you have an interest in. But also pick a book that you have time to read as well. If the book requires your unbroken attention and you have small children running around you or you plan on reading during your lunch hour, this may not be the book for you.
If you like to read, indulge yourself during the down times within your day or during your holidays. Reading can be a great way to regulate the rhythm of your day.
And finally, don’t let reading negatively impact your sleep. Poor sleep habits such as reading late at night or in bed can leave you sleep deprived, foggy-headed and often grumpy.
Looking for more ways to build your resiliency, take my free on-line vulnerability test at worksmartlivesmart.com under the resources and courses tab.
#mentalhealth #hr
Sunday Dec 07, 2025
Sunday Dec 07, 2025
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Do you know how many litres of eggnog are sold each December?
Here in Canada it is 5.2 million litres.
This will be a very different holiday for many of us. We know that our stress levels are elevated significantly by all of the challenges and changes that we have faced, and the holidays will just add to that overall stress.
This isn’t the season to be stressed, but many of us will experience Festive Fizzle Out even before the celebration begins.
Rather than skipping the eggnog or the holidays, the first step to a ‘stress less’ holiday is to determine your most important goal for the season.
Bring back the meaning of the holidays by taking care of yourself and by simply showing people you appreciate them.
Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!
Here are today’s tips for Building Resiliency and Preventing Festive Fizzle Out
Get back to basics and simplify. Don’t be afraid to alter tradition. Try simplifying things and build in more time for relaxation.
Avoid ‘holiday perfectionism’. Thinking, saying, or planning for the best holiday ever can lead to certain disappointment.
Stop and be in the moment. Have you noticed the wondrous sights, sounds, and smells around you or have you been too caught up in the to-do’s or the extra amount of work you have to do to notice?
Acknowledge your feelings. Take into account the changes, challenges, and losses that you have experienced. Remember to keep your perspective and to talk positively to yourself about past challenges that you have overcome.
Practice Self-Care. Remember your ultimate goal for the holiday and get support and assistance from those around you to meet those needs. Make sure to take care of yourself by resting well, and eating a balanced diet. Focus on gratitude. Research shows that the more that you do, the happier you will be.
Finally, I love this quote: “Gifts are all around us, but it is up to us to recognize them in our lives.”
If you like today’s resiliency tips, let me know.
For more information on coping with mental health issues, sign up for one of my on-line courses at worksmartlivesmart.com under the resources and courses tab.
#mentalhealth #hr
Saturday Dec 06, 2025
Saturday Dec 06, 2025
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Ever wondered who St. Nicholas was?
There once was a young boy named Nicholas, who was born during the third century. His wealthy parents, who raised him to be a devout Christian, died in an epidemic. Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. He was made Bishop of Myra while still a young man. Bishop Nicholas became known throughout the land for his generosity to the those in need.
Take One Action Today To Build Your #Resiliency!
Tips For Building Resiliency and Celebrating St. Nicholas Day:
We could all stand to be a little more like St. Nicholas. Here is a boy, whose world dramatically changed when his parents died. He could have let this beat him down. He could have drowned in self-pity. Instead, he relied on his faith and did whatever he could to help those who were even less fortunate then himself. Let’s get good at turning life around and focusing on what we have, and less on what we have lost or don’t have.
Today, we have the image of Santa Clause and we give gifts to the people we know and love. But what about our giving to those less fortunate then ourselves? We are donating less each year. The average annual amount per donor is less than $500 with the median amount under $150. With the economy the way that it is, the demand within most charities has increased while their donations have decreased. Make a difference in the lives of someone less fortunate than you. It doesn’t take a lot to have a huge impact.
In 1998, my youngest son was due to arrive on Christmas Day. We decided that boy or girl, their name would honour St. Nicholas as he was our blessed gift. Nickolas arrived safely on December 22.
If you like today’s resiliency tips, let me know.
Don’t forget that you can find more tips for building resiliency, by checking out my Live Smart blog at worksmartlivesmart.com
#mentalhealth #hr