It’s an annual Christmas ritual at our house.
We sit around the table (or it used to be in the hot tub), and go around the circle, with each person identifying their “highlight of the year.” Of course, for many of us, it’s hard to pick just one, so we talk about several of the things that were highlights for us.
It becomes an hour or two of good conversation.
I like the ritual for a bunch of reasons:
1. It helps us to understand one another better by realizing what it is that they hold so valuable. I’m often surprised at what the next person identifies as their highlight, but it enlightens me to their world. And I also gain a greater appreciation for the diversity of thinking around the table, even though we are all one family.
2. It facilitates good conversation and deeper interaction than simply surface discussions. That is, of course, good for family dynamics and cohesiveness.
3. It gets us thinking positively. Not that we are otherwise a negative-thinking bunch. But positive thoughts are much healthier for us, psychologically and physically, than the other kind. And positive thinking is essential for success in any endeavor in which we engage. The more positive thinking we are surrounded with, the better off we all are.
4. It’s highly motivational. As we reflect on the past year, we also anticipate the coming one.
So, let’s think about that. New Year’s resolutions don’t tend to last long. Setting of goals is a worthwhile endeavor, but also often a frustrating one, and sometimes a futile one.
On the other hand, it’s well documented that what you declare to be so, often becomes your reality.
So why not imagine a couple of things that you would like to be able to share at next year’s discussion as the highlights for 2017. Speak them out to your group. And then work to make them a reality
It could turn out to be a year of highlights.
We at Fraser Valley Rent 2 Own wish one and all a happy and prosperous 2017, filled with many highlights to relate next year.
Quote of the Week
By taking the time to stop and appreciate who you are and what you’ve achieved – and perhaps learned through a few mistakes, stumbles and losses – you actually can enhance everything about you. Self-acknowledgment and appreciation are what give you the insights and awareness to move forward toward higher goals and accomplishments.
– Jack Canfield
