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
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Expert Author On Ezine Articles
Just got my first article published on Ezine Articles. Be the Change You Can Believe In.
Monday, December 15, 2008
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!!!!
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!!!!
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
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.
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.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Creaing the World of your Dreams
In running the Dream Factory Community, an educational organization for women entrepreneurs, I am always looking for ways to support people in creating the world of their dreams.
So I took my life as an example and started looking for my own dream creation principles. I am offering them--one principle at a time---there are over 35 of them. Let me know if you try them and if they make a difference.
My Beginnings—people say that your birth order and your family of origin make a huge difference in how you grow up and relate to the world. So let’s see if that is true.
I was born in NYC, the second daughter to a second generation of Jewish immigrants from Russia.
My parents had grown up in the city, my mother, Martha, the daughter of a variety storeowner, and my father, Victor, the son of a barber. When I came along, my father had done his time in the Army/Air Corps during the War II and had settled into a sales position at Remington Rand. My mom had learned drafting, done a little modeling, and was content to raise her long-awaited family.
My dad’s job promotion to Sales Manager brought us to Massachusetts when I was 3 years old—to an apartment in Brookline Village. I loved it there—a wonderful courtyard of varied activities and friends to enjoy them with. Roller skating, tricycling, playing ball, were all available by just opening your front door.
“I want to go, too,” was my demand when I found out that my sister was going to school. How could she leave me behind? Sitting in our dimly lit apartment, watching my mother iron, I was overwhelmed with despair that I would be left behind to such a unstimulating fate.
Fortunately my pleading was heard, and I was whisked away to the brick building down the street, where I was told that I would be taking a test to see if I could qualify for school. After the initial freakout when my mother tried to leave me with this old, rather unattractive woman—I was given a young teacher with a basket full of household items.
Would we be cooking? I hoped, but she just wanted to know if I knew what they were—spatula, egg beater, rolling pin---come on—give me something challenging. They never did—so at 4 years old, I became one of their youngest students attending Kindergarten. That was my first taste of living a life of my dreams and the realization of Dream Creation Principle #1. Ask for what you want.
So I took my life as an example and started looking for my own dream creation principles. I am offering them--one principle at a time---there are over 35 of them. Let me know if you try them and if they make a difference.
My Beginnings—people say that your birth order and your family of origin make a huge difference in how you grow up and relate to the world. So let’s see if that is true.
I was born in NYC, the second daughter to a second generation of Jewish immigrants from Russia.
My parents had grown up in the city, my mother, Martha, the daughter of a variety storeowner, and my father, Victor, the son of a barber. When I came along, my father had done his time in the Army/Air Corps during the War II and had settled into a sales position at Remington Rand. My mom had learned drafting, done a little modeling, and was content to raise her long-awaited family.
My dad’s job promotion to Sales Manager brought us to Massachusetts when I was 3 years old—to an apartment in Brookline Village. I loved it there—a wonderful courtyard of varied activities and friends to enjoy them with. Roller skating, tricycling, playing ball, were all available by just opening your front door.
“I want to go, too,” was my demand when I found out that my sister was going to school. How could she leave me behind? Sitting in our dimly lit apartment, watching my mother iron, I was overwhelmed with despair that I would be left behind to such a unstimulating fate.
Fortunately my pleading was heard, and I was whisked away to the brick building down the street, where I was told that I would be taking a test to see if I could qualify for school. After the initial freakout when my mother tried to leave me with this old, rather unattractive woman—I was given a young teacher with a basket full of household items.
Would we be cooking? I hoped, but she just wanted to know if I knew what they were—spatula, egg beater, rolling pin---come on—give me something challenging. They never did—so at 4 years old, I became one of their youngest students attending Kindergarten. That was my first taste of living a life of my dreams and the realization of Dream Creation Principle #1. Ask for what you want.
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