2021 has gone by so quickly. The first quarter of the year is nearly over already.
So much attention is given to New Year’s Resolutions. A time of optimism and hope. A time to restart-to begin anew.
I’ll let you in on a little secret. Personally, I’m not very good with following through on those resolutions. And, I hear I’m not alone. (Wink. Wink.)
I began 2020 calling it my year of “vision and clarity”. Well, it turned out it was more a year of seeing and watching how all of us would cope with and get through the unexpected COVID Pandemic.
We coped. We are strong souls.
For my Spring 2021 I’m calling it my “Plus One” – I still have the Vision and clarity but One Extra Bonus-We don’t have to do it alone!
Springtime Why
My personal favorite time of the year for awakening and recharging is Spring. It’s a beautiful season.
I love it when snow starts melting and the birds start chirping. I do love winter and the snow also; however, the anticipation of NEW fills me with energy, wonderment and excitement.
Each spring I look forward to watching the birds come back and make nests in the same places.
Witnessing new birth is awesome.
I enjoy seeing flowers start to bloom. I marvel at the critters scurrying around.
There is just a certain energy I receive from each of these wonders of seasonal transition.
Remarkable 2021
Spring 2021 is remarkable after 2020’s spring when we were all rightfully fearful of the many COVID unknowns.
Thank goodness we were able to get outdoors during warmer days to social distance. But then cold weather came and we were stuck back inside.
Yet, we made it!
Here in the Midwest, we were rewarded for getting through 2020 and a harsh 2021 winter with such a beautiful first weekend of March.
Brilliant sunshine and warmer than normal temperatures felt like a reward for endurance. Right?
Heartbreak & Hope
Winter 2021 presented us at Craft LifeStyle Management our share of sorrowful client stories and crisis clients – more intense than usual.
We have experienced unbelievable obstacles and nearly insurmountable challenges while finding a healing plan of action for our souls’ futures. Each needed our help more than ever.
Was it the long, cold winter with Covid that caused so much seclusion? Or, was it the pride of our elder clients who were telling their kids “we are fine,” but clearly weren’t?
Was it just coincidental timing when parents/grandparents, taking care of their special needs children, reached their limit and decided they can’t do it any longer?
We don’t know the answers. We never will.
We just know how to come up with solutions to efficiently solve so many safety, dignity and health concerns.
Granted some days are more challenging than others. But the Craft LifeStyle Management team keeps going until a solution for whatever the challenge is has been put in place.
That is who we are!
Happy Springtime Hearts
Our greatest wish is that we could mend broken hearts.
Time always does heal.
It does seem to get easier when the days are longer and we can get outside to enjoy nature.
Some of our clients cannot get outdoors. Instead, we bring the fresh air and sunshine to them. We
Open a window
Bring a spring flower bouquet
Pull back the curtains
Place a bird feeder outside a window
Each little effort brings such a happy heart to all of us-givers and receivers.
And we can all see the beauty of this springtime season Mother Nature brings to us!
Forever Spring
The Craft LifeStyle Management team is deeply appreciative of seeing light, hope and healing for each of the souls who came to us in crisis over Winter 2021.
We want it always to feel like “Spring” for them for whatever time they have left here on this earth.
I hope your 2021 spring feels more alive and healing than all of ours from 2020.
2020 will go down in my lifetime as one of the most challenging years ever. I don’t need to list the reasons. We all know why.
Regardless of what we are bringing into 2021, we get to start anew.
Let’s approach 2021 with a renewed spirit-one of gratitude.
Let’s leave the guilt and grief behind.
You With Me?
Guilt
Guilt is a harsh and powerful emotion.
We see it almost daily on the faces of clients, family members and the caretakers. We often hear it in the stories they share, many filled with regret.
Among other ways, guilt shows up as anxiety, frustration, humiliation, anger, depression and low self-esteem and self-worth.
It has consequences on our bodies and our minds.
Ask Yourself
Are you beating yourself up?
Do you expect too much from yourself and others?
Are you afraid to say, “No”?
Do you feel regretful about how you’ve used your time, especially “family time?”
Have you caused divisiveness in the family?
Have you allowed your family to become fractured?
Are you struggling to shake off ‘mistakes’ or unpopular decisions from younger years?
Did you plan special events and intentionally omit certain family members? Have you explained yourself, or apologized?
Are you still allowing others to shame you for yesterday’s choices?
Do you do things today simply because you still feel guilty?
Are you guilt ridden?
Now is the time to honestly answer these questions and own up to the responses.
Acknowledge any wrongdoing.
Make amends, if possible, and move on from one G word-GUILT- to living a life in 2021 of another G word- GRATITUDE.
Gratitude
Simply put, gratitude means being thankful or grateful.
Gratitude is a much healthier approach to your life and your interaction with others, including your family.
Choosing to live a life of daily gratitude also affects our minds and bodies, but in positive ways.
Researchers have found living a life of gratitude improves our physical and mental health. It even allows us to get a better night’s sleep. Who doesn’t want this?
In 2021, I encourage you to think about gratitude and its place in your daily life.
Here are 5 simple ways to start practicing gratitude in your life
Awaken each day acknowledging one thing you are thankful for. Write it down in a journal. If you’re not a writer, doodle or draw it. Let the journal be a source of comfort on tough days as you reread your entries.
Write notes of appreciation to those who’ve made a real positive impact on your life.
Volunteer. Making time to help others is a wonderful thing. NOTE: Keep in mind that sometimes we need to help ourselves too without feeling guilty. Self-care is okay.
Make a list of people who really matter in your life. Renew friendships. Commit to spending time with them. NOTE: This is truly one of my favorite things. An hour with friends you haven’t seen in a long time is a wonderful recharge. Sharing what life has given us, helps. Humor also helps. There’s no guilt in laughter!
Go outdoors. Appreciate the beauty of nature. Awaken your senses. Live in the moment and take it all in! Maybe even capture a few photographs to remember the awesomeness of your outdoor adventure.
Denise’s Insight
My career at Craft LifeStyle Management has allowed me to work with untold numbers of clients and their families as they transition from one stage of life to the other.
If we’ve done our jobs right, we are sort of extended family when our role is completed.
We hear the stories. See the interactions. We feel the sorrow and the joy, and always, the loss.
Those who thrive through transition approach it with a deep sense of gratitude for reaching this milestone. They acknowledge and appreciate their support system, be that family members or others.
They awaken daily recognizing what a gift it is to be present and to share in the joys of the day.
This is what I wish for you in 2021-a year of living with gratitude, peace and joy.
I kept talking about practicing gratitude-being grateful. Seeing the silver lining. Slowing down. Counting my blessings. Cherishing the moment. Being content with what I have. Embracing what shows up in my life.
Then, I did.
In 2018 I committed to recording one thing I was grateful for each of the 365 days. Some days I struggled with limiting my recording to only one. Other days, I stretched to recall one. Regardless, each day received a gratitude note.
It became routine: a habit. Then, a life-changer.
I dug out a book given to me a decade ago. I read and re-read it. It’s highlighted and dogeared. It’s a recipe for practicing gratitude.
Definition
Gratitude here is described as “the realization that we have everything we need, at least in this moment. It is stunningly simple. It helps us to return to our natural state of joyfulness where we notice what’s right instead of what’s wrong.”
If you’re reaching for ways to develop & keep an attitude of gratitude, read
DATA COLLECTION
365 GOLDEN SLIPS
I cut 365 slips of golden paper and placed them into zip-lock bags by month. These sat in a basket next to my desk as a constant reminder not only to complete each slip daily but also to more fully recognize and appreciate events, behaviors, people, interactions, etc.
I became committed to appreciating this quote from the book: “Gratitude is like a flashlight. If you go out in your yard at night and turn on a flashlight, you suddenly can see what’s there. It was always there, but you couldn’t see it in the dark.”
What to Record
I didn’t limit myself to what could be recorded. The only rules were that just one item could be noted daily and that it could not be a recording of activity or an event and read like a journal. It had to be something unique about the day (or my approach or reaction to the day) that stood out and that I really appreciated and was grateful for.
Each day I made a recording, noted the date, folded the slip and put it in the container next to my desk.
Around March I began to realize how easy it is to forget things that happen on a daily basis that bring vast amounts of joy and enrichment to my life. Larger life events can often overshadow. For instance, 2018 brought some pretty seismic changes to our family life:
My husband, Ken, voluntarily switched careers.
Our son, Alex, married.
I doubled my client workload.
Illness and death of extended family and close friends.
Rather than focus on these major happenings, I recorded notes like, “admiration of Ken’s brain and intellect” and “cooling oceanside breeze on Alex’s wedding day.”
MONTH END REVIEW & RECALL
At the beginning of each month Ken and I would sit down and read aloud each slip from the prior month. We took turns randomly selecting slips until all were read and recalled. Some slips required explanation. Many brought delight as we remembered what was noted on the golden slip.[BONUS: Having someone to read and share a month’s worth of slips together is a real treat. But don’t let this stop you from recording on your own gratitude slips daily.]
It is both qualitative (subjective, based on observation) and quantitative (objective, numbers).
Without getting too technical, I
Read each slip
Placed similar slips into the same group
Named each group like Marriage, Friendship, Immediate Family, Wellness, Etc.
Counted the number of slips in each group
Created sub-categories for large groups
Placed each category into 1 of 3 larger categories
Charted the slips by category
FINDINGS
Marriage
The largest number of gratitude slips (49) related to our 26 year marriage or my husband’s presence in my life. A sample includes, “pride in Ken’s hard work ethic and subsequent results,” “strength, faith and integrity through adversity and change,” and “honoring traditions like Ken’s standing the first Saturday of each May as “My Old Kentucky Home” is sung at the Derby.” [He’s a Kentucky native.]
Friends
We’ve lived in eight states. Making, appreciating and retaining friends across the globe are highly valued (30). “Social skills to make friends and develop life-long friendships.” “Friendships from work settings despite employer changes.” “Invitations to outings with new friends.”
Mother/Son
Alex, 24, is our only child. Time spent with him was mentioned 24 times. It is the greatest gift he gives me. On Mother’s Day I noted, “grateful for the title of mother.” “Honest/frank conversations,” and “Drive and dedication at his job” were also noted.
Immediate Family
Our immediate family grew to four in 2018 with Alex’s marriage. Again, timespent together was mentioned most. I’m was grateful for their wedding day and marriage. We’re all grateful for their home offer being accepted and the ease of their move-in.
Extended Family
Siblings, nieces, cousins, parents and in-laws were mentioned 18 times. Highlights: “Inclusiveness and traditions of Loon Lake, MN cousins, like their pre-meal prayer, ‘We love our bread. We love our butter. But most of all we love each other.’ “Adult women who become friends” and “uninterrupted travel time with brother from NE to MN.”
Other
Forty-four (44) golden slips simply could not be forced into another category and got placed in “OTHER.” Samples include, “safety of winter roadways, “service experts like window washers, snow removers, HVAC technicians, etc.”, “Nebraska volleyball players’ grit coming back to win from two sets down,” and “beauty and majesty of fireworks displays.”
Wellness
Access to medical care with kind, caring professionals was frequently mentioned (35). I have a progressive scoliosis. Access to warm water and massage therapy were often cited. “Motivation and commitment to pool exercise for maintenance of health and mobility,” “ability to rest and recover,” and “understanding need for self-care.”
Travel
I am curious and have gypsy-like traits. Thus, I thrive on travel (13) and immersing myself in new surroundings and cultures. I am most grateful for the means to travel.
Nature
Many of my/our travels include exploration of nature and the outdoors (11). Sample notations included: “Sunrises.” “Sitting on dock listening to sounds of loons on lake” and “full moon lighting our travel on I-80.”
Personal Traits
Personal skills or traits appeared on 29 golden slips. These skills included traits like tolerance, compassion, sense of humor, emotional strength, ability to let go, forgiveness, life long learner, celebratory, etc.
Business Skill
Business aptitude or skills were noted 19 times. Problem-solving, analytical, group facilitation and connection, persistence, creative and artistic, communication (courageous, multi-generational, etc.) and organizational and planning are samples of the greater list.
Alone Time
Alone time only appeared four times during the year. History explains that. I hail from a family of 11. I enjoy being surrounded by people and activity.
CONCLUSIONS
There is always something to be grateful for. Recognizing this and pausing to understand gratitude were teachable moments.
I was grateful prior to this 365 day exercise. Committing gratitude to paper daily did, however, amplify the many blessings in my life.
My gratitude notes mirror my personal priorities. Almost half of the notes (46%) landed in “Marriage + Family.” Over a third (36%) fell in “External” and Eighteen percent (18%) were personal.
I was surprised by the number of personal and business traits (combined 48) mentioned on the gratitude slips. Clearly, I understand that my approach to both situations and people stems from the skills I possess and use. Experience (age) does lead to wisdom and insight.
Traveling fills my soul whether domestic or off-shore. Yet, it only had 13 mentions during the year. Perhaps, I’ve taken this blessing a bit for granted.
I have solidified my belief that most people are good and have good intentions. Forgiveness seems to come easier.
An attitude of gratitude is a daily work in progress. Admittedly, while raising a family, working and maintaining a life, it’s not easy to focus on self-improvement.
If I had a do-over, I’d have done this exercise earlier in my life. It’s never too late to start.
FUTURE
Keep understanding that to experience gratitude, I have to first be aware I’ve been given something (not necessarily a material thing).
Start each day being abundantly joyful.
Consciously count my blessings on a daily basis.
Realize there are trying times and discover the gift in those moments.
Be present and aware, especially during mundane, ordinary tasks.
Focus on needs not wants.
Notice and appreciate each person’s talents.
Live simply and minimally.
Keep expectations in check.
Give thanks every day, including at meal time.
Re-read “Attitudes of Gratitude” as needed to get re-focused.
Sandra from Sioux Falls, SD won the book! Congrats!
If you’d like a free copy of “Attitudes of Gratitude,” complete the form below and list the #1 thing you are most grateful for at the moment. List 1 item only.
CLOSED: A random winner will be chosen by May 1, 2019.
Linda Leier Thomason writes freelance business and travel stories, along with feature articles. Her work experiences include a Fortune 500 corporation, federal government, entrepreneurship and small business. She specializes in undercover studies of communities wishing to attract visitors for economic impact. Read more about her background and qualifications by clicking on the “Meet Linda” tab above. Want an advertorial written on your business? Would you like to have your community promoted?
Need her to ghost write website copy, a report or speech for you? Contact her by completing this form.
As a reader and follower you know each December I release a list of business professionals or organizations that have been great, or not so great, to work with throughout the year.
I also highlight significant events from the year and hold myself accountable by posting “things” I’d like to achieve in the next year.
2017 will be remembered for all of the special activities and occasions that happened. Reflecting back on the year, it seems unreal that all of this happened in just one trip around the sun.
2017 Highlights
• Alex, our son, landed his first post-college career position in Omaha.
• He’s recently got engaged to marry in 2018.
• Brittany, his fiancée, also graduated from college and landed her first teaching assignment with the Omaha Public School system.
• We celebrated Alex’s December 2016 college graduation with a 3-generation trip to Las Vegas in the fall of 2017.
• Ken, my husband, and I honored our 25th wedding anniversary by returning to Antigua-where we honeymooned.
• We attended both the Iowa and Nebraska State Fairs. Everyone should. Great fun and educational.
• Traveled to Hawaii for Ken’s work reward trip. He earned it. Super proud!
Making the 2017 Nice List
Greenberg’s Jewelers
No one in our household claims to know much about jewelry. Therefore, we relied on the professional advice and guidance of Mara Palmquist at Westroads Mall in Omaha for both a 25-year anniversary band and a bridal set. The selection was great. The education and service-top notch.
Crum Cakes Bakery
Elana bakes and decorates to perfection. We ordered a two-tiered cake, one with a peanut butter filling, and iced sugar cookies. Both were delicious and almost too pretty to eat. She takes great pride in both the taste and appearance of her baked goods. We met Elana at the Florence Mill Farmer’s Market. We believe in supporting small business. Maybe you do too.
Wellness and painless mobility were 2017 goals achieved at Omaha’s JCC. The culture of fitness and community attracted me and keep me going back. I’m not Jewish and I’m not treated any differently because of it. All are warmly welcomed in the well-maintained facility with enough activity variety to please all. Special shout outs to:
– Tracy Modra, Director of Membership, who patiently worked with me and finally got me there. (All sales people could learn a lot from her.)
– Matt Thomas-the Physical Therapist on location. Excellent knowledge. Great communicator.
– Breann Lundblad, Fitness Center Director, for letting me box with her. I know she could take me down with one punch but she never lets her superiority show.
–The aquatics staff for keeping the pool clean and for ensuring my safety while exercising in the 12’ water. For the first time in years, I have not had an ear infection from pool water. Thank you for keeping your pool area and water clean.
This full-service, Omaha-owned and operated travel organization has been in business since 1970. Donna Ahrendsen, Leisure Travel Consultant, helped Ken and I plan a perfect anniversary trip to Antigua. She even ensured both our anniversary and Ken’s birthday were recognized while there. Knowing you have an experienced consultant and a recognized agency beside you while traveling provides the peace of mind every traveler deserves.
I have no good explanation as to why it took us 2.5 years to finally visit this Omaha attraction. Everything about it mirrors our interests. We were simply overtaken by the vast beauty of the natural settings and displays and will return often. It is a sanctuary filled with memorable fragrant scents and sights.
Jarrod is the Heritage Tourism Development Director in Red Cloud, Nebraska. Red Cloud is known as America’s Most Famous Small Town. It’s the home of author, Willa Cather, and more. We visited in summer 2017. It is a thriving community with enviable business support and involvement.
Jarrod organized local businesses and together we conducted a November giveaway to Red Cloud. If you haven’t been to Red Cloud, click the link above and plan a trip.
Naughty List with a Twist
In year’s past, I’ve listed businesses that needed improvement, exclusively in customer service. This year, the twist is, I’m listing behaviors that need improvement. I’m guilty of some of these too. I’ll keep working to do better.
GREED
It’s bothersome to see greed, especially as individuals rise in organizations. There seems to be amnesia about who’s helped them achieve their goals and earn their bonuses. When little, to none, is given back, it makes those in authority appear greedy and unappreciative and completely out of touch with the process of achievement. It lessens authority and breeds resentment. Create a winning team with gratitude.
NOT KEEPING ONE’S WORD OR COMMITMENT
Honoring one’s word and following through on commitments are signs of character. Not doing so disrespects the person and/or the cause/event you committed to. It lessens you as a person. It makes you untrustworthy. If you’ve committed, follow through, unless there is a legitimate reason not to. And, if so, let the organization or person you’ve committed to know as soon as possible. Many times, your lack of follow-through costs them money. And, leaders, never create incentives and then not deliver them. You’re seen as a liar, or worse yet, someone who gained from the hard work of others but didn’t deliver on the promised incentive.
SUPERFICIALITY
How much time do you take to know someone versus critiquing someone? Do you notice their smile or their clothing first? Do you mingle with the group or do you stand aside and critique? Everyone has a story. Get to know it. Clothing, hair, shoes, etc.-they’re all replaceable. A human story is not.
DISRESPECT PERSONAL PROPERTY
Would your neighbors and/or co-workers call you a good person? Do you respect them and their personal property or are you habitually trespassing? How do you act? Do you act like your rights and needs trump everyone else’s? Are you neighborly, offering help? Are you considerate? If not, maybe these could be 2018 goals.
LACK OF GRATITUDE
Gratitude is an action verb. It’s a way of life. It takes discipline and practice. It’s more than acknowledging there are starving children in the world while you’re eating dinner. It’s a philosophy. Alex and Brittany received an engagement gift to help practice gratitude. It contained slips of paper and a container. Each day one writes down what he’s grateful for. A definite must-do in 2018.
2018 Goals I’m Willing to Share
Sharing makes one accountable, right?
Here are a few things I’m working toward achieving in 2018.
Commitment to fitness and wellness through diet and exercise.
• 1 night a month out with friends-it’s too easy to depend on social media and texts. Looking someone in the eye still matters.
• Tipping bathroom attendants at public events. Most do this job with a great attitude. This should be rewarded. Tipping them makes both parties feel good. Try it.
• Attending my son’s wedding as a guest and living in the moment. (I produced events for decades. Being a guest is new to me.)
Jotting a gratitude note and placing it in a container daily. Photo is gratitude tin as of March 1, 2018. It’s true. One’s perspective does change when stopping to acknowledge what she is grateful for daily.
Reading all notes at month’s end.
Finishing a book I’m writing. Stay tuned!
So, there you have it. The 2017 List.
The organizations, individuals and businesses that deserve top billing in 2017 and the behaviors that need improvement. 2017 has been a memorable year for all the right reasons. I’m looking forward to 2018. And, I hope you are too.
If you haven’t already, find some quiet time. Reflect on highlights and grateful occurrences in 2017. Make a list. Pull the list out often. Practice gratitude.
How can your life be enhanced in 2018? Set some goals. Strive for them. List them.
It is only through action that goals become reality.
Thank you for following along. If you have a story you’d like to share, contact me. Know an interesting person I should interview, tell me. See ways my website can be improved, do share.
And, many thanks to all who’ve shared their stories with me in 2017 so I could share them with each of you. I trust you’ve learned from them or been inspired by their words.
Linda Leier Thomason is a former CEO who writes freelance business and travel stories, along with feature articles. Her work experiences include a Fortune 500 corporation, federal government, entrepreneurship and small business. Find out more about Linda by clicking the “Meet Linda” tab above. Interested in working together? Complete this form below.