Melinda Seckington’s Post

Share Gratitude – Post about what you’re thankful for at the end of the year. Task: Write a heartfelt caption with a warm holiday image. ❤️🙏 https://lnkd.in/gGNyyQwH #HolidayMarketing #FestiveBusiness #CheersTo2024 #SocialMediaTips #EmeMarketingMagic

Share Gratitude – Post about what you’re thankful for at the end of the year. Task: Write a heartfelt caption with a warm holiday image. ❤️🙏 https://lnkd.in/gnQ7jYtY #HolidayMarketing #FestiveBusiness #CheersTo2024 #SocialMediaTips #EmeMarketingMagic

Happy Thanksgiving! I was inspired by a keynote speaker at an industry event who made a point to challenge your approach to things that are important to you in your business or life with a new perspective. Challenge the expected, so to speak. One point made was if you feel like you’ve established yourself as someone who says “thank you” or “you are appreciated” to those around you (which I have tried hard to do), change up how you present that message and see what happens. His message was if you’ve made that a “habit”, then maybe that’s how the message is received, as something that’s routine and it’s not taken as you intended, it’s commonplace. I’ll admit, I never thought of it that way. It’s always a true expression for me, but am I sure it’s always heard that way when I just say “thank you”? Maybe, maybe not.    One idea I had is to take one of those instances each week, where I really want the message to be received as heartfelt gratitude, and change up the delivery method. So here on Thanksgiving, where I have so much to be grateful for in life, family, friends, home, and work; I’m posting my first “thankful Thursday”. My goal is to have one of the work related “thank you”s from the week become more public, more intentional, more open, and take this effort to see if it can have a better impact than words alone. I’ve seen and felt the impact that a positive message can bring in a stressful or demanding work environment. The concrete industry certainly has those moments. If I’m going to make anything “public” about our business by using social media like LinkedIn, it makes every bit of sense to me to include the gratitude and appreciation for those who help make it happen and who act in service of others. I personally am so very thankful and blessed to have found my talent in concrete, it’s the greatest building material ever created. The ability to earn a living that supports my family in this industry is a gift I sincerely hope I never lose site of being grateful for having. It doesn’t happen by accident, and there are so many amazing people that make this industry special; I look forward to sharing some of my appreciation for them in a different way. 

🎄✨ From Thanksgiving to Christmas: A Business Owner's Reflection ✨🎄 As Thanksgiving fades and the Christmas lights begin to twinkle, I find myself reflecting on what these seasons mean—not just personally, but also as a business owner. In business, we're often rushing: meeting deadlines, planning for the next quarter, wrapping up the year. But this time of year reminds me that gratitude and generosity aren’t just seasonal—they're practices we can carry all year long. Thanksgiving reminds me to celebrate: 💡 My incredible clients, who trust me with their vision. 💡 My family, who supports my dreams. 💡 My network of collaborators, who inspire and encourage me daily. And the Christmas season, always makes me think of A Christmas Carol (maybe because I played the Spirit of Christmas Past in a musical production) : to keep the spirit of Christmas in our hearts all year long. For me, that means: ✨ Leading with kindness, even on the busiest days. ✨ Giving back, not just in big gestures but in small, intentional ways. ✨ Remembering that every connection—business or personal—is an opportunity to spread light. So as we navigate this season of busyness and joy, let’s pause to reflect on how we can carry this spirit into January, March, or even the middle of July. Imagine what our businesses and communities could look like if we embraced the values of gratitude, generosity, and joy every day! Here’s to finishing this year strong—and starting the next one with hearts full of joy and hope. 💖 How do you keep the spirit of Christmas alive in your life or business? I'd love to hear your thoughts below! 👇 #Gratitude #BusinessReflections #ChristmasSpirit #SmallBusiness

At ArtVan, many of the prompts that often guide each group program in our neighborhoods are also practiced with the staff. It's important for us to exemplify and live the work ourselves, so we'd like to share a Thanksgiving gratitude activity with you! Feel free to shape this practice to fit your gathering group. For more info about ArtVan, visit www.artvanprogram.org. 1. Gather Materials and pass them around the dinner table. Paper - two (2) pieces per person. Notecards work well. Pens, markers, and/or crayons. 2. Guide everyone in taking a deep breath. During this moment, ask your guests to think about something they’re grateful for within themselves. Have them take what they’re grateful for and draw it on the first piece of paper. They can write words and/or draw a description of what that word looks like and means to them. 3. Guide your guests in taking a second deep breath, and consider the person sitting to their right. Have them think about something they’re grateful to that person for. On the second piece of paper have your guests draw or write that characteristic. 4. Once everyone is finished, share your gratitude! Starting with the first piece of work, share with the group how it describes what you’re grateful to yourself for. 5. Then, take turns turning to the person to your right, share what you’re grateful to them for, and gift them with your second piece of artwork. You can of course opt for a more private share between the people sitting next to one another!

The Importance of Christmas Traditions 🎅🎁 “Traditions are the threads that tie generations together.” 🎁🎅 Christmas is more than gifts and glitter; it’s about the traditions that bring us closer. Here’s why they matter: 🌟 Connection: Repeating rituals, like decorating the tree together, strengthens family bonds. 🌟 Legacy: Sharing cultural or personal traditions passes them on to the next generation. 🌟 Joy: Familiar activities bring comfort and happiness during the holidays. 🎄 Family Things to Do: • Host a Christmas movie marathon with classics like Home Alone or The Grinch. • Start a new tradition—like everyone crafting their own ornament for the tree. 💡 Idea: Create a “12 Days of Gratitude” jar. Write something you’re grateful for each day leading up to Christmas. What are your family’s favorite Christmas traditions? Drop them in the comments! #ChristmasTraditions #FamilyTime #HolidayJoy

Feeling grateful for another trip around the sun & all of the thoughtful birthday messages…as it is the anniversary weekend of my moms passing, as well as the celebration of my birthday, it has always been a bit bittersweet- but as I grow older, I continue to appreciate some of the things I’ve come to learn over the years, especially from my mom, so thought I’d share (bc sometimes I need the reminder)…ie: get out of your comfort zone & try not to take yourself (or life) too seriously - take the trip / wear the fun outfit, even if it is ‘not you’…always find those moments to lift up others (it can be difficult at times, but will always be worth it)- seek out the opportunities to create memories with family and friends- smile & laugh, often (& even cry when you need to)- enjoy simple pleasures (like a good cup of coffee or tea, long walks or runs, bike rides, a favorite movie, book, or board game, homemade gelato, bubble bath, bowl of Pastina, singing loudly to your car radio), take the scenic route whenever possible (even if it’s a longer path)- learn what you can from yesterday- we are never too busy to do things with others, make the time- reach out- life is too short to hold grudges or sweat the small stuff (let it roll,…ALL of it), find the silver linings, bc there is always a silver lining- be present(…put your phone away), be kind to others (everyone is doing their best), make the most of bad times & learn from them (they will pass), & just try and enjoy every step of your journey (even when it’s difficult, learn to lean on others, & let them lean on you✌️)- never forget to take some time for yourself. …& remember that sometimes, the small things, really are the BIG things. One day at a time. Just keep going👊

Never a Bad Time to be Grateful While Thanksgiving undoubtedly presents an opportune time for gratitude, I think it’s a dominant strategy to always be grateful. When we choose to be grateful, it can transform even the most challenging situations: declining an offer from someone, sharing difficult news, etc.  Gratitude allows our sincerity shine through more effectively and helps us maintain our integrity during these interactions.  I work quite a few gratefulness practices and there are 2 that I really like: 1. Upon waking, say out loud 5 things that I’m grateful for.  This puts a healthy ‘lens’ on for the day. 2. Prior to meetings, intentionally create my way of being and include gratitude as part of it.  I stay more centered this way. Thanks Ron Macklin for this one. I’m curious what works for everyone else.

Have you recovered from yesterday? Are you back in the office? One more question and context... "Do you journal about your goals, ideas, and experiences? Try adding a few sentences dedicated to gratitude. The ritual can help you begin your day with joy. A gratitude practice helps us stop the busyness and recognize the vital components of our lives. We shouldn’t wait until awkward moments around Thanksgiving feasts to be grateful for everything that helps us engage in meaningful work." Read more of this week's blog post here: https://lnkd.in/es_-fmAT

As we approach one of my favorite times of the year, I want to extend my heartfelt wishes to everyone: Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, and for any special celebration I may have missed, please let me know. My intent isn’t rooted in obligation but in genuine human connection. In a world where even our leaders often promote division, I choose a different path. Despite our roots in different parts of the world—I, for example, am a first-generation Canadian of German ancestry—we share the common bond of humanity. Over the years, I’ve built brotherly relationships with people from all walks of life, and I cherish each and every one of you. Some of these connections were formed through work, others by chance. What unites them is the joy of shared experiences. Even if you don’t personally celebrate Christmas, when you wish me well, it’s an act of community and friendship that I deeply appreciate. I challenge all of us to embrace the celebrations of our friends and neighbors. Attend their gatherings, learn their traditions, and you’ll find yourself enriched by the experience. In doing so, we foster a spirit of unity that transcends differences. In a time when hate and anger are often used to divide us, let’s push back with love and understanding. Together, we can build a world—and a nation—that reflects the best of us: tolerant, welcoming, and strong in our shared humanity. Let’s work to create communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and where our diversity is a source of strength. Wishing you all a season filled with joy, love, and togetherness.