Happy New Year!

Something that I do faithfully at the end of each year is recall lessons that I learned. Then I do some predicting and planning for the new year.

I learned that Secret Santa does not work in our house. The reason is simple. And frustrating for those who try nobly to install some basic rules, like “each person gets only ONE gift”. You see, there is a rule-breaker in my family who, no matter how often they are reminded of this rule, routinely bestows multiple gifts on every member of the family. I’m embarrassed to report (okay, not THAT embarrassed) that the culprit is ,,, yours truly. I mean, what mom will let Christmas pass without treating each of her kids with presents (even if said kids are grown adults)?

But I vowed that Christmas 2024 would be different. There would be only one gift for each person, given by their secret Santa. I promised myself an “award” if I complied – a new book, sushi, or a movie.

Except that…… I travelled a lot in 2024 (again) and picked up dozens of unique gifts for my children and their partners. How could I not give them these exquisite things I so carefully purchased for them?

Here’s how things turned out: On Christmas Day, Secret Santa delivered one gift. But several elves also delivered gifts. Well, sometimes rules can be elasticized.

That’s a lesson I learned. Or did I? For sure there’s no book, sushi or movie award for me. But one must hope, so I predict that this year I’ll follow the rules - if I can bend them a little!

Another lesson I learned is that, while turmoil swirls around us, there is always room for a laugh, and many opportunities to create fun moments to cherish as they happen.

I predict that, as the world rocks with considerable chaos, there will be strategies and solutions that we will develop to deal with things, using the lessons we learned, as well as our determination, strength and resourcefulness.

Let’s make a commitment to start by sharing love and being kind to others this year. We can make the world a better, peaceful and happy place if we each put our minds to it. Make someone smile, then go ahead and give yourself an award!

Email me: bernadette@gogettercoaching.com .