| If you're reading this on the day it comes out, it's Christmas morning. If you have kids or grandkids, you're probably knee deep in discarded wrapping paper and empty boxes. The gifts are scattered all over the place and you're probably a bit exhausted and overwhelmed. It's easier when you're the grandparent, but it can still be taxing. I'm going to keep that in mind as I write this and try to get in the same mindset—just let things flow. Whatever you believe, whatever your creed (or lack thereof), it's important to take the time to give. That's what this time of year hammers home. Give time. Give money. Give attention. Give gifts. Give it your all. Give. Everyone knows this. Pretty much everyone practices it. Don't forget yourself, though. Give yourself a break. The majority of people give themselves entirely too hard a time. You don't give yourself the benefit of the doubt. You don't give yourself love. You're self critical, hard on yourself, and focus too much on your faults and failures. Give yourself the gift of acceptance, of patience, of understanding. It's a tough balancing act. You don't want to be too easy on yourself or ignore real issues. You want to give yourself love, but it's got to be tough love. Love founded on a realistic assessment of the situation and your role in it. Give yourself what you need and deserve. For some of you, that will mean laying off the self-criticism. For others, it means giving yourself a stern talking to. Whatever you end up giving to yourself, it has to come from a place of love. Never forget that. Have a great holiday, folks. I'll be spending time with family up through New Year's, and won't do a Sunday with Sisson next week. I suggest you do the same (and don't forget to give). In fact, I want you to lay it out in the comment section of New and Noteworthy: what are you giving yourself? | 