THE BALANCING ACT

Building Balance for Better Living

December 2004

by Brent O'Bannon, MBS

If it’s the most wonderful time of the year…why do 72% of Americans say “they don’t feel joyful during the holidays”? Why do more heart attacks take place in December and January than any other time of the year?

Holiday stress brings intense pressures, relationship conflicts and life changes. Holidays for many become a depressing “Ho hum”. For others (dad this is for you) the inner scrooge barks out “Ba hum bug”. Of course many of Santa’s helpers are exhausted with the “holidaze”! If you feel the pressure of being the Holiday CEO, the conflict of dealing with a blended family, the sadness of loosing a loved one, or the crunch of finances then get my freebie “Holidaze Survival Guide”. 

The “Holidaze Survival Guide” audio CD, makes a great self-care stocking stuffer for yourself or others for only $19.95.

(can of worms) or   (gift). Which is your view of conflict?

Many people see conflict and confrontation as a messy wriggling tangle of intertwined worms! If conflict is left unresolved it “can open” anger, distrust, resentment and hostility. When conflict is confronted in a caring way (this is what Brent calls CAREfrontation) it “can open” a gift. You will have understanding into the other person’s values, attitudes, beliefs. The relationship has new openness, trust, and intimacy. Would you like a simple but profound way to use the “Art of CAREfrontation”?

• Connect with the individual even if you don’t like them.
• Assert your needs, wants with assertive communication & body language.
• Resolve the conflict with win-win workable solutions.
• Empower the relationship with encouragement rather than enable.

If you would like to learn in much more detail how to apply “The Art of CAREfrontation”, hire Brent to speak/train at your organization or order the audio CD for only $19.95 at www.brentspeaks.com.

I was reminded of the humor of nick names this Thanksgiving when I saw my 36 year old cousin whom I hadn’t seen in 8 years. I greeted her with, “Hi there, Pooky”. She smiled ear to ear and slapped me on the back saying, I haven’t heard that in years.

Sometimes there is a story behind a nick name and sometimes it is just a SILLY name that brings fun and laughter. My nick name growing up was “Brentabeast”. My wife’s was “Robug”. One gentleman found himself the new kid on the block at his job. He was affectionately nick named “Newman”. He was the “new man” at the company.

If you really want to have some fun with silly names go to professor poopy pants change-o-meter and get a new name like mine, “Lumpy Burgerchunks”(Since turning 40 I have felt a little like this).  Discover a new moniker for some laughter and humor at http://apps.scholastic.com/captainunderpants/NameGame/play.htm  Remember the name should not bring someone down or hurt them.

If you want other idea’s for fun remember the Laugh & Get Rich book for only $19.95. It has a chapter called “The Nifty Fifty” which has 50 tips, techniques, and strategies to Laugh & Get Rich. The book was written by Loopy Pizzabrain (Rick Segel) & Gidget Liverhumperdink (Darren LaCroix). Have FUN!!

• Do you have a question or comment for Brent?
• Do you or someone you know need professional counseling or coaching?
• Do you or your organization need a speaker or training workshop?

      Contact Brent now!    Visit at:  www.brentspeaks.com