Have you been feeling stressed with the holiday season approaching? I have just returned from Texas and the conference for the Association of Educational Service Agencies. The keynote speaker was Eric Jensen, an educator who has published over 30 books on the brain and learning. He shared two ideas to manage stress based on brain research.
- Gratitude – It turns out that our brain changes in positive ways when we express gratitude, feeling thankful for what is good in our lives.
- Optimism – Having positive feelings about the future also affects our brain and improves how we feel.
After sharing this key information, Dr. Jensen had us turn to a neighbor and share one thing we were thankful for and one thing we were looking forward to. And yes, after doing so I DID feel better. I wasn’t self-consciously sitting at a table of strangers any longer!
Since I am facing a VERY full month of December, and need a happy calm brain, I will share with you things that are making me feel better.
What I am Grateful For
I am thankful for so many blessings this year. Dear people flash through my mind: family, friends, employees, and inspiring clients. I am especially thankful for my health. And then there’s sunshine, rain, and butterflies (there were lots of beautiful butterflies in Texas). 
Things I am Optimistic About
At the conference, I met some great people who are interested in helping me reach more teachers. I look forward to the possibilities of working with new partners I met at this conference.
Our Seeing My Time adult planner has been selling very well, so I’m excited to build on that product this coming year so we can help more people put planning into their lives.
Lower Your Own Stress
It is now your turn to pause for moment and answer those two questions: What fills you with gratitude? What fills you with optimism? Let us know!
May your holidays have moments of peace and calm,
Marydee and the Team at EFS: Veronica, Kathleen and Liz
