Daria Matveyeva’s Post

Ah, December. The month where we’re all expected to: ✔️ Wrap up everything at work by 31 December. ✔️ Nail the perfect Christmas shopping list (did I really forget the Secret Santa AGAIN?). ✔️ Attend every festive event (because heaven forbid you miss the annual office quiz). ✔️ Create a magical, Hallmark-worthy family experience at home. Sound familiar? It’s like we all signed up for a marathon we didn’t train for—and then decided to add juggling flaming torches for good measure. Let’s pause for a second... why do we put so much pressure on ourselves to "do it all"? Tradition is wonderful, yes. But it’s okay to rewrite the script a little—especially if that script has you running on empty by the time you finally sit down to Christmas dinner. 🎄 What really matters isn’t the perfectly tied bows or spotless spreadsheets. It’s showing up. Showing up for your colleagues, your family, and—most importantly—for yourself. The magic of Christmas isn’t in external perfection; it’s in those imperfect moments when you let go and just be. So here’s my invitation: 🎁 Give yourself the gift of self-compassion. 🎁 Trade in people-pleasing for peace of mind. 🎁 Celebrate your effort, not just the outcomes. This Christmas, let’s focus on the kind of inner peace that doesn’t fit in a stocking. Because if you’re reading this, you’re already doing more than enough! Wishing you all a holiday season that feels real, not rushed. Let’s embrace the chaos and joy for what it is—and give ourselves credit for simply showing up. How are you juggling the corporate and family holiday pressures? Drop your favourite "keep it real" tips below—I’d love to hear them! 👇 #KeepItReal #ChristmasBalance #CorporateLife #InnerPeace #ShowingUp

A Cosy and Confident Christmas: It’s your guide to navigating the holidays when you're Shy or Socially Awkward. Part 2: CHRISTMAS CHITTY CHAT If you’re worried about what to say to Great Aunt Vera who you haven’t seen in 4 years, or how to chat your way through the office Christmas lunch when you seemingly have nothing in common with anyone, conversation starters could be your secret weapon. Copy and paste these questions into your phone (or write them on your arm!) and if the conversation gets clogged, surreptitiously steal a glance and let the good times roll. These conversation starters are great because you’re not under pressure to perform. Asking questions invites other people to share their thoughts, stories, and ideas — allowing you to listen, relate, and gradually join in. BUDDY UP If you’re nervous about going it alone, bring a buddy along with you - a friend, family member, or partner who can support you in conversations and introduce you to others. Having someone to help you navigate conversations, remember people’s names, and sometimes hide behind can prove very handy indeed. KEEP IT INTIMATE If large events feel too daunting, where possible opt for smaller, more intimate get-togethers where it’s easier to connect on a personal level. If it feels difficult to manage other people’s parties, consider inviting a handful of people to your place so you have more control over proceedings. AVOID OVERCOMMITTING Don’t feel obliged to attend every party. Prioritize the gatherings that feel most meaningful or comfortable to you. No need to feel guilty about declining an invite. Prioritising what you want and need is important. If you know that two events in a week is more than enough for you that’s perfectly OK. #PersonalReflection #QuietJoy #CozyMoments #SelfCare #NewYearNewBeginnings

As we approach the end of the year, there’s a phrase I keep hearing: “Let’s do drinks, yeah?” It’s the time of year when work either eases into a more relaxed tempo or ramps up into a chaotic sprint toward the holiday break. Which camp are you in? - Camp A: The festive chocolates are out, drinks are flowing, and projects conveniently spill into next year.  - Camp B: Deadlines loom, to-do lists seem endless, and everything *must* be wrapped up before the office closes for Christmas. Regardless of where you land, it’s important to pause and reflect—not just on the work, but on the *people* we work with. When I started my career, Friday lunchtime meetings often happened at the pub. They weren’t just about the work; they were about connection. Sometimes they lasted an hour, sometimes all afternoon. These moments built relationships and strengthened teams. Times have changed. Today, we’re hyper-focused on efficiency—pinging off emails, scheduling back-to-back Zoom calls, and cramming deadlines into tight schedules. It’s all too easy to forget there’s a person on the other end of that email or video call, trying their best, just like you. But here’s the thing: people still buy from people. Relationships still matter. Over the next few weeks, make time to meet someone in person—a client, a supplier, a colleague. Have a coffee or even that festive drink you keep talking about. Put faces to names and share some genuine Christmas cheer. It’s not just about business; it’s about connection. Take a breath. Nobody’s perfect, but most of us are out here trying to do good work. Let’s remind ourselves—and each other—that we’re human. Because while technology has transformed the way we work, it hasn’t replaced the human touch. So this festive season, let’s be intentional about connecting, celebrating, and appreciating the people who make it all happen. What do you say? *Let’s do drinks, yeah?*

Over the weekend I got around to writing my holiday cards (yes, I’m that person) and rushed to the post office to get them mailed before the last-second panic sets in. It’s a tradition I try to keep up every year—because who doesn’t love a good excuse to show you care? As I was frantically scribbling notes and sealing envelopes, I had a realization: holiday cards are genius. Greeting card companies have cracked the code—they’ve created endless occasions for us to buy. There’s a card for literally everything. “Happy First Snow!” “Thanks for Existing!” “Sorry Your Dog Ate Your Couch!” They’ve turned everyday moments into reasons to connect, celebrate, or even just laugh. And that got me thinking: as coaches, what’s stopping us from creating our own opportunities to connect with our audience? Think about it—why wait for a holiday or big event? Create your own “occasions.” Launch a “Motivation Monday Challenge,” send out “Halfway There” check-ins during your programs, or celebrate your clients’ wins with unexpected shoutouts. People love a reason to feel seen and appreciated, even if it’s made up (hello, National Coffee Day). The point is, it’s not about the big gestures—it’s about showing up consistently and giving people a reason to engage with you. And let’s face it, who doesn’t need more little moments of joy in their inbox or life? So, tell me—if you could create your own “holiday” or special occasion for your brand, what would it be?

🎄 How to Nail Small Talk at the Christmas Party 🎄 Small talk can be tricky, especially at office Christmas parties where you’re mingling with colleagues from different teams. The key? Be specific and curious. Here are some concrete examples to get you started: 1️⃣ Seasonal Openers: Skip generic questions like “How are you?” and go for something more festive: • “What’s your favorite Christmas tradition?” • “Are you more of a mulled wine or hot chocolate person?” 2️⃣ Reflect on the Year: Instead of asking, “How’s work?” try: • “What’s been a highlight of your year?” • “What’s the most surprising thing you worked on this year?” 3️⃣ Follow Up Thoughtfully: When someone shares, don’t just nod—dig deeper: • If they mention a trip: “What was the best meal you had there?” • If they talk about a project: “What was the hardest challenge you faced?” These questions often spark stories. Small talk doesn’t have to be awkward—it’s about showing genuine interest and creating moments of connection. What’s been your favorite conversation starter at a holiday event? Let’s swap ideas! 🎁

It’s December already—can you believe it? Christmas is just around the corner, and if you haven’t planned your team’s celebration yet, now’s the time to get it sorted! Over the years, I’ve discovered that hosting a Virtual Christmas Party can be just as meaningful (and fun!) as meeting in person. Here are some tips to help you create a memorable and joyful experience for your team: 1. Choose the Right Time Your party doesn’t have to be in the evening! We’ve scheduled ours for a Tuesday morning this year to accommodate everyone’s schedules—including our me-time and disconnect practices. Find a time that suits your team and allows for full participation. 2. Celebrate Personal Growth Instead of focusing solely on metrics like leads or tasks, ask each team member to reflect on how they’ve grown personally over the year. What challenges did they overcome? How have they stepped closer to becoming their best selves? This shift toward personal achievements creates a deep sense of pride, gratitude, and connection. 3. Get Festive and Have Fun Whether it’s a holiday theme, silly sweaters, or creative costumes, dressing up adds a spark of fun to the celebration. Include some lighthearted games—there are plenty of virtual options online that will keep everyone laughing and engaged. 4. Reflect as a Team Take a moment to look back on the year’s roadblocks and triumphs. Celebrate how these challenges helped everyone grow and how the team has evolved together. This reflection fosters connection, gratitude, and appreciation for the journey you’ve shared. 5. Spread the Cheer Expect plenty of laughter, heartfelt moments, and perhaps even a few happy tears. Creating a space where everyone feels valued and connected makes your party more than just a celebration—it becomes a source of inspiration for the year ahead. Don’t wait—schedule your Virtual Christmas Party now and make it a meaningful and joyful occasion for your team. 🎅🎁 Ready to elevate your team and make 2024 your best year yet? Let’s chat about how Virtual Angels can help you build a high-performing, heart-centered team! . . . #VirtualChristmasParty #TeamCelebration #HeartCenteredLeadership #WorkplaceWellness #TeamGrowth #VirtualAngels #VirtualAssistants

🎄🌟 Start Your Christmas Week Strong! 🌟🎄 Here’s a quick tip to set the tone for success: Strong communication skills build strong teams. 💬✨ As we enter this festive season, let’s remember that communication isn’t just for the workplace—it’s vital in every relationship, from colleagues to family and friends. Clear and kind communication can make this Christmas week even more meaningful, fostering joy, connection, and teamwork in all we do. Here’s how you can practice strong communication this holiday week: 🔹 Listen with love: Be fully present in conversations at the office or around the dinner table. 🔹 Speak with kindness: Choose words that uplift and inspire, especially during this season of goodwill. 🔹 Celebrate together: Share your goals, express gratitude, and align efforts to end the year on a high note. 🔹 Resolve conflicts calmly: The holidays can be busy and stressful, but strong teams—and families—work through challenges with patience and understanding. Let’s use our communication skills this Christmas week to spread positivity, build stronger connections, and finish the year united and inspired. What’s your goal this week? Let's give it our best shot, whether it’s wrapping up work tasks, creating festive memories, or simply relaxing. Wishing you a week filled with joy and success! 🎅🎁✨ #MondayMotivation #ChristmasWeek #Teamwork #CommunicationSkills #SeasonOfJoy #GoalSetting

Do you have that one relative at holiday gatherings whose motives are always…questionable? When they ask you a question, are they trying to connect with you, not-so-silently judging you, or just being obnoxiously nosey? This year, it might feel even harder to face them. Maybe you’re in between opportunities or facing challenges at work. You’re not in the mood to discuss your career over turkey and stuffing. And you don’t have to. You’re not obligated to share anything with anyone - and that’s 100% okay. To keep the peace while avoiding an unwanted conversation, try these responses: → “Oh, you know, work’s work! But hey, what do you think of the Hoosiers’ playoff chances?” → “This is a holiday - no work talk for me today. How’s your pickleball game coming along? Played any tournaments recently?” → “Always in motion, but I’d rather focus on the good stuff - what’s new with you/the kids?” You may have to combine these, especially with those who don’t take the hint. Some might even try a sneak attack to get you talking: → “What’s wrong? Did something happen?” → “I thought you were doing so well.” → “Oh, I get it - you’re not doing well, are you?” Take a breath. You’re in control. A calm and clear statement like “I rarely get a Thursday to not talk about work, so I’m keeping it that way today,” signals that the topic is closed. Pair it with confident body language - relaxed shoulders, steady gaze, and a slight smile - to reinforce your boundary. The topic is closed. ↓↓↓ → Key Takeaway: Your job is to protect your energy and maintain boundaries during holiday gatherings - not spill the beans. → Action Step: Come up with a few light topics or questions to pivot conversations this Thanksgiving. → Question: What’s your favorite way to gracefully sidestep an unwanted topic? ↑↑↑  🦃 And here’s to a holiday filled with connection, self-care, and meaningful conversations - that doesn’t have to involve work! 🦃

𝗠𝗘𝗥𝗥𝗬 𝗖𝗛𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗠𝗔𝗦 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗬𝗘𝗔𝗥: 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗗𝗜𝗙𝗙𝗘𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗘 𝗕𝗘𝗧𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗣𝗔𝗦𝗧 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗘𝗡𝗧    As we celebrate Christmas and New Year, let's take a moment to reflect on the changes in the way we celebrate and connect with each other. It is easy to see that there is a clear difference between these holidays in the past and now, especially as communication technology is increasingly developed.    𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗢𝗹𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗮𝘀  In the past, Christmas was an opportunity for people to gather and share warm moments with family and friends. Congratulations are often handed over, accompanied by meaningful gifts. Today, however, technology has changed the way we communicate. We tend to use e-cards, video calls, or texts to send congratulations. This saves time and allows us to connect with thousands of people around the world easily.    𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆  While technology offers many benefits, it also inadvertently makes us more distant. Meaningful moments can become superficial and insincere if we overuse communication through screens and smart electronic devices. Instead of meeting in person, we may feel more comfortable sending a quick message instead of face-to-face wishes and compliments for others.    𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗢𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀  However, technology also opens opportunities for us to reconnect with distant loved ones. Taking advantage of this can bring closeness and warmth during the holidays. Virtual parties, interactive activities, or joint projects can help bring people together, no matter how far away they may be.     𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗲  During this Christmas and New Year season, remember that a genuine connection between us is a prerequisite for creating meaningful moments. Use technology as a tool to bring closeness, while not forgetting the value of meeting face-to-face and sharing heartfelt feelings. Wishing everyone a festive season filled with joy, happiness, and connection!    We, the TDEC -Thai Duong Electrics Construction Co., Ltd team, would like to wish you a safe, joyful, happy Christmas season and enjoy every sincere moment with your loved ones, no matter where you are!  ______________________________________ 𝗧𝗗𝗘𝗖 - 𝗖𝗔𝗕𝗟𝗘 𝗦𝗢𝗟𝗨𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗩𝗜𝗗𝗘𝗥   - 𝑩𝒖𝒊𝒍𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒏𝒆𝒄𝒕 -   𝐀𝐝𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬: 21 No. 6 (Extended), Quarter 1, Phuoc Long B Ward, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City   𝐄𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐥: info@thaiduong.biz.vn   𝐖𝐞𝐛𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞: tdec.vn #tdec #thaiduong #buildtoconnect #cablesolutionprovider #merryxmast2024 #happynewyear2025 

Earlier this year, Skyler and I bought a single-sheet, 365-day calendar that took up an entire wall in our kitchen. Every day of the year stared back at us—empty, waiting to be filled. It became part of our daily life. We’d grab a pencil and jot down the next trip booked or a playdate confirmed, each addition filling us with anticipation. At dinner, the calendar sparked conversation: what’s coming up, what just happened, and how much we were looking forward to it all. Seeing those blank days motivated us to make plans—and we did. In 2024, our calendar led us to: - Lisbon for an Era-defining concert. - The French Alps for a wedding with a cheesy theme. - Mexico for some rest and unlimited drinks. Between the trips, we penciled in moments that mattered: - Date nights. - Family weekends. - A countdown to a child’s Grinch-themed birthday party. That calendar gave us a bird’s-eye view of our time. It helped us see not just how we spent it but also how much we had left to spend. The impact was so profound that for 2025, we’re leveling up. We tripled the physical size of the calendar (Dylan insisted on a rainbow one). But this year, we’ve made a different commitment: to leave more days open. 2025 is about margin and spontaneity. Because time isn’t just about filling the days—it’s about making space for what might happen when you don’t.