The Gift of Acceptance
Supporting one another's differences

We're back from our trip (see the photos here) and we wanted to make sure the eZine reaches you in time for the holidays. It's amazing how quickly this year went by and once again we're in the midst of the gift-giving season.

Speaking of gifts, we learn a lot from our son Spenser (when we let ourselves.) As we were buying our Christmas tree we had an opportunity to learn more of what Spenser enjoys about the holidays, how it's different than what's fun for us, and how to support his enjoyment. It became an experience of giving the gift of acceptance.

It starts when we arrived at the tree lot. Spenser is excited about getting a tree and as we walk in Neill spots the first tree on his left, picks it up and says, "Hey, this one looks great!" I look at it and agree, "Wow, that one is great!" Spenser agrees it's nice so Neill drops it on the cart and starts walking towards the checkout.

But then Spenser says, "Hey, I'm not done looking." He seems tense so we take a few minutes to understand why he wants to keep looking, and letting him know why this one seems perfect to us, given our years of experience shopping for trees.

During this exchange it dawns on us that "searching for a tree" is part of "experiencing" the holidays for him. For us buying, setting up, and the after-Christmas-recycling of a tree is just part of what you have to do to enjoy the smell, and the pretty lights for a few weeks.

So here's what we learned. (Again :~)

Everyone isn't like us. And, if we accept this and encourage these differences, it can be a gift of support for the other person to be themselves.

So we spend another 15 minutes looking at trees, talking to the salesperson about identifying a good tree, and talking to other customers about trees they're finding. In the end we all agreed that the tree on our cart is the one that works best for all of us.

So, focusing our attention on supporting this difference was a gift to Spenser. And trust us, it was way more fun for us to watch him enjoy himself for 15 minutes than trying to convince him our way was better.

We hope that this month's feature article Five Tips for Enjoying Your Family Gatherings will support you in giving the Gift of Acceptance this holiday season.

"It is when we practice acceptance that new possibilities appear."
-- Unknown Source

{!firstname_fix}, we wish you and yours a joyful holiday season and a healthy happy prosperous new year.

With much love and appreciation,

Five Tips for Enjoying Your Family Gatherings
by Beth Banning and Neill Gibson

Are you wondering how your next family gathering will turn out? Is it tough to relate to some of your family members? Do you sometimes leave feeling drained and wondering why you went at all?

It can be different this year. Imagine walking into your next family get-together feeling excited about being there and knowing that you will leave feeling happy about the whole experience... to continue reading

Mark Your Calendars

Access Seminar F'ree Preview Session

Mark your Calendar: The next public preview session, will be held:
January 14th from 3 - 4:30 pm
Look for our announcement for how to register

The Live Access Seminar:

Access 101 - Part One of the Access Seminar, five-week series, begins Sunday, January 28th.

Access 102 - There will be a one-week break and then Part Two of the Access Seminar begins on Sunday, March 18th.

Please contact us if you would like more information about the Access Seminar. Keep your eyes peeled for registration information.

We spend a large part of our time working at our computers. Here's a fun way we've found to take a refreshing and rejuvenating break.

During this busy time of year we have found it's especially important to stop and take a moment to relax. Take a look at this quick and easy way we found to do this. This free, fun guided meditation will help you bring calmness and peace of mind to your day.

We hope you enjoy it. :~)

The Access Seminar for Professional Development

Are you ready to experience more effectiveness and success in your professional relationships?

"During this seminar I achieved more of my goals than ever before, more clarity about my career and relationships, and greater peacefulness; even in the heat of the moment. I've noticed a 100% improvement in my communication with my employer and customers."
~ A recent participant

Come and join us at the next Access Seminar Series.

Access 101 - In the 1st five-weeks you will gain the insight and clarity you need to effectively identify what is most important in any situation, and then how to create and prioritize concrete, results-oriented strategies. You will learn how to be more effective and satisfied with your work, experience less stress, and relate to yourself and your professional environment in more authentic, positive, and productive ways. The Access 101 Seminar begins Sunday, January 28th.

Access 102 - In the 2nd five-weeks you will practice applying what you've learned to creating more trust, cooperation, and efficiency in your relationship with others. Applying what you've learned will support you in creating an extraordinary business culture of relatedness, consideration, fulfillment, and organizational excellence. After a one-week break, the Access 101 Seminar begins on Sunday, March 18th.

Please contact us if you would like any more information about the Access Seminars. Keep your eyes peeled for registration information

Do you have a recommendation? Please let us know:

Pictures: From Amsterdam to Brussels

We had a marvelous time on our riverboat trip from Amsterdam to Brussels. Our weather angel was with us (as usual :~) which made for a pleasant, fun and relaxing vacation. As we promised before we left, you can share in our experience through a few of the pictures we've put online at this link: EU Trip 06 on Flickr.com

If you have a FUN recommendation please let us know: