Since my word, my theme for the year is Action, I think it is timely to reflect on how to act well, in other words I want to talk about having good manners. I think that a few good manners go a very long way. What am I referring to when I mention good manners?
Some very simple things like saying please and thank you. I am sure our parents taught us those simple words when we were little. Just because we have become older we are not exempt from these simple niceties. I certainly appreciate hearing those words or receiving those sentiments via an email or even a card or a note or a letter in the mail. It is only a brief minute or two in your life to pass on your thanks but those minutes are greatly appreciated. The funny thing is, I have found that even if I am the one doing the thanking it does make me feel good too.
I would like to extend this thought to other communication as well. Sometimes a quick email, phone call or note can save ongoing confusion or misunderstanding. Remember the old adage - do unto others as you would have them do unto you!! It is so true. I am going to make an effort to make sure that I respond to people in a timely fashion. I am going to remind myself not to fall into the trap of making assumptions. Remember that people are not mind readers - you may just have to reply to their email or phone message, you may just need to initiate a conversation to keep others informed and updated on things that concern them.
Let's all make the effort to act well towards each other. I am certainly making that a challenge to myself and I have extended that to challenging myself to send a note of thanks or gratitude to at least one person each week this year. Hope that my act of acting well towards others will become a habit for me.

Still on the theme of my word for the year: action. Our lives are full of actions every day. I guess that is really necessity, but what I want to focus on is taking purposeful actions that will help me have a sense of achievement and moving forward. In the first few days of 2016 I have been actively aware of my chosen word and have taken some actions that until now have been ideas that have just floated around in my head. I have also accepted some invites to take actions that I hadn't previously considered.
One of the invitations I have accepted is from Amanda Cookson from Southern Bride. Southern Bride provides practical and down to earth wedding planning advice for NZ couples. I'm pleased to announce that I am  showing my support by jumping on board as Southern Bride Verified (a service that helps couples tell that we are trustworthy, credible and professional). Visit Southern Bride for more info.
With the help of my friends at Prisma Print I now have a lovely new brochure to introduce myself and my services to new brides.
Next I think I need to get my actions more organised, hence the need for a path to action.
For me that path is some planning. Remembering the old adage that if you fail to plan then you should plan to fail. I have no intention of visiting failure so my next action is to get onto some planning.
First step is a brainstorming session where I intend to make notes of all and any actions that come to mind.
Second step is to develop some categories so I don't become too overwhelmed with one huge list of actions (I know the list is going to be a large one!!)
Third step is to report back on steps one and two!!