Flying South just before Thanksgiving means leaving the cold of New Hampshire behind for the warmth of West Palm Beach, Florida. “You would’ve wanted to be there!” stated Steve Labbe reflecting on his recent southern fishing trip.
Paid for by a business acquaintance, the deep-sea fishing trip for tuna was not only an opportunity to have fun with a meaningful group of people, but a playful way for Steve to beat his wife again in getting the best tan of the season. This was certainly an easy win since she was back home where the weather conditions were cold and cloudy.
It was a short trip, and he was back in time for Thanksgiving, a special time to reflect on where we are in our lives. “Are you better now than you were a year ago?”
The holiday season is a fun and festive time for families and friends. But it can also be stressful. Are you going to get along with everybody? Will politics or some other issues come up and derail the good time you are hoping to have?
Whether on a fishing trip or during the holidays, this is where your mindset comes into play. “If you want to be in a happy and fun place, you need to set your expectations,” says Steve, “and be hopeful that things will come to fruition, in a positive fashion.”
He admits that he used to get uptight about doing things the right way around other people in response to what they say or how they act. But he discovered that “You have a choice. You don’t have to participate in what they do or say, or even agree with them.” But you need a way to manage your own expectations.
“I want to be 100% in control of my own thoughts, which is actually a fun way for me to deal with life. Because I don’t want to be upset. I know what I believe, and I know that most things are not worth freaking out about.”
When potentially stressful situations arise, Steve says he simply takes “the emotion out of it. Just avoid what could become a conflict. Engage with others, but keep a level head, and control the emotions.”
He adds, “At Paradigm, we have a cute thing: ‘Experience the Paradigm shift’. Well, there’s nothing wrong in shifting into a good thought when unpleasant things happen.”
One good thought Steve experienced during the holiday season was participating in the New Horizons Breakfast to raise funds for feeding the homeless, helping people eat healthier, stamping out hunger, dealing with mental health, and helping people live more productive lives. Participating in such causes is his passion.
“The holidays are times to be thankful for our blessings and aware of our fellow citizens who are less fortunate. The most rewarding thing to do during these times is to help others, and give – whether time, gifts, or financial donations. But besides the holidays, there are opportunities at several local charities throughout the year to donate your time or raise funding, such as New Horizons, Salvation Army, and local and state food banks,” notes Steve.
Join us in experiencing the Paradigm Shift! Be positive about life and contribute throughout the year to helping our less fortunate live their dreams!
