Page 11 - December 2019
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listen, pause some more… then reply not with            makes our world happier and more fulfilling.
      defense but with love for the other and empathy?            I love you all and I wish you the many gifts
      Whether you are experienced or inexperienced,           of Toastmasters and the other gifts of Life and
      this gift is ongoing work to receive, yet most          of Love. These gifts are mirrored upon us. As

      rewarding.                                              we give, it is reflected back to us as a mirror. It
          KEEPING RULES AND LETTING GO OF                     can be enhanced or diminished in proportion

      RULES:  There are good rules in communication           to what we are sending out. Think with loving

      and developing leadership and communication             intentions to all this holiday season!  Better
      skills. Toastmasters provides some good                 yet give this gift out daily!
      rules based upon time tested and real world                 Now for the commercial…
      testing. Many Toastmasters use these rules to               Toastmasters is the perfect gift to share
      communicate within their work and personal              with others. This world can be cynical and

      rules and find them most gratifying gifts!  The         we have a choice to make it less so. How many
      letting go of some rules are the personal rules of      people do you see every day?  How many
      how we think things are to turn out. That usually       business cards have you shared?  See a shy

      can come down to the fact that everyone of us           person?  Have you shared a gift, a conversation
      has their own rules that were learned before we         as to how Toastmasters may have made some
      reached the ripe old age of 7. We are our own           changes in your life and your story?  Holding
      self and learning new rules that are effective and      back your gift and hoarding it will not make
      efficient in the communication world through            you feel any better. Remember the gift you

      Toastmasters is a gift we can accept and make           gave to a child or a friend and how it warmed
      great changes in our lives.                             your heart?  Hey, it’s cold and wet outside. We
          ACCEPTENCE AND GRATITUDE:  Receiving a              are all children in this world. Go out and warm

      gift is great, giving a gift gives us joy. Acceptance   some hearts?  Share the gift. It is not work, it
      of the gift is acceptance of self. You fellow           is giving opportunity to change lives. Love
      Toastmasters are a gift of Life in this world. You      to you all!
      have received this gift of Life. Acceptance of the          Back to you Fellow Toastmasters, and
      gifts of learning, growth and sharing is what           Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!



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