To be honest, I never know what to say in these holiday times. It's not a celebrating moment for everyone. But it is for some, including me. I feel all warm and gooey inside—with occasional dives into anxiety when I suddenly remember something I didn't do yet—and then back to soft and gushy. I feel a lot of ease and harmony with others in these last months of the year. But then I see comments from others on how tough 2017 was or how they dislike all the holiday hype. In those moments, I'm reminded that we are all in different places most of the time. Not just during holidays, but all through the year. We are each on our own journey, in our own experience.

 So my final tip of 2017 is to share a spiritual truth that has helped me immensely over the years. It helped me overcome my harsh inner critic and be more accepting of my own path. It helps me to be where I am, while accepting where someone else is.

there is no comparison in the spiritual realm

It means just what it says—that from a spiritual perspective, there's no such thing as comparison. It can lead to some decidedly non-spiritual attitudes like criticism, judgement and petty feelings. From a larger perspective, all experiences are valid and there's no race to be won.

In marketing, it's crucial as comparing where you are to others can shut you down from even trying. It can lead to devaluing how far you've actually come in your own business journey. It creates stress where there could be joy.

Please use this idea of no comparison as a reminder if you tend to envy where others are, feel impatient with your own unfolding or compare yourself with others. Embracing this idea to let go of comparison can change your life for the better. 

Yes, it was a tough year in many ways but there were also blessings that came with the rough. I've seen the very best spring forth from many, despite the worst happening around them. It may be possible that comparing this year to others makes it seem worse than it is. The question might be whether we are willing to accept what is, no matter how bad it may seem, and move forward with hope and love anyway.

 It's with a grateful heart that I send you wishes for a wonderful end to this year. May you feel blessed and free from comparison in your journey ahead. Thank you for letting me be on this ride alongside you.