It’s crunch time, we’re all rushing around trying to tie up last minute Holiday shopping and wrapping all of those gifts, making ourselves more stressed than we already are trying to get the perfect thing for everyone on our list. And not to mention – if you have children, more than likely their Holiday ‘wish list’ is long (and expensive) adding to the stress.
If we’ll take a minute to stop, we know deep down that the best present we can give our family and friends over the holiday break is the gift of our presence. I know it sounds cliché, but think about it… we all know it’s true (speaking to myself here). When is the last time you had a really good conversation with someone – without the interruption of a ping taking your attention away to something else?
Yes, I love my technology and I am thankful for it on a daily basis as it gives me the flexibility to be an entrepreneur and a mom. Working with youth, I’m seeing first hand though the social skills hardship that technology is creating for our kiddos. With the ability to “hide” behind our technology, more and more young adults are experiencing anxiety over attending social functions and interacting face-to-face. When teaching teens polite conversation skills and how to successfully start and maintain a comfortable conversation with someone new, I find myself stressing the importance of how truly successful people will be those who can TALK and be SOCIAL with other people.
So during this busy and stressful Holiday season, I bet you can agree, that no matter how much money you spend:
- Your Significant Other wants your Presence
- Your Child(ren) want your Presence
- Your family members want your Presence
- Your friends want your Presence
As much as we all think we HAVE to check our email, we HAVE to check our social media accounts… do we really (again – speaking to myself here!)? If you’re ‘addicted’ to checking your phone, then you may need to leave it in your car. Will the world stop if we turn the technology off for a few hours at a time and focus on good old-fashioned face-time? We know the answer. And yes, our work will still be waiting for us after the break, but we can dig into it then.
Don’t miss another family get together because you’re lost in your phone. Work can wait.
Your family wants uninterrupted time with you – the best present money can buy!
…I don’t know about you, but I look forward to unplugging a bit and having some good old-fashioned family face time!!!
And if you’re new to Manner Monday, I’d love for you to take a minute to learn more about why I started it. You can click here to read my very first post that tells all about it.
Thanks for reading!
Carey Sue
In other news….
Word of Mouth is the best compliment you can give. Do you know of some who may be interested in our programs (Manner Monday tips, the Online Course, or Classes), please share our information with them. Here is the best link to share with them, it covers everything in a nutshell: http://careysuevega.com/
Registration for the Passport (9-12th Grade) Program is open: Click Here to access more information and to access the Passport (9-12th Grade) Program registration online.
Business Etiquette Training and other Workshops Would you like to schedule a workshop or presentation? I have a variety of workshops that can be customized to fit your needs and would love to work with your organization, Click Here to access the Business Section of the website. Or please call or email for more information, 405-721-1467 or CareySue@CareySueVega.com Here are just a few of the workshop topics:
- Etiquette and the Generations – understanding ‘those guys’
- Creating a Great Customer Service Experience
- Business Etiquette and Professionalism – Navigating Lunch and Networking Events
- Dude you’re Rude! Interoffice civility awareness and team building
- First and Lasting Impressions
- Professional Dress
- Trade Show Booth Training
