No, it’s not what you think. For my blog fans, both of you (mom and my #1 commenter friend Laurie), thanks for the encouragement. I have been ending posts with coming attractions (future blogs) to double my fan club to four people. If you have read the post, it may seem like I am stalling, when in reality, life is happening and I am writing about what is happening that day, so don’t give up and yes I am stalling…in a different way. Today I gave a speech for a local service club. I thought I had covered all the bases with my pre-program questionnaire and calling the day before to confirm that there would be a computer projection unit (CPU). When I arrived for my program, there is no CPU. NO CPU!! No Power Point. NO POWER POINT!!  No visuals. Until today, I have been a Power Point addict. But since I was donating my time, I decided to go naked…er…no Ppt (hey it’s no big deal to you but to me, an addict, we’re talking big steps). So I am re-thinking how to deliver this highly visual inspirational speech and notice that the announcements are going on a bit longer than I was told. As I am walking up to give my speech, I make a spontaneous decision to ditch my prepared comments and “wing it”. I threw my speech out and just give a heart talk. I won’t bore you with details but I’ll say this, I have never had a higher percentage of an audience come up to “chat” after a program. I couldn’t tell you everything I said today but know I am going to go with my gut more often. Perhaps gut decisions might make for a happier holiday season. Here are some considerations: 

1. Replace gift giving with giving the gift of time. Buy and decorate a tree for an elderly neighbor. Give your kids coupons of fun things you’ll do together over the holidays. Volunteer at a homeless shelter, Toys for Tots program, or bless a new Habitat family with a Christmas dinner.

2. Park in the back of the lot (give the Christmas crazies the front row).

3. Let someone go in front of you at the mall or grocery store (they’ll appreciate the gesture and MAY return the favor by doing the same for someone else).

4. Buy the person in line behind you at Starbucks a cup of coffee (see above).

5. Go stalling (turn the toilet paper up into a triangle in a public restroom like they do in fancy hotels). I made that suggestion to my audience today and the president of the association commented that it was his favorite part of the speech…perhaps I should get to those upcoming features after all…