The Sweetness of Life

In the 2003 film Elf, Will Ferrel exclaims that for elves there are four main food groups: Candy, Candy Canes, Candy Corn, and Syrup.  The saying is a comical reference to the USDA's recommended "Basic Four": 1) Vegetables/Fruits, 2) Milk, 3) Meat, 4) Cereals/Breads.  As the holidays approach, my children are fond of quoting this expression, since they would prefer to avoid the USDA's Four in favor of Elf's Four.  Who wouldn't?

In the professional realm, it's often easy to loose sight of the sweetness of those with whom we interact.  We are tempted to regularly serve up large portions of spinach so that our teams and organizations can stay strong.  Now, a side of spinach from time-to-time with the meal is fine thing (preferably sauteed in extra virgin olive oil and fresh garlic, of course).  Man does not live by spinach alone!  Except maybe in the comic strips.

Savoring sweets over the holidays, whether they be fine Belgian chocolates, the company of loved ones, or your colleagues at work is a fine way of reflecting on the gifts we've received over the course of the past year.  

So, go ahead and pour some syrup on that spaghetti.