The holiday season stirs our memories, our emotions, and our dreams. It’s a time of celebrations, decorations, gifts, and communication. Some people, with overflowing calendars, are stressed by a lengthy to-do list. Others are alone, and the silence and absence of activity is painfully deafening.
No matter what your level of activity is this holiday season, make civility your focus. Pause and really “see” those you come in contact with. Too often, we forget the purpose behind all the activity. Don’t let the “to-do” list become so important that you run over others in the process. Remember, there are many who are lonely, hurting, and in need. You could be the one who brightens their day and lightens their load by a simple act of kindness.
Civility in Public Places
Driving, parking, waiting in lines, and navigating through crowds can make even the sweetest person grumpy. Being thoughtful and polite is not easy to do when you’re stressed. Before you venture out to go shopping, make sure you’re dressed comfortably and you’ve had a bite to eat. Pinched toes and growling stomachs do not make for good attitudes. Before you can care for others, you must first care for yourself.
Civility is Giving
Civility is giving of yourself to others. Be on the lookout for creative ways to be kind. Family members should top the list. Treat those closest to you at least as kind as you would a stranger. A kind word, a helping hand, or a smile can be an unexpected gift that brightens another person’s day.
Twelve Days of Kindness
This holiday season, give the gift of kindness. On your own, or with your family, make a list of twelve random acts of kindness you can do during the holiday season. Starting with Day 1, see how many times you can do that random act as you go about your day. Maybe it would be opening the door for others. On Day 2, move to your second random act of kindness. It might be letting someone go ahead of you to make a purchase, or paying for a cup of coffee for the person in line behind you. Keep a journal of each act, how you felt, and how others responded.
The gift of civility, given from a caring heart, has the power to change the reality of those touched. Maybe twelve days will turn into a year of random acts of kindness!
Check out our “Caught in the Act!” Civility Cards! They’re a great way to acknowledge another person’s act of kindness! http://www.finaltouchschool.net/prod_caughtinactcards.htmHow do you create happy celebrations and wonderful memories while avoiding holiday stress? The key is preparation!
Prepare your calendar
Carefully consider your calendar and what holiday events are realistic to add to your schedule. Choose activities that are most important to you first, and then add other options as time permits. Remember, an overloaded schedule is guaranteed to create stress.
Prepare your budget
Be realistic about what you can comfortably spend for gifts, decorations, meals, and holiday events. Challenge yourself to make this holiday season credit free! If you do, you will ring in 2012 with peace and joy.
Prepare your decorations
Schedule one of your holiday events as the actual day that you decorate. Involve the entire family, play your favorite holiday music, and enjoy a festive meal. This is a great way to usher in the holiday season and create wonderful family memories.
Prepare your menus
Plan your meals, and shop in advance. This will ensure you have the items you need on hand, so you are not rushing to the store at the last minute, thus saving you both time and money. How often do you run to the store to pick up just one item and leave with several extras that caught your eye?
Prepare your guest list
For those events you are hosting, it is best to select your guests and send your invitations out early. Remember, everyone is especially challenged with balancing their schedule at this time of year.
For those events you are invited to attend, please R.S.V.P. – promptly! It is an honor to be invited to any event and absolutely thoughtless to not R.S.V.P. If you are unable to attend the event, simply thank your host and let her or him know you have another commitment. If you said you will attend, then you must – unless there is a dire emergency. If there is, please promptly call your host. To say you will attend and then be a no-show is simply rude.
Prepare your gifts
Select gifts based on your budget, relationship, and desire – not pressure or guilt. The best gifts are often the most simple. Gifts should be personal; people may appreciate a gift card, but no one ever forgets a gift selected just for them.
Prepare your attitude
Stress and fatigue make it difficult to maintain a positive attitude. Eat healthy meals, get enough rest, exercise regularly, and keep a stress-free schedule. A good attitude is far more enjoyable than a perfectly set table and beautiful meal served by a cranky person.
Prepare your memories
Find a way to record the holidays. Take photos, videos, scrapbook, or keep a journal. Pause often and really take in the moments.
Prepare your thank you
Purchase a box of thank-you cards in advance, so you are prepared. And don’t forget the stamps! Look for opportunities to express gratitude to others. There is no better way to end the year and usher in a new one.
“An important key to self-confidence is preparation.” –Arthur Ashe
Laura Allan, MA, LMHC, CPC, Guest Writer
You can learn a lot from watching dogs. If you want to be happier at work and move ahead in your career, try to think more like a dog. Yes, for real!
Become Happier at Work:
1. Show your enthusiasm. Learn to love whatever you're doing. When your job seems routine, remind yourself of its purpose, whether that's to provide for your family or invent a new medicine. Sometimes just smiling will make you feel more joyful.
2. Greet everybody. Take the time to wish everyone a good morning before you settle down to your tasks. Your relationships with your co-workers play a huge role in your job satisfaction. Create a friendly atmosphere by exchanging daily pleasantries.
3. Lend others your support. Take a break from your own concerns to notice how your colleagues are feeling. When stress levels are high, offer your assistance and encouragement. You'll feel good about helping out, and people will be more likely to reciprocate when you need a hand.
4. Give early warnings. Minor workplace conflicts can escalate if they're allowed to fester. Speak out tactfully at the first sign of a misunderstanding. This will make your work environment much more pleasant than just growling right before you bite.
5. Bounce back from conflicts. Forget about holding grudges. Put any unpleasant experiences behind you and demonstrate your willingness to cooperate with everybody to get the job done.
6. Follow your instincts. Sometimes you have to respond to unfamiliar situations without much time to prepare. Trust your instincts when you need to take a risk. If it's your first time giving a staff presentation, boost your confidence by adapting what you already know from your days on the student debate team.
7. Get plenty of sleep. You may never be able to arrange your schedule to get as much sleep as your dog, but you can still strive for 8 hours every night. Adequate rest is critical to your mental health.
How to Advance in Your Career:
1. Show off your accomplishments. Humility is an admirable quality, but sometimes you need to promote yourself. Watch how dogs soak up positive attention without looking like they're bragging. Use your success stories to your advantage in job evaluations and interviews.
2. Follow the rules. How does a dog know which objects are okay to chew? The logic behind some rules may elude you, but it's usually best to go along with them to preserve order in the workplace.
3. Practice active listening. Your co-workers are bound to value you more if you take a sincere interest in them. Listen respectfully to what others may be able to teach you.
4. Persist. Persistence is a big part of success. Stay focused and keep on the trail no matter what obstacles arise. If you get blocked from digging under the fence, maybe you can persuade someone to open the gate for you.
5. Reduce waste. Mail carriers and couriers perform valuable jobs, but many dogs obviously would prefer a paper-free world. Some dogs also regard as edible the many things that humans throw away. Impress your boss and help the environment by cutting down on paper waste and recycling more.
6. Contribute to the pack. Above all, think beyond your own interests to participate as a team player. Take satisfaction in working together to achieve common goals and improve everyone's well being. You can accomplish much more working with others than you ever could on your own.
Although chasing your tail may not get you anywhere in life, dogs are otherwise great role models for becoming more content and productive at work.
To learn more about Laura Allen visit www.LauraAllanCounseling.com
Entertaining is not exclusive to the holidays, but the holidays do invite more opportunities to entertain. For some, entertaining is as easy as breathing. For others, the thought of inviting guests into their home for a meal is breath-taking! All the cleaning, shopping, cooking, and then cleaning again become overwhelming and stressful. It is simply easier to go to a restaurant and let someone else handle the details. As lovely as a meal out can be, however, it can never replace the warmth and intimacy of a meal shared around a family table.
To entertain with style does not require the best linens, perfectly set table, finest cuisine, or grand home. What it does require is a host and guests who are kind and thoughtful, and understand that true hospitality is a gift given from a generous heart.
The Happy Host
A happy host begins with the end in mind. The goal is to nurture established relationships as well as cultivate new ones. For your guests to have a pleasant experience, you must have a pleasant experience, and that requires thoughtful preparation. If you are not a seasoned host, it is best to start small. Remember, this is not about putting on a show; it’s about sharing who you are.
Entertaining starts with an invitation. For a casual event you may call your guests and provide them with the details of a date, time, and place. It is always a good idea to ask your guests if they have any food requirements you should be aware of. You would not want to serve a shrimp pasta dish to someone who was deathly allergic to shellfish.
What to serve? Anything you and your guests will enjoy! Thankfully, there is no rule that you must personally prepare each dish from scratch when you are a host. Whether you lack cooking skills, or simply do not have the time, there are plenty of options available to you – from prepared food at your local supermarket to take-out from your favorite restaurant to hiring a caterer. Simply place the food on your own dishes, and dinner is ready! If you do enjoy cooking and have the time, terrific!
Think through all the details. How and when will you serve the food? Where will everyone sit? What about lighting and music? Will you include candles and flowers? If you do, use only unscented candles and flowers where food is served. Is your home neat and clean? While no guest should be doing a white glove test when they arrive, they should be greeted with a clean environment. Will the evening include food and interesting conversation, or will you play a game – or watch a movie? What time will the evening end? And don’t forget to plan ahead for what you will wear. There is nothing more stressful than trying to find something to wear at the last moment.
Being a host is a gift of love and does require effort. By keeping your focus on the goal, thinking through the process, and having as many of the details handled before your guests arrive, you are well on your way to being a happy host. A happy host enjoys her guests and makes them her focus.
The Gracious Guest
A happy host loves a gracious guest, someone who understands that being invited into a home is an act of generosity and hospitality and would never treat such an invitation lightly. She is quick to let the host know if she is able to attend – RSVP – and, once she has accepted the kind invitation, would not think of being late, not showing up, or bringing an uninvited tagalong.
A gracious guest never arrives empty handed. If she was not asked to bring a part of the meal, she brings a small gift that the host will enjoy as a way to express her gratitude. She comes prepared to participate in the conversation and any activities the host has planned. She looks for ways that she can assist her host, such as, making other guests feel comfortable, or giving a helpful hand in the kitchen. She is positive, kind and thoughtful to all. She never overstays her welcome, and never forgets to send her host a handwritten note expressing her gratitude.
Successful entertaining requires both a happy host and gracious guests. Life today is overscheduled, overspent, and filled with stress – especially during the holidays. Being invited into someone’s home to enjoy a meal and pleasant conversation may be one of the best gifts you receive. This holiday season, schedule time to open your home and your heart to those you love. It is a priceless gift.
“It requires as much skill and genius to entertain friends as to defeat an army.” —Paulus Aemilius, Roman General
Whatever the method of communication may be, one thing remains constant: we must demonstrate behavior that is considerate and polite.
Reason for Communicating
With so many communication options available, it is important to identify what the purpose is for your interaction. Do you desire to deepen a relationship? Do you have upsetting news? If so, it is best to communicate face-to-face. If that is not possible, then a phone call would be appropriate. Quick notes or comments can easily be sent through a text.
Focus on Those Who are Present
Where is your focus? Those who constantly check their phone send a clear message that there is something more important than those who are present—never a good message if you desire to enhance relationships.
Mobile Phone Tips
Note: Your Bluetooth is NOT a fashion accessory. Limit wearing one unless you are using the phone.
Texting Tips
Most importantly, a text is NOT a conversation! A text is a statement or a question. Think of a text like a Post-it Note. If you have more information to convey than you can fit on a Post-it Note, consider another form of communication.
Avoid other activities when texting. Texting while driving is now proven to be more dangerous than drunk driving! And there are plenty of stories of people having accidents while walking and texting.
Email Tips
Social Media Tips
It is always surprising that some people still think that what they post online is private. It is not! Always ask yourself this question, “Would I want to see this post on the 5 o’clock news tonight?” Give care to what you say and what you post. You DO have an online reputation, and it lives forever!
Photos between friends should be kept private unless your friend gives you permission to post them. Never post a photo that does not show all parties in a positive light.
Just as with face-to-face communication, you need to know your online friends and interact with them appropriately.
Prior to every communication, ask yourself what is the purpose of this communication, and then select the method that best meets your needs. Whether you’re talking, texting, tweeting, and/or writing on a wall, please remember to be technically polite!
If you would like to learn more about how to communicate with class, please check out my chapter in Image Power at www.finaltouchschool.com — under Etiquette Resources.
We have all experienced times dining out where young children have been present and out of control. They were a disruption to everyone – including the restaurant staff. Unfortunately, age does not guarantee good manners; but here are a few things to keep in mind when dining out with the family.
The first thing to remember is that public dining is just that: “public.” You are no longer in the comfort of your own home and must be considerate of those around you. Unfortunately, there is a growing attitude of entitlement when it comes to public dining. Many boldly proclaim that it is their right to eat where they like; after all, isn’t the restaurant being paid to cook, serve, clean, and meet every request with joy? Personal responsibility has been limited to paying the bill.
Parents, exhausted from a long day at work, are looking for relief and support in feeding their children. After a busy day, they just want to unwind and rest. Forgotten is the couple who may be seated next to them who has hired a babysitter and would also like an evening of relaxation. As one client told me, “I look forward to a nice romantic dinner with my wife and don’t want to be interrupted by a young screaming child demanding a soda.”
Many parents believe their child is well behaved and should not be punished for those who misbehave. If their child were to act out, they would be quick to simply get up and leave.
Public-friendly dining requires parents to properly prepare their child for what behavior is expected at a restaurant.
Age Appropriate
Start by selecting a restaurant that will be a pleasant experience for all family members.
Be realistic. A two-year-old is not mature enough to manage their behavior during a leisurely evening meal in a five-star restaurant.
Type of Restaurant
Select a family-friendly restaurant. There are many options in every community from which families can choose.
• Will you be seated quickly?
• Is there needed seating such as high chairs or booster seats?
• Is there a children’s menu?
• Are there child-friendly activities such as crayons or a playground?
• Will you be able to place your order quickly?
• Does the food require the use of a knife and fork?
• Will the food arrive quickly?
Appropriate Skills
What skills does your child need in order for the experience to be positive for all? Just like thinking about the clothing one will wear to a certain venue, thought should be given to how one will be expected to behave.
• Chew with your mouth closed.
• Use your napkin.
• Say please and thank you.
• Speak in a low voice.
• Eat neatly.
Practice and patience are essential to teaching children appropriate behavior. Start at home and then provide bite-sized opportunities in public for your child to practice his or her new skills.
Other Solutions
This topic stirs passion on both sides. Here are some solutions that my clients and friends have shared with me.
• Restaurants should have “Family Friendly Dinner Hours.”
• Restaurants could post a sign stating, “Well behaved children are a delight.” This would be similar to the “No Shoes, No Shirt, No Service” sign.
• Require children to pass a certified manners class where they are issued a card which parents present to restaurants. This card could be renewed annually and would be a measure of assurance to the restaurant that the child is able to handle themselves appropriately.
Positive Reinforcement
Years ago, a brother and sister attended one of my children’s dining classes. A few days following the class, the children’s parents announced they would be going to a restaurant for dinner. The siblings quietly decided to practice everything they had learned in the class a few days prior. On their own, they rushed to their room and put on their best clothing. Their mom and dad were quite surprised but didn’t say anything, not wanting to interrupt the moment. The brother opened his sister’s door and in the restaurant pulled out her chair. Each placed their napkin on their lap and politely ordered their meal. Mom and Dad were speechless.
Throughout the meal, they were aware of not chewing with their mouth open, saying “please” and “thank you,” participating in polite table talk, and sitting up straight. They didn’t realize it, but (as it was told to me) a grandma and grandpa were seated nearby, watching them. As the older couple finished their meal, they approached the table. They said, “I am so sorry to interrupt your meal, but we could not help but notice the beautiful table manners your children have. Would it be ok if we paid for any dessert that they would like?”
Well, you can imagine the look on the children’s faces and the response of the parents! As I tell the children in our classes, when you practice polite table manners, I cannot promise you that anyone will buy your dessert, but I can promise that people will notice and appreciate your good manners.
It is my experience that a well-mannered child is welcome in most any environment. Good manners do begin at home; around the family table, manners and civility are mastered. The benefits of these skills cannot be overstated.
So, what do you think? I posted a poll on Final Touch Finishing School, Inc. Facebook Fan Page. Please vote and post your thoughts: http://www.facebook.com/FinalTouchFinishingSchool
Having friends spend the day at your pool is fun, and it is a big responsibility. Being a guest that is kind and respectful to the host, their home, and other guests is a sure way to be invited back again! Here are some tips to do just that.
The Invitation
Preparing to Swim
Around the Pool
Ending the Swim
While etiquette seems to have been lost in most of today’s casual society, graduation is still a time when we adhere to proper protocol. A graduation ceremony, however, is not something we focus on daily. At most, it is the focus of our attention maybe once or twice a year; so there’s often confusion about what is appropriate. Here are a few guidelines:
Announcements
Gift Giving
Thank-You Notes
What to Wear
Don’t forget the camera to capture all the great memories!
This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate an important milestone in the life of a loved one, and it can also be a time of great stress. Too often the focus is on the perfection of the details and not on the reason for the celebration. Make sure the focus is on the person, their accomplishment, and the next chapter of their life. The moments we spend with someone, while being fully present, are the moments that weave together the memories they will cherish for a lifetime. Let’s not miss them.
"Civility is not a mechanical act. Civility is a condition of the heart." ~ Deborah King
Civility is not something you put on, like a new outfit, in order to impress another to achieve a particular goal. Pure civility must be authentic. Authentic civility springs from a heart that deeply values all people and recognizes that every action somehow affects others. This realization – as you live in a world where you are connected with others, whether you know them or not – requires that you carefully consider everything you say and do.
Discover the Treasure Within
Before you can treat others with care and consideration, you must give care and consideration to yourself. Recognize that within you resides a priceless treasure, and that treasure exists to be shared. This treasure is something you bring forth out of you, not something you try to get. The more you give, the more you receive.
Frustration Signals Passion
What frustrates you? What, you may ask, does my treasure have to do with frustration? Your frustration may actually be a signal revealing your passion. Not everyone is passionate about the same things as you. There are many things I hear about that I see as unfortunate or horrible, but I am not moved to frustration. When I do find myself being frustrated over and over by an issue, I know to ask myself What can I do to meet this need?
When you find you are frustrated, take some time to think about how you could bring change in that area. Could you join a group, teach a class, write an article, or develop a new service or product?
Competition Evaporates
Don’t be concerned with the competition. When you give birth to what is within you, there is no competition because there is only one “you”! Never settle for being a cheap imitation of someone else. Teachers, coaches, and trainers can provide importance guidance, but you have to learn to listen and evaluate every situation and discover how you can uniquely meet that need. Acts of incivility often escalate in highly competitive environments. It is vital that you know who you are and what your purpose is.
Plod On, Plod On
As a teen, I heard my pastor say that to be successful in anything in life, you must be like the old plow horse: Each day he plows the field – going back and forth, back and forth. It’s not exciting, but the constant, consistent action produces a great harvest.
Rome wasn’t built in a day, and authentic civility does not become commonplace by a single act. Like the old plow horse, you must plod on, plod on, plod . . .
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Would you like to learn more about civility? Get your copy of The Power of Civility today! http://www.finaltouchschool.net/products.htm