Even though the U.S. Senate is determined to give us all a present on Chirstmas Eve that we'll definitely want to exchange or regift to someone we don't like, I have to say that this is one of the best times of the year. People are out and about--they may not be buying as much this year, but they look happy and less frightened abut the future than they did last Christmas season.  Optimism is a good thing.  Entrepreneurs tend to be optimists who look for opportunities in situations that other less creative types might find daunting.  The cup is always half full, I say..

This season try making a list of all the things about your business that make you happy--the people who work for you, your customers, the product you developed...I'm sure the list could go on and on.  I guarantee that if you do this, you'll feel a lot better about where you are this year and what you can build on going forward.  A gratitude list is something I actually write at the end of every day--what three to five things happened today that I'm grateful for. Believe me, there are days when I have to search hard to find them, but those days are now fewer and farther apart.  This simple task--the gratitude list--has changed my life--give it a try.  We probably can't change Congress very quickly, but as individuals we can start with ourselves and make our own world the best it can be.  Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all of you.