The end of the year is always a time of reflection for many of us.  As we busy ourselves with holiday activities and year-end wrap up, we often think about the past 12 months and what it brought into our lives.  As we reflect, we also think about what the next year will bring. 

As you spend time thinking about 2019, we want you to give some thought to the relationships and connections in your life, both personal and professional.  The relationships you have and the ones you will form can help you find satisfaction and happiness – you have to cultivate and nurture them to get the most out of them.  Shades readers, you will get what you put in. 

 Let’s explore those professional relationships.  Do you feel like you would like to contribute more at work but you aren’t sure how or where to start?  Look for mentoring or executive coaching programs in your workplace that can help you build different relationships with others so that they can get to know you and your skills.  If there are no programs like that, reach out to respected co-workers who possess strong brands who can assist you.  Don’t just reach out to do surface networking; form relationships based on substance and sincerity and do the same for others who may be looking to you for professional assistance as well. 

 Now let’s touch on the personal side of your relationships – a far more complex area of life.  Are you happy with your personal relationships?  Do you feel good about your connections with your spouse, family and friends?  If there are issues you are contending with, you must deal with them in order to make things better for you and those involved.  Yes, we know, this is easier said than done and reading a few sentences here is not necessarily going to help.  If you are struggling, reach out for help.  Many companies have assistance programs where you can receive free or subsidized counselling which is confidential.  If you don’t work somewhere that offers that, seek assistance from other trusted friends or family members.

Shades readers, we want you to remember that no person is an island.  We all need each other to thrive in both the professional and personal areas of our lives.  So be kind to each other and pay it forward.  Happy Holidays!