As a Dream Factory, this community produces CDO’s. During the last CDO Training we put together the characteristics of a CDO (Chief Dream Officer).

· Centered
· Good Communicator/ Able to enroll others
· Invested in the journey, not the destination
· Clear Vision
· Staying in the soup line--committed
· Discipline
· Delegating
· Focused, Responsible, Accountable
· In Action
· Confidence, Faith, Belief
· Has a plan & allows things to unfold
· Open to shift
· Ask for what they want!—I am picking this one.
· Own their Gifts

In observing the participants who are graduating from CDO Trainings, I definitely see women who are displaying these characteristics. We all have them; it just has you focus on developing them. For example, you can see it in Penny Dickson as she creates her new venture, Women’s Wilderness Retreats; Confidence, Faith, Belief, In-Action, Focused, Responsible, Accountable, Open to Shift and all of the above. (Come see for yourself at the Women in Business Luncheon this Thursday, Feb 12th)

Pick one of these characteristics, and focus on it this week---notice where you naturally demonstrate it. Put it in where it is missing.

Want to become a CDO---join us on February 25th for our next training.

Holiday Blues, Holiday Joy

I have always hated the holidays. I always seem to be relieved when they are over.

Whether it was growing up Jewish, and never having my gifts compare with my friends, or just the expectation that it should be a great time but never was, I'm not sure. It was always those expectations that seemed to be the problem. What was it I wanted to receive? What did I want to give? I felt a lot of pressure to get it right.

In becoming an adult, and having kids, it became an opportunity to think of others and be generous with them.

My favorite Chanukah was when I planned to get my son, Greg, these beautifully carved wooden animals for Chanukah. I started in September, because they were expensive, but every week I purchased one. The final gift was a wooden cage where they could meet up together--which miraculously went on sale just in time.

Every night, I loved lighting the candles, and being prepared with a special gift. By the eighth night, the wooden cage was the cherry on the sundae. The whole experience fulfilled my expectations--my son loved them.

As we enter into this new holiday season--I am happy to keep it simple. Pre-sent lists for Chanukah and a Yankee swap for Christmas make it easier to get the right things. Discovering a beautiful online card service makes sending cards easy as well.

But somehow in the back of my mind and in my heart---I know that the holidays aren't about things--or having more stuff. They are about peace and love, and caring for one another. I crave the inspiration to give what I can to people I love and the ability to open to their love and attention. It seems like a way of being, that would make everyday a special experience.

So rather than beat myself up for lack of holiday cheer, I will take on a practice of generosity with myself and others. How can I be sensative to my family's needs the whole year? What gifts can I bestow when I don't have to? How do I live joyfully every day?

So rather than dreading the Holidays--I can create a holiday-like feel throughout the year, so when they come, I will hardly know the difference. I will let you know how it goes.

Happy Holidays and Create a Great New Year

Expert Author On Ezine Articles

Just got my first article published on Ezine Articles. Be the Change You Can Believe In.

Dream Factory Community: Elaine Gabrielson and Pat Mazzola

Hear what my members have to say about the Dream Factory Community: http://blip.tv/file/1479530

Just went to the Conference for Women in Boston. Great place to network and be educated on what is important in the world of women's business. Interested in blogging--check out Susan Getgood at: www.getgood.com

Life in Framingham-Dream Creation Principles #3 and #4

One of the highlights was when I was going into my first grade class in April, my teacher asked one of the other students, Maida, to look out for me. She became my best friend and adventure partner. Very athletic—there was nothing she couldn’t do.

“I don’t think I can do this!” was my usual exclamation from the top of the hill. We frequently designed and constructed go-carts and skateboards, and if I was with Maida—I would always find myself at the top of the biggest hill—scared to death—but having just watched her go down it---I knew it could be done.

Feel the fear and do it anyway! What is the worse thing that could happen? I learned a lot from Maida, but mainly two Principles--- Dream Creation Principle #3—Fear and excitement can be one and the same.

Dream Creation Principle #4—Surrounding yourself with courageous, capable role models can make all the difference.

WEEEEE!!! That was fun!!!!

Dream Creation Principle #2

At 5 years old, my mother got her dream when we moved to our own home in Framingham, MA. That one-level ranch house, symbolized everything she had ever wanted, and she started decorating and landscaping it with the care and style that dreams-come-true warrant.

Did I mention that my mom is my role model for the Dream Creation Principle #2?

Dream it!
Plan it!
Don’t give up until it is a reality!!!
PS: And don’t let the Nay-sayers get in your way.