Top 7 Sublime And Ridiculous Messages Of December

You can't escape it. O.K., maybe if you live in some remote part of the world or just shut yourself out and refuse to hear anything that just doesn't fit the way you live, maybe you can.

But, for most of us, we hear this stuff everywhere we go. And even though the originators of the messages might have meant to communicate something a little different, you can't help but hear a message or two.

1. Oh Come All Ye Faithful
   
   I know the song has religious meaning. But it speaks to me as a call to all those who believe they can discover more of who they already are. Ancient manuscripts tell us that there is great reward (of all kinds!) for the faithful (diligent/attentive/responsible) man or woman. You don't have to wait for New Year's Eve to make resolutions. I encourage my coaching clients to identify clear intentions for the upcoming year before the holiday season distracts them. Let the shopping, lights, music, and all the other trapping of the holidays be a reminder for you to commit afresh to your own personal and professional growth.
   
   
2. Jingle Bells
   
   ("...jingle all the way. Oh what fun it is...") Everybody has to make a living. We all must do something to provide for our most basic needs. And every work place as its absurdities. But when the tolerations outweigh the fun, it's time to look for some other way to make a buck. And what about outside of work? Spending money you don't have, to do things you don't enjoy, just to impress people you don't even like -- well, that's just silly. If it stops being fun -- make another choice.
   
   
3. I'll Be Home For Christmas
   
   O.K., so you don't celebrate Christmas. Whether it's Chanaka, or Kwansaa, or Winter Celebration, it's a good touchstone -- a good reminder to go back to your roots. How long has it been since you talked to those folks back home? We all get busy. Worse yet, some of us allow anger to separate us. Hey, use the holidays as an excuse. Touch home base. The game could get rained out. Then you'll wish you would have at least taken a swing at it.
   
   
4. I'm Dreaming Of A White Christmas
   
   I live in Florida. The chances of seeing "the tree-tops glisten" with fresh snow are pretty slim. Still, I have dreams. Do you? Some people think some of my dreams are even more silly than seeing snow in Florida. Still, they're MY dreams. And everybody should have some. There's only one thing more sad than someone dying with their music still in them. That's someone who's living with no music in them at all.
   
   
5. Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer
   
   Remember how the other reindeer used to laugh and call him names. And they wouldn't let him play their games. Then when they realized the thing that made him so different was the very quality that would make him a historical figure, all the reindeer loved him. There's nothing in the song that tells us Rudolph held anything against those other reindeer. Once you "get it" that it's your uniqueness that leads you to your true purpose, you can become far more accepting of others.
   
   
6. Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer
   
   This song always makes me smile. And it's a gentle reminder that during this often stressed out, rushed, and commercialized time of year, things can get a little out of hand. Slow down. Look both ways. Take time to do a little extra planning. A little self-care goes a long way at this time of year. You might think there's nothing in existence that could possibly cause you to take a hit right now. But as for me and grandma, we believe!
   
   
7. Joy To The World
   
   Label it in whatever way makes you happy -- "God", "Life", "The Universe", "Circumstances" -- whatever terminology allows you to be comfortable is O.K. here. The point is, intention toward you is GOOD. You are intended to experience joy. As I write this, I know there are many reading it who share the conviction that many lives could be lived without having to experience some of their less than pleasant times. Still, in every challenge there is opportunity. Sometimes we miss it. Sometimes we grieve and, in grief, choose to ignore it. That doesn't mean it isn't there. Your life -- your world -- is intended to be an expression of joy. Let this time be one when light can shine through.

Joe Marino is a Speaker and Personal Success Coach who publishes the FREE bi-weekly e-zine, LifeCanBeGood NEWS. He wants you to know, "You can have the courage to do less and earn more with a life in balance." Visit his Web Site and get a FREE Motivational Quotes ScreenSaver at [http://www.LifeCanBeGood.com], call him by telephone at (904) 247-4065 or email him at