HOLIDAY 2010

Hi Friends and family,

Well it is that time of year to see where we have been and to figure out where we are going. When I say we, of course I mean me! This year has been a challenging one as 2009 was, but with a few new twists. So how challenging was 2010, in my minds eye, quite challenging. If it wasn't enough that doing business is tough, doing it with a sense of optimism was a rough road to hoe.

So here we are, sitting in our cozy, warm homes trying to figure out what worked and what didn't. I love the Dr. Phil expression,"how's that working for you". It really gives one a pause to sit back and think about this past year. So here is what I came up with.

1. It still pays to out your best face forward, in tough times, especially tough times no one wants to see a sour puss. So do your best to feel it and in so doing, if you feel positive, your face will reflect it and just may turn a not so good day into a better one. What I am saying here is that by improving your mindset, you will also improve your prospects.

2. The old saying of turning lemons into lemonade holds true. Sometimes you really get dealt a terrible hand and there no way way of escaping your fate. So either you get back into bed, pull the covers over and just give in. Or, you do what my friend Ila did and take the tough news and decide to call the shots over her situation. The decision is yours, do you let someone else write the final chapter or chapters to your story, or are you the author. I can tell you with a high degree of certainty that you are in a better position to control your life than some well meaning friend or stranger. And it means nothing if you screw up, we all screw up, but I would rather own my mistakes than someone elses.

3. If you don't like where you are, you either change your "where "or change your perspective. Your paradigm or view of your life speaks volumes of who you are and where you are going. Life is not always fair and it certainly is not always good news. There stumbling blocks we all need to navigate or avoid entirely. Once you have been burned, I am sure you won't revisit that place again. But in case you do, it is important to learn the lessons these pit stops of negativity have for you. It is a universal law that you will embrace that which you need the least until you learn to no to step into that "stuff" again and again. So one thing you need to do is decide right now, what is my life to be, how do I see myself. Forget about this moment, it is time to get past any negativity and that includes toxic people and move forward, certain in your path that for however long I am here I will do what is positive and life affirming and be an example of who I am and what my life stands for, plain and simple.

So to all of you, those I know and love, and those I hope to come to know and love, I wish good health, joy and abundance in 2011. The new year is going to be better that 2010 and in so doing
allow us to pursue that which enriches not only our lives, but those of whom we love and cherish.
Now I am sure you are waiting for the other points of this post, and they will be forth coming, but for now, please those of you I hold close and dear, learn the lessons the give and embrace these tidbits of wisdom for whatever they say to you. For in the last analysis, it is you who steers your ship of life, so do it with deliberative concern for not only your place here but for those of us who may not be as fortunate to even have a ship.

Happy New Year,

Robb