And, it's not the statute of a black horse with a lampshade on its head (though I was rather fascinated when I saw it)

I am talking about a far better and even more intriguing gift than that. Yes, I am talking about You!

Our quality time and attention is the best gift we can give to just about anyone.

Think of this a moment: what does a teen who's acting out, a spouse delivering the silent treatment for no apparent reason and a screaming toddler all have in common? They all want at least one thing – the attention of somebody important to them. Many of us do not feel we get enough of this precious commodity from the people closest to us. We, in turn, may not be giving enough of our own time away either.

This afternoon, after Christmas dinner, I am gathering the seven or so of our young people and giving them a few minutes from my life experiences. I am sharing with them some of the gems I received at 18 years of age – a foundation that continues to light my path. Perhaps it will go in one ear and out the other – after all, it is Christmas day! However, it is not very often we have our closest family and friends around us. We can make sharing ourselves part of our gifts to them.

Don’t wait for challenges to slow you or them down. Typically, things go 'wrong' and then everyone begins to scramble – wishing they had been a little more patient and available.

There really is no time like now.

Merry Christmas,
mozella

Have you ever been so right that you couldn't be wrong? It happened to me recently, one of many uncomfortable moments! It is so easy to see only one perspective, our own.

It can be a challenge to look in another direction and recognize that left might be the answer, not right. More often than not, when family and friends come together, there comes a time when opinions are flying and what started out as fun, friendly conversation now becomes a roaring, heated debate. Backing down is just not an option and we find ourselves competing for the final word.

Then we stop and think, what was that all about? Was it worth the frenzy to be right, when there is no right? Looking both ways makes us aware that 'it' can come from any direction. That what shows up might be an answer or might hurt if we are blindsided.

Sure, stand in your story… and… allow others to stand in theirs.

It is a useful safety and social precaution — it just makes much more sense to look both ways.

working on it,
mozella

It takes a lot to embrace the change we see and feel within ourselves. Often, we are just stepping up and into what is already there; we have been waiting for our "yes". I am now more comfortable saying, "Yes, I am that…"

I am a Storyteller and seek to inspire audiences, particularly women, to make three essential connections. During my recent London event, someone dubbed me as a "jazz poet". I like the ring of this name as another one of those 'things' that I do.

I am unique and celebrate most facets of myself.

This is a wonderful time of year to gift yourself with acceptance and celebration of your unique ways of being in the world. On your path, master "the art of possibility" (Benjamin Zander) and realize competition only holds you back. Choose "living over hiding, being over thinking, participating over observing and thriving over surviving" (Mark Nepo)

And, "hold your mirror when it is handed to you, it is time" (Mozella Ademiluyi)

I am,
mozella

The laws and principles of balance are demonstrated everywhere we look. It's actually a 'big' word too…look it up and see how much space it takes up in the dictionary.

Asking ourselves how we define balance in our lives could take pages to answer. However, it is a very worthwhile and inspiring exercise. We seek balance in all the areas that make up our true wealth – also defined archaically as "well-being". Without well-being, and balance, what is wealth?

As we begin to wind down 2009, do you feel in balance or apart from it? If you choose, the next 28 days will provide you with ample ground to practice balance as you dance your way toward 2010.

Imagine what will unfold if you take a moment each day, until the year's end, to reflect on what balance means for you.

This may be the start of a new way of 'being' in your world.

wishing you all good things…
mozella