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THE BALANCING ACT

Building Balance for Better Living

DECEMBER 2005

by Brent O'Bannon, MBS

(Author, Speaker, Counselor/Coach)

Read in this edition...

Always Personal... Giving and receiving    

Always Professional...Working with E's (effort)

Forever Playful...Work hard,  play hard

When you think of Christmas and the holiday season don't you think of gifts?

Yesterday, my friend, my mother, and I were talking while sitting in my office. My friend came up with a creative idea, "Let's go around and share the gifts we see in each other." The next 20 minutes was transformed with giggles, tears, and gifts of the heart.

I was acutely aware that there is a balance between giving and receiving. Here are a few suggestions about the balance of giving and receiving.

1. Give from the heart not from the head.

    - Give a gift that is genuine, authentic, and from the heart. Don't give out of obligation, competition, or repetition.

2. Give a verbal hug.

    - Speak kind words and compliments when you linger hugging your loved one.

3. Receive like a sponge.

    - Take a deep breath while opening your head, heart, and hands to soak up the love.

 Most people tend to prefer giving or receiving just like they have a dominance for being right handed or left handed. This Christmas and holiday season practice the balance of giving and receiving gifts from the heart. Give someone a great big verbal hug! Receive like a sponge and soak up the love. Remember, "In giving we receive and in receiving we give."

THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING ME TO SHARE, "The Balancing Act eZine"!!!

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How do you turn the tiger loose at work?

A few years ago Tiger Woods shot a record low score in a golf tournament. After the round he immediately went to work on his golf game at the driving range. He worked until finally he was asked to leave the driving range at 10:30 PM.

True professionals work with "E's"! They work with education, experience, enthusiasm and EFFORT!

An old proverb says, "90% of inspiration is perspiration." If we desire success we must be willing to pay the price. Part of that price is the effort of work and practice.

It's been said, "Winners are willing to do the things that losers are unwilling to do." You are a WINNER so be willing to work with EFFORT!

Stay tuned, for the next edition to learn about Brent's fifth "Everyday Secret to Working with E's".

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 SOMETHING NEW IS COMING...

TELE-SEMINARS WITH BRENT

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Would you rather get personal, professional and playful from the comforts of your office or vehicle on your cell phone?

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Achieving life balance  includes the motto, "Work hard, PLAY hard".

My best friend suggested that we buy a ping pong table as a Christmas present to each other. We set it up in my garage and it's amazing how that ping pong table has helped a host of people to play.

In a matter of two weeks, my son has taught his girl friend how to play ping pong. It's a blessing when your teenager wants to stay at the house and play a game! One of my friends has bombarded me daily with voice mails, emails and text messages on when we will play our next ping pong match. He and his two sons have joined us with the CD player blaring and ping pong balls flying. At the annual O'Bannon Christmas party there were folks sitting on the John Deer riding lawn mower inside the garage watching and laughing while others were playing "beer pong".  Don't worry, we played in excess yet drank in moderation. My wife and daughter have even surprised us with their presence in the garage showing off their athletic coordination.

The simple playful gift of playing ping pong has opened my home for friends and family to connect. Time for friendly conversation and opportunity for aerobic exercise with bursts of belly laughter. Take time this holiday season and play!

The truth of balance is not  winning or losing but IF you PLAY the game.

Contact Brent now!  

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View Brent's resources at www.brentspeaks.com