“Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.” – Maya Angelou

Keys to the Sleigh

It was early in the afternoon, on an early in December day. The Christmas decorations were everywhere. The atmosphere was festive. Perhaps most importantly, Santa was there. We weren’t there just to see Santa, but he was the main event for my grandkids for sure. You’ve been there too, I’m sure.

The kids line up to take their turn. Once their turn arrives, each child, often tentatively, walks the last few steps to the man dressed in red and white. Some are shy and some are open and talkative. The parents and grandparents mostly stand in the background, with hope painted on their faces. They hope for continued belief in Santa.

There are some who have lost their belief. And, that’s a sad thing. It’s a sad because rather than believing in the truth Santa, they have traded that truth for myth. Yet, the truth of Santa is, perhaps best expressed by Mya Angelou who said, “Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.” 

And, during this particular visit with Santa, he shared six additional keys which create the successful magic of his sleigh.

Santa, lives and works in the moment. Just watch Santa as he works, surrounded by kids. He focuses on each child individually, completely absorbed in each moment with each person. Sure, there is commotion all around, but he is never distracted by any of it. And, it leads each child to feel special and loved right up to the time his public time is over.

Santa, taps into restorative resilience. Santa doesn’t continually live in public. He makes sure to go home, after spending time with the kids, where he enjoys companionship from his spouse, eats delicious cookies and drinks cocoa to warm his heart. This naturally reduces his stress and allows him to thrive even during his busiest and most demanding time of the year.

Santa, manages his energy. Santa doesn’t continually engage in exhausting thoughts and emotions. He’s learned to manage his stamina by remaining calm and centered. It allows him to save his precious mental energy for tasks where he needs it most. Like listening to and caring for all the kids he comes into contact with.

Santa, does nothing, regularly. Santa doesn’t spend all of his time being intently focused on his work. He makes time for idleness, fun and irrelevant interests. This time gives him the ability to be continually creative and come up with breakthrough ideas.

Santa, is good to himself. Instead of always focusing only on his strengths and being self-critical, Santa understands that his brain is built to learn new things. Can you believe the range of new gifts he comes up with each year as a result?

Santa, shows compassion to others. Perhaps, Santa’s greatest strength is his ability to focus on others and maintain his supportive relationship with others over a lifetime. At least he’s done so for you year after year. After all, you believe in him, don’t you?

If you do, or don’t, accept these six magical sleigh keys as a gift from Santa. Use his keys! And, dramatically increase your joy personally, as well as in others. Just like Santa.

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