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	<title>Step Stones For Life® Blog &#187; Gratitude</title>
	<atom:link href="http://stepstonesforlife.com/blog/index.php/category/spirituality/gratitude/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://stepstonesforlife.com/blog</link>
	<description>Nova Reed, MA, CLC</description>
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		<title>Happy Thanksgiving</title>
		<link>http://stepstonesforlife.com/blog/2011/11/18/happy-thanksgiving/</link>
		<comments>http://stepstonesforlife.com/blog/2011/11/18/happy-thanksgiving/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 19 Nov 2011 06:52:58 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Nova Reed</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fulfillment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gratitude]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Health and Wellness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Life Coaching]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Self-Help]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Blessed]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Blessings]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Grateful]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Happy Thanksgiving]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nova Reed]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Savings]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Special]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Step Stones For Life]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://stepstonesforlife.com/blog/?p=617</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks to God and those you cherish. I am so grateful and blessed to do what I love every day and to be a part of your life. I’d like to show you my gratitude this Thanksgiving with special savings. You’ll find extra discounts on already discounted packages, and [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks to God and those you cherish. I am so grateful and blessed to do what I love every day and to be a part of your life. I’d like to show you my gratitude this Thanksgiving with special savings.</p>
<p>You’ll find extra discounts on already discounted packages, and prices <em>include</em> processing fees if you’d like to pay with credit card via PayPal. So, if you know you’ll use the sessions stock up and save. This offer is good until the weekend after Thanksgiving (11/27/11).</p>
<p>Feel free to forward this offer or give a gift to those you care about!</p>
<p><span style="color: #993300;"><strong>Thanksgiving Special</strong></span></p>
<p>Session Prices:</p>
<p>Single session (one hour): $125<br />
<strong><span style="color: #993300;">Special: $115 (save $10)</span></strong><br />
<a href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&amp;hosted_button_id=E92CW79F4V2HU"></p>
<input type="image" name="submit" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_paynow_SM.gif" alt="PayPal - The safer, easier way to pay online!" /></a> <img src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif" alt="" width="1" height="1" border="0" /></p>
<p>Packages:</p>
<p>4 Sessions: $450 (save $50)<br />
<strong><span style="color: #993300;">Special: $410 (save $90 total)</span></strong><br />
<a href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&amp;hosted_button_id=AEPWUSZ6GTCBA"><br />
<input type="image" name="submit" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_paynow_SM.gif" alt="PayPal - The safer, easier way to pay online!" /></a> <img src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif" alt="" width="1" height="1" border="0" /></p>
<p>6 Sessions: $675 (save $75)<br />
<strong><span style="color: #993300;">Special: $605 (save $145 total)</span></strong><br />
<a href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&amp;hosted_button_id=W9WZ3LSR5WTSU"><br />
<input type="image" name="submit" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_paynow_SM.gif" alt="PayPal - The safer, easier way to pay online!" /></a> <img src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif" alt="" width="1" height="1" border="0" /></p>
<p>8 Sessions: $875 (save $125)<br />
<strong><span style="color: #993300;">Special: $790 (save $210 total)</span></strong><br />
<a href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&amp;hosted_button_id=8KYJ7K2KKNWFN"><br />
<input type="image" name="submit" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_paynow_SM.gif" alt="PayPal - The safer, easier way to pay online!" /></a> <img src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif" alt="" width="1" height="1" border="0" /></p>
<p>12 Sessions: $1275 (save $225)<br />
<strong><span style="color: #993300;">Special: $1150 (save $350 total)</span></strong><br />
<a href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&amp;hosted_button_id=3T9YB66G6M874"><br />
<input type="image" name="submit" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_paynow_SM.gif" alt="PayPal - The safer, easier way to pay online!" /></a> <img src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif" alt="" width="1" height="1" border="0" /></p>
<p>24 Sessions: $2500 (save $500)<br />
<strong><span style="color: #993300;">Special: $2225 (save $775)</span></strong><br />
<a href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&amp;hosted_button_id=4V5QSUHHDNE7A"><br />
<input type="image" name="submit" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_paynow_SM.gif" alt="PayPal - The safer, easier way to pay online!" /></a> <img src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif" alt="" width="1" height="1" border="0" /></p>
<p>If you’d like to pay with a Credit Card – just click on the Pay Pal link below the package you&#8217;d like. Processing fees are <em>included</em> in the Special Price. Or pay by check by mailing by the date above or bring to your next session. If you&#8217;d like to give a gift, just include the recipient&#8217;s name in the memo at check-out or send me an email.</p>
<h4>I’m SO grateful for you!  ~ Nova</h4>
<h3><span style="color: #993300;">Happy Thanksgiving</span></h3>
<h3><a href="http://stepstonesforlife.com/blog/2011/11/18/happy-thanksgiving/thanksgiving/" rel="attachment wp-att-618"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-618" title="thanksgiving" src="http://StepStonesForLife.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/thanksgiving-300x201.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="201" /></a></h3>
<p><span style="color: #808080;">Pre-paid sessions are valid for 3 years, and are transferrable. Packages are not refundable.</span></p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<item>
		<title>Create A Bountiful Life</title>
		<link>http://stepstonesforlife.com/blog/2011/10/22/create-a-bountiful-life/</link>
		<comments>http://stepstonesforlife.com/blog/2011/10/22/create-a-bountiful-life/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 23 Oct 2011 02:12:19 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Nova Reed</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Creativity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fulfillment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Goals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gratitude]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hope]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Life Coaching]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Lifestyle]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Self-Help]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Spirituality]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ability]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Beauty]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bountiful]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Care]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Create Your Life]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Grow]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Light]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[love]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nourishing Energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nova Reed]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Relationships]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Stability]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Step Stones For Life]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Thrive]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://stepstonesforlife.com/blog/?p=603</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[You have the ability to create your life. Your environment, relationships, and how you care for yourself matters: Surround yourself with love, light, nourishing energy, beauty, and stability. You will thrive, grow, and harvest the best life has to offer. &#8211; Nova &#160;]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;">You have the ability to create your life.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Your environment, relationships, and how you care for yourself matters:</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Surround yourself with love, light, nourishing energy, beauty, and stability.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">You will thrive, grow, and harvest the best life has to offer. &#8211; Nova</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a rel="attachment wp-att-604" href="http://stepstonesforlife.com/blog/2011/10/22/create-a-bountiful-life/tuscany-vineyard/"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-604" title="tuscany vineyard" src="http://StepStonesForLife.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/tuscany-vineyard-300x199.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="199" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>A Mother&#8217;s Love</title>
		<link>http://stepstonesforlife.com/blog/2011/05/05/a-mothers-love-2/</link>
		<comments>http://stepstonesforlife.com/blog/2011/05/05/a-mothers-love-2/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 05 May 2011 23:36:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Nova Reed</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fulfillment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gratitude]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Parenting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Thought of the Day]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Child]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[contentment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[God]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[happiness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Inner Peace]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[joy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[love]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Meaning of Life]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mother's day]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[purpose]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Soul]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[spirit]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://stepstonesforlife.com/blog/?p=404</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[A Mother’s Love by Nova Reed Being a mother pulls at every essence of your being. You feel love you never knew you could feel. You know your way, yet never walked that way before. You are guided by your love, your devotion, and spirit. Mothers understand like no else. A mother comforts hurts with [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a rel="attachment wp-att-405" href="http://stepstonesforlife.com/blog/2011/05/05/a-mothers-love-2/a-mothers-love-2/"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-405" title="A Mother's Love" src="http://StepStonesForLife.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/A-Mothers-Love-216x300.jpg" alt="" width="216" height="300" /></a></p>
<p><strong>A Mother’s Love</strong> by Nova Reed</p>
<p>Being a mother pulls at every essence of your being.</p>
<p>You feel love you never knew you could feel.</p>
<p>You know your way, yet never walked that way before.</p>
<p>You are guided by your love, your devotion, and spirit.</p>
<p>Mothers understand like no else.</p>
<p>A mother comforts hurts with just a look of warmth.</p>
<p>Being a mother heals and mends disappointments of the past,</p>
<p>Filling the tears of life with drops of love with every hug.</p>
<p>You find wisdom, strength, and a purpose for life.</p>
<p>A knowing of what truly is your calling;</p>
<p>To nurture a spirit, to feed a soul,</p>
<p>To enhance security and watch over their health.</p>
<p>Being a mother is the greatest responsibility, and yet the greatest joy.</p>
<p>The bond you have with your child connects you deeper with God.</p>
<p>You can sense your child’s presence like a tingle of an angel blowing down your back.</p>
<p>You know when happiness or sadness falls on them, or when they are in need.</p>
<p>You would gladly sacrifice anything for their contentment and inner peace.</p>
<p>You quest for their fulfillment above and beyond your own.</p>
<p>With just one look upon your child, your heart can overflow,</p>
<p>And remind you of the meaning of life.</p>
<p>Being a mother is God’s greatest gift, a priceless treasure, an all encompassing love.</p>
<p>Happy Mother’s Day.</p>
<p>Warmly,</p>
<p>Nova</p>
<p>Email: Nova@StepStonesForLife.com<br />
Office: 949.858.2442</p>
<p>Step Stones For Life Copyright © 2007 Including the right to reproduction in whole or in part of any form. Blog articles may not be reproduced, feel free to forward the URL to those you would like share.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Emotional Presence &#8211; BE Inspiration</title>
		<link>http://stepstonesforlife.com/blog/2011/02/05/emotional-presence-be-inspiration/</link>
		<comments>http://stepstonesforlife.com/blog/2011/02/05/emotional-presence-be-inspiration/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 05 Feb 2011 17:58:25 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Nova Reed</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Anxiety]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Coping Skills]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Creativity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Depression]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fulfillment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gratitude]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Life Coaching]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Spirituality]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Thought of the Day]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://stepstonesforlife.com/blog/?p=310</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Maintaining emotional presence allows you to push away regrets from the past and avoid anxieties of the future. Learning to remain emotionally present requires trust. Trust in your abilities and your path; a deep self-knowledge of your purpose and meaning. A knowing of why you are here. If you live in a place of trust, [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Maintaining emotional presence allows you to push away regrets from the past and avoid anxieties of the future. Learning to remain emotionally present requires trust. Trust in your abilities and your path; a deep self-knowledge of your purpose and meaning. A knowing of why you are here. If you live in a place of trust, rather than hearing regrets of the past, you will peer back at your journey and notice accomplishments. You will look ahead and see faith. Emotional presence is a celebration of life, self-awareness, and gratitude. With emotional presence you can trust to be completely in the present and enjoy every sense of your being aligning with the energy of creation, the beauty of life, and create inspiring wonders in your everyday world.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Adding Joy To Your Holiday</title>
		<link>http://stepstonesforlife.com/blog/2009/12/03/adding-joy-to-your-holiday/</link>
		<comments>http://stepstonesforlife.com/blog/2009/12/03/adding-joy-to-your-holiday/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 04 Dec 2009 03:11:15 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Nova Reed</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Gratitude]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hope]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Life Coaching]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Relationships]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Stress Reduction]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[christmas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[family conflict]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fullfillment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[giving]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Goals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[grief]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[grieving]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Holiday Gifts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[holiday stress]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hurt]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[joy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[love]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[New Year]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nova Reed]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Realtionships]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[regrets]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sorrrow]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Step Stones For Life]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[thanksgiving]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://stepstonesforlife.com/blog/?p=117</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Though the holiday season is thought to be a joyous time by all, many find the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas to be stressful and emotional. As a helping professional, I have observed the approaching holiday season as both a joyous time, as well as a time filled with heartache and family conflict. The holidays [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Though the holiday season is thought to be a joyous time by all, many find the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas to be stressful and emotional. As a helping professional, I have observed the approaching holiday season as both a joyous time, as well as a time filled with heartache and family conflict.</p>
<p>The holidays often surface emotions from the past with greater intensity. Unresolved conflict, hurt, and past regrets are heightened with the approaching end of the New Year. Maybe goals were unfulfilled, or relationships came to an end, or a loved one passed away, or a deep family conflict remains an open wound. Many report to me that the pain can become unbearable, the sorrow of a missed loved one seems inescapable, or the motivation to get along with a particular family member for one meal seems just too much.</p>
<p>This holiday season, focus on one word to pull you toward happiness, fulfillment, and contentment: HOPE. There is always HOPE. Hope surfaces faith, love, joy, and the beauty in all of us to turn to others and GIVE. The act of giving pushes away pain, hurt, and isolation.</p>
<p>Follow this simple exercise to prepare your heart to take in all the joy around you this holiday season:</p>
<p>1. Write down 10 things you are most grateful for today. Read them over. Your heart will fill with gratitude, bring you to the present, and create thoughts of joy.</p>
<p>2. On 10 notes write “I am grateful for you.” And personally hand them (or if not possible mail them) to the 10 most important people in your life. A bonus would be to include a positive affirmation about each person that you find endearing. Such as, “I am grateful for you. You are a great listener.” – What a beautiful gift. Create place cards for your holiday table, use them as stocking stuffers, or labels for gifts.</p>
<p>Grieving can take on new pain over the holidays:<br />
Knowing that a very important person may include the memory of a loved one, write down your gratitude for them and place the note in a photo album or next to a picture of them. By embracing gratitude for the beautiful memories you have, you are holding their spirit close and honoring every piece of their life.</p>
<p>3. Do the one thing you enjoy the most this holiday. Take time to nurture yourself. You will have more energy to give, resentment will diminish, and you will take in the good in everyone. Everyone seems more pleasant when you are relaxed!</p>
<p>And finally, center yourself with this thought;<strong><em><br />
</em></strong></p>
<p><strong><em>Gratitude, the act of giving, pulls me closer to others,<br />
to creation, to hope, and to love.</em></strong></p>
<p>I am always here for you.<br />
Please feel free to email me at nova@stepstonesforlife.com<br />
or call 949.858.2442</p>
<p><em>Take a look at what&#8217;s new:</em></p>
<p>Step Stones For Life New Features &amp; Gifts</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://stepstonesforlife.com/giftsandpackages" target="_blank">Life Coaching and Stress Reduction Gift Packages</a></strong><strong><br />
</strong><strong>What a great gift to give someone you care about!<br />
Start 2012 with a brand new beginning &#8230;</strong></p>
<p><strong></strong>Packages include a beautiful gift certificate, welcome packet, and gift wrapped book. Free shipping too.</p>
<p>Go to <a href="http://stepstonesforlife.com/giftsandpackages" target="_blank">StepStonesForLife.com/giftsandpackages</a> to browse your options and purchase online.</p>
<p>Happy Holidays!</p>
<p>Peace,</p>
<p>~ Nova</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Keeping Your New Year&#8217;s Resolution</title>
		<link>http://stepstonesforlife.com/blog/2009/10/18/keeping-your-new-years-resolution/</link>
		<comments>http://stepstonesforlife.com/blog/2009/10/18/keeping-your-new-years-resolution/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 18 Oct 2009 22:03:40 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Nova Reed</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Fulfillment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Goals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gratitude]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Life Coaching]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[guilt]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[motivation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[negative self-talk]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[new year's resolution]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[success]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://stepstonesforlife.com/blog/?p=53</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The beginning of a New Year represents the opportunity for change, growth, and improvement. Entering 2007 leaves the year of 2006 behind, how you define what you leave behind determines your ability for new growth. Shedding yourself from past regrets eliminates guilt. Guilt depletes your ability to succeed, dragging you down with negative self-talk. Life [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The beginning of a New Year represents the opportunity for change, growth, and improvement. Entering 2007 leaves the year of 2006 behind, how you define what you leave behind determines your ability for new growth. Shedding yourself from past regrets eliminates guilt. Guilt depletes your ability to succeed, dragging you down with negative self-talk. Life is magnetic. The energy you put out attracts in a reciprocal fashion. If you live within guilt, should have done that’s, and negativity, you will limit the engagement of life and your own success.</p>
<p>Defining the year of 2007 to mean a new beginning, a fresh start, allows you to leave behind guilt and any regrets of the previous year. Time represents new opportunities each and every moment, every second, every day is an opportunity to begin anew. Defining your goals, remaining motivated, and striving with an optimistic attitude provides the momentum needed to catapult you to a new level in your life. We are all meant to improve, grow, and develop as human beings. Our continued growth signals our gift of life.</p>
<p>By believing life is a gift, you surround yourself with gratitude. Gratitude shields you from negativity, defeat, and low motivation. You have been given the gift of a New Year in which you have the opportunity to make a difference in your own life, and in others. Reach out and grasp the idea that being completely grateful for life, for your abilities, for your loved ones, for the air you breathe, for the food you eat, for you…allows you to not only succeed, but to thrive.</p>
<p>No matter what your personal New Year’s Resolution, incorporating gratitude for what you already have drops the stone of strength deep within you, rippling out to touch new possibilities you had never even seen. Reach, stretch, and be determined to redefine yourself, your career, your personal relationships, and your movement in the world. Focus on making a difference, finding opportunities around ever corner. And consider, for a moment, your New Year’s Resolution would be better served by turning your own focus onto others…</p>
<p>Lead yourself to fulfillment in the New Year.</p>
<p>Cheers to the New Year!</p>
<p>Life Coach Nova</p>
<p>Schedule your path to fulfillment for the New Year, contact Life Coach Nova today.<br />
Email: <a href="mailto:Nova@StepStonesForLife.com">Nova@StepStonesForLife.com</a><br />
Or call: 949-858-2442</p>
<p>Step Stones For Life Copyright © 2007 Including the right to reproduction in whole or in part of any form.</p>
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		<title>Giving Thanks</title>
		<link>http://stepstonesforlife.com/blog/2009/10/18/giving-thanks/</link>
		<comments>http://stepstonesforlife.com/blog/2009/10/18/giving-thanks/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 18 Oct 2009 21:53:40 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Nova Reed</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Coping Skills]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Depression]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gratitude]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hope]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Life Coaching]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Stress Reduction]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[christmas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[family conflict]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[holiday stress]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[love]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[thanksgiving]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Though the holiday season is thought to be a joyous time by all, many find the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas to be stressful and emotional. As a helping professional, I have observed the approaching holiday season as both a joyous time, as well as a time filled with heartache and family conflict. Mild depression [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Though the holiday season is thought to be a joyous time by all, many find the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas to be stressful and emotional. As a helping professional, I have observed the approaching holiday season as both a joyous time, as well as a time filled with heartache and family conflict.</p>
<p>Mild depression seems to permeate much of our society as we struggle to fulfill multiple roles, strive for perfection, and bury the pain of the past. The holidays often surface emotions from the past with greater intensity. Unresolved conflict, hurt, and past regrets are heightened with the impending marker representing the approaching end of the New Year. Maybe goals were unfulfilled, or relationships came to an end, or a loved one passed away, or a deep family conflict remains an open wound. Many report to me that the pain can become unbearable, the sorrow of a missed loved one seems inescapable, or the motivation to get along with a particular family member for one meal seems just too much.</p>
<p>This holiday season, focus on one word to pull you toward happiness, fulfillment, and contentment: HOPE. There is always HOPE. Hope surfaces faith, love, joy, and the beauty in all of us to turn to others and GIVE. The act of giving thanks pushes away pain, hurt, and isolation.</p>
<p>The Thanksgiving holiday provides us with the opportunity to pause, reflect on our blessings, and proclaim our gratitude. The very act of saying grace, thanking God for our gifts, our food, our family, friends, and health serves us in so many ways. Gratitude, as I have written before, happens to be the exact opposite of depression. When you are grateful, you are not depressed. Gratitude also exists in the present. In the present you can feel joy, elation, and peace.</p>
<p>Follow this simple exercise to prepare your heart to take in all the joy around you this holiday season:</p>
<p>With the knowing that we are all connected in harmony through the unison of Thanksgiving, and that many before us sacrificed to give us the life we have now, give thanks and express your gratitude…</p>
<p>1. Write down 10 things you are most grateful for today. Read them over. Your heart will fill with gratitude, bring you to the present, and pull the giving trait we all have to share your blessings with others.</p>
<p>2. On 10 notes write “I am grateful for you.” And personally hand them (or if not possible mail them) to the 10 most important people in your life. A bonus would be to include a positive affirmation about each person that you find endearing. Such as, “I am grateful for you. You are a great listener.” – What a beautiful gift for the thanksgiving table to leave place cards for your family proclaiming your gratitude!</p>
<p>Grieving can take on new pain over the holidays:<br />
Knowing that a very important person may include the memory of a loved one, write down your gratitude for them and place the note in a photo album or next to a picture of them. By embracing gratitude for the beautiful memories you have, you are holding their spirit close and honoring every piece of their life.</p>
<p>3. Do the one thing you enjoy the most this holiday. Take time to nurture yourself. You will have more energy to give, resentment will diminish, and you will take in the good in everyone. Everyone seems more pleasant when you are relaxed!</p>
<p>And finally, center yourself with this thought;<strong><em> </em></strong></p>
<p><strong><em>Gratitude, the act of giving thanks, pulls me closer to others, to creation, to hope, and to love.</em></strong></p>
<p>Give thanks this Thanksgiving!</p>
<p>Happy Thanksgiving with all the trimmings.</p>
<p>All my best,</p>
<p>Life Coach Nova</p>
<p>Email: <a href="mailto:Nova@StepStonesForLife.com">Nova@StepStonesForLife.com</a></p>
<p>Or call: 949.858.2442</p>
<p>I am always here for you.</p>
<p>The contents of this article may not be reproduced, feel free to forward the entire article to those you care about.</p>
<p>Step Stones For Life Copyright © 2007 Including the right to reproduction in part or in whole in any form.</p>
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