A Special Holiday Greeting

Damien O'Farrell
3 min readDec 20, 2021

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Once again, the holiday season is upon us, so I decided to write this special holiday greeting for my clients, colleagues, and followers; with the purpose that it may convey the importance of living in the now, while looking forward to the future with hope, purpose, and determination.

Recently, I was very moved while listening to the words of the song ‘My Grown-Up Christmas List’ by Sylvia Hutton where she sings:

No more lives torn apart

That wars would never start

And time would heal all hearts

And everyone would have a friend

And right would always win

And love would never end

This is my grown-up Christmas list

While I may not be able to bring about earth-shattering change now, my goal for 2022 is to do the best that I can, with the resources I have, to make our world a better place, especially considering how challenging the last two years have been for so many people on various levels — economically, emotionally, and mentally.

Despite all of what is going on around us, imagine how quickly we could elevate ourselves and others, as well as the world around us, if each of us became that “someone” who took the time to listen to someone in distress, encouraged children to be way-showers of compassion, mentored a colleague without being asked, gave a forever home to an animal from a shelter, and looked for ways to improve our environment. The list of positive changes, big and small, we could make is endless. We can certainly make the world a better place, and that is something that would benefit all of us right now. We have such inner power and strength to enact positive change — it is utterly amazing!

To bring about positive change, we must have energy on every level. However, if we constantly permeate our minds with fear-based messages, especially those that emphasize the potential dangers and harm that could befall us from one day to the next, it is going to be particularly challenging to improve anyone’s life, including our own.

During these challenging times, I have found it extremely helpful to:

  • Give gratitude for all that I have.
  • Create a morning mindset routine to set the tone for the day.
  • Limit exposure to news and people with a negative attitude.
  • Avoid aimlessly scrolling on social media.
  • Delegate instead of trying to do everything on my own.

I hope to have the opportunity to meet with you personally in 2022. In the meantime, I would like to take a moment to wish you sincerely a joyful holiday season, and I truly hope that the new year will bring you all the success that you desire, both personally and professionally.

Take care and stay safe.

Damien O’Farrell

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Damien O'Farrell

Global Mobility Specialist and Expat Coach with thirty plus years’ experience in providing high-touch immigration, relocation, & coaching services in Italy.