“Outcomes rarely turn on grand gestures or the art of the deal, but on whether you've sent someone a thank-you note.”  ~Bernie Brillstein, The Little Stuff Matters Most

Mr. Brillstein makes a good point here. He recognizes the importance of grateful expressions. Seems like a small matter, doesn’t it? Yet being faithful in the little things, like expressing your thanks, greatly matters, not only to others, but in one’s own character, which in turn, influences outcomes....

"Wise men still seek Him"...and what a discovery at the end of their long hard journey!  No matter how long or hard your journey continue to seek Him and you too shall find the Source of life's blessings in this heavensent Son who calls us to embrace and follow His ways... Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all our PM friends.

A few suggestions for Natasha, who commented on the previous sniffles post, and for others in similar situations:

Firstly, you aren’t alone in your concerns. No parent wants their family to be on the giving or receiving end of germs and sickness. The big question remains of how to avoid other people’s winter sniffles and illness.

I sympathize with your situation…and your dilemma of not wanting to expose your children to whatever germs are whizzing around. And, this winter the bugs aren’t taking a holiday…I just flew home surrounded by coughing people in seats both behind and in front of me; I felt like I was dodging flu bullets. My mother-in-law’s advice, which she received from a doctor, seemed like a good measure of prevention, although I don’t know if it’s truly a proven deterrent. (She recommended a dab or Neosporin in each nostril before boarding the airplane as well as washing hands frequently)...

Sisterchicks! Here’s yours truly with author Robin Jones Gunn at a special out of state Christmas benefit…have you heard of her, or read her books? If you have opportunity to do so, you’ll enjoy every minute of her sharing. She’s a gifted and prolific author of seventy five books including the Christie Miller and Sisterchick series. She first began writing for children, young women and tweens when she discovered the huge void in decent and edifying stories for our younger generation. Check out her books if you have young women who love to read and need pointers in the right directions...you'll find many gift ideas at Robin Jones Gunn Bookstore.

 

Whether you are the guest with holiday sniffles (or something worse) or the host of a gathering, questions arise whenever sickness and celebration times coincide. Especially when you aren't bed-ridden. Should you go with your sniffles ("after all, maybe I'lI feel a little better" you tell yourself) or should you stay home and miss the festivities after accepting this wonderful invitation? When you are the hosts how do you handle “under the weather” guests trying to make a decision about their attendance?...

Need to brush up on holiday manners? Whether you are a guest or a host for Thanksgiving dinner these two following links provide helpful instruction for making the holiday more civil, more important, and more enjoyable. Susan Dunn (Personal Life &Executive Coach Director) wrote the first article and she quickly covers some basics. The second article, written by Jack Hayford several years ago, puts forth timeless principles and content...Basics about Thanksgiving Etiquette and Thanksgiving Table Manners & More...Happy Thanksgiving from Protocol Matters.

 

Students with a future and hope, but uncertainty about a career path or college major may find some very helpful insights for choosing a vocation that fits their individual talents and interests by reading "Do What You Are" written by Paul Tieger and Barbara Barron.

 

Love our many protocol students across the land; their maturity, their self control, their zeal for polite behavior and their concern for others. These are young people who know how to embrace their future by refining their present behavior according to sound principles...

Question:  This just came in response to an earlier April 2010 post about names and titles:  "I know I'm late to the party, but this is something that's been happening to me frequently, from the other side. When someone in a formal situation calls me by my first name, uninvited, my response is to call them by their first name in reply. This seems to irk those with higher degrees and honors, but it seems illogical for them to be on a first-name basis with me, but not otherwise.So do Mr. and Mrs. Irked call this man by his first name? If so, then they seem to have invited this presumption."  R.W.

Answer: Hello and welcome…you're never too late here. This “open house” blog is a relaxed and relevant party where, even I come and go as my schedule and time allows.  Most of our topics do not come with an expiration date so we're happy to have your comments....

  Now the shoe's on the other foot...Shortly after writing the last post on whether or not to bring your dog when you're a guest, guess what happened? Yes, we had a dog show up with friends. (Don't you like how Providence supplies unexpected situations...you know, those that catch us by surprise. We all face circumstances in which our responses can make or break a good outcome).

Have you discovered that the consistent practice of courtesy reduces tendencies toward rash reactions in unexpected circumstances? ....