I hope the holidays are finding you in a joyous, peaceful state of mind. Although chances are, given the stress and the hectic pace we tend to experience at this time of the year—you’re neither joyous nor peaceful. If you’re like me, you’re rushing around trying to get everything done before the holidays. You’re looking for the right gifts for the right people in your life. You’re doing the parties—both the ones you want to go to and the ones you have to go to. You’re making time for family. For some of you (the rare ones) this may be peaceful—but for the majority of you it’s stressful (to say the least).
And then of course there’s your job. The work you need to get done—and the work you want to get done. Rushing to meet your year-end goals and deadlines. It’s enough to make anyone a wreck.
Today, I’d like to share a GIFT with you that will help you to recapture joy, peace and appreciation this holiday season. This gift is from a wonderful man by the name of Richard Carlson. He’s the author of a treasure of a book called Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff—which has sold over ten million copies and is one of the most popular books of our time.
Richard, who was a friend, coach and mentor to me over the years, died unexpectedly last week from cardiac arrest at the young age of 45. On December 3rd, 2006—just 10 short days before his untimely death, Richard wrote his Holiday Message to his readers and fans and posted it on his website. His heartfelt advice on how to deal with the holidays and enjoy what matters most is more powerful and eloquent than anything I could ever share.
Please do yourself a favor and read his message by clicking here. I truly believe that his words are a gift to us all and that they come from a higher power. There is also a touching excerpt on his website at dontsweat.com called “Finding Life After Death”.
If you are hearing this sad news for the first time then you are as shocked as I am—and I’m sure as all of Richard’s friends and family must be. Richard is survived by his wife, Kristine, who was his co-author of "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff for Women." He also is survived by his daughters, Jasmine and Kenna; sisters Kathleen Carlson Mowris and Anna L. Carlson; and his parents, Barbara and Don Carlson of Orinda.
Richard was as wonderful a man as I have ever met. He truly dedicated his life to making the world a happy place. He shared joy wherever he went and with whomever he met. Richard wrote 30 books over his lifetime encouraging us to love our lives and those we cherish. His new book Don’t Get Scrooged should be read by all.
I truly cherished Richard—and will continue to do so. I had planned to call him this week when I visit my family in San Francisco for the holidays. I wish I had called him sooner. Call someone you love today—don’t wait like I did.
From my heart to yours—treat yourself and those you love with love this holiday season. And always remember, don’t sweat the small stuff.
Your Friend,
David Bach
Please feel free to share this newsletter with people you think may enjoy it!
We'd appreciate it if you could forward it in its entirety, including our contact and copyright information. Thanks!
To subscribe to our newsletter and join our community, please click here.
The FinishRich Newsletter is written and produced by David Bach and FinishRich Media. If you have any questions or comments, you can contact us via our online form by clicking here.
This newsletter is purely informative and does not represent an investment or tax recommendation of any kind. Please consult your financial or tax advisor before making any investment decisions.
Copyright © 2006 FinishRich Media
295 Greenwich St. Suite 529, New York, NY 10007
| 
