Vol 1 Iss 25

Even though Christmas is still 3 whole weeks away, you would think from the pressure of advertising, that there is desperately little time. Have your put up your tree? Have you shopped till you drop? Have you been the life of the party? Are you svelt and thin, yet indulging in rich chocolate truffles?

In other words, are you struggling to meet everyone else's expectations of the holidays without regard to your own needs?

So far, I've purchased one gift that needs to be mailed and given passing thought to taking out the tree (from a box) and decorating the house. Aaaaaah - I'll get to it next weekend. Maybe I'll bake cookies, maybe not.

I learned a long time ago to pace myself this time of year. I have only so much energy. It keeps my desires and expectations in alignment with who I am.

Of course, not everyone is like me. That's why the theme for this newsletter is Balance. Of all times of the year, this is the worst for bouncing off the walls and for losing any sense of control. Expectations from family and society can over-run even the most sensible person.

So, what I wish for you this Holiday Season is contentment and "enough." And decadent chocolate.

P. S. Anne Marie has her final week in Rome next week. They meet the Pope and fly home the 13th. Find out about the rest of the adventures of the World Smart group (and my daughter) by following this link:

http://www.upwithpeople.org/pageinpage/2004studentnewsletters.cfm

My grandson, Jesse, is a little over 10 months old and is learning to walk. He pulls himself up, hangs on a while, lets go, and takes a step. Then, PLOP! It's a good thing diapers are thick or his little behind would be bruised. And he does it over and over. Before we know it (or are ready for it) he'll be dashing around on two feet, a complete master of this balancing trick.

For us, learning balance is a little different. Try standing on one foot for a few minutes. Notice what happens in your body. It is the rare person who does not make constant adjustments. Your foot is constantly in motion, and if you continue for a long time, the arms may start wavering to keep you from hitting the deck.

What's interesting is we never really achieve balance as a fixed state - it's more of a process. You are constantly adjusting to keep from tipping over. Your soul knows what balance feels like. What you need is to pay attention, notice what needs adjustment, and make the adjustments

In our quick-paced world, we make adjustments to our life balance by saying Yes and by saying No. When I said yes to my new job at the University of Colorado, I said Yes to being in a stimulating environment and being gone 40+ hours/week, and No to working in my sweats in my office at home and setting my own hours. So, though I wear less comfortable clothes and dash to meet the bus, it still works for me because my need for the energy of connection is met.

When we are paying attention to what brings our soul happiness, it's a simple matter to know what to say Yes to and what to say No to. Our problem is that we go to sleep. Socrates said, "We are all sleepwalking and the only time we wake up is when we are in pain." It takes our relationships crumbling or our jobs going away to wake us up. And if that doesn't work, our bodies start making us sick - to make us PAY ATTENTION!

One really effective way to pay attention in the moment is to ask yourself what this choice has you say Yes to and to say No to. You are saying both. (Sometimes we forget that when all we really want is that new HDTV.) Then ask: Is what you are saying Yes or No to in alignment with your values?

When you are awake, the decisions are simpler (notice I didn't' say easier...) When you are awake, you notice what brings joy and what brings discontent.

You are the one that is running your life, whether you're awake or not. It's your choice.

If you want a partner to share your blessings with, PLEASE call or email me (at debra@forwardmomentum.com ) and let's partner on your growth. You have a good heart and you deserve happiness.

Listen to the MUSTN'TS child,

Listen to the DON'TS

Listen to the SHOULDN'TS

The IMPOSSIBLES, the WON'TS

Listen to the NEVER HAVES

Then listen close to me—

Anything can happen, child,

I have begun a new teaching relationship with Hyland Hills Recreation District in Westminster, Colorado. They have a long-standing program of offering quality classes to their public and I'm honored to be a part of it. To find out more about Hyland Hills and their programs, and how to register, click here .

Help! I Need a Different Job

Saturday April 16 and Saturday April 23, 2005, 9:00 to 11:00 am

Learn the process of discovering your next career step, whether it's a different job or a brand new career. We'll look at defining what work suits you best, job search strategies, and action plans. You'll learn how to research and approach the companies you'll be happiest working for and how to network to find that company.

The Un-Retirement Landscape

Saturday April 2, 2005, 9:00 to 11:00 am

We are living longer than any time in the history of mankind, and we are retiring at an average age of 57. What in the world will you do with the next 30 years? Learn the areas of life that will need attention in your retirement. It's not all about money!

For the full listing of workshops, visit www.forwardmomentum.com.

You are free to use material from Moving Forward! in whole or in part, as long as you include complete attribution, including a live web site link. Please also notify me where the material will appear. The attribution should read:

"By Debra DeVilbiss, CPCC, of Forward Momentum, LLC. Please visit Debra's website at http://www.ForwardMomentum.com for additional articles and resources on creating your right livelihood."

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