I had a challenge buying my new computer yesterday at Circuit City and after talking to four people who were trying to help but didn't seem to be capable of saying "I'm sorry this has been so hard for you", I almost burst into tears when I finally got a manager who simply said, "I'm sorry - why don't you sit down and relax for a minute and I'll take care of it - can I get you something to drink?" I have no idea what came over me. I just got weepy.

My friends have been telling me for a few days (each in their own way) that they have been feeling fragile this season and it seems that they are not the only ones. I can't explain it. My life is going well - better than it has in years in fact. I have loving friends, a stronger connection with my family than I have my entire life, and a beautiful home. Everything is copasetic. And yet, here I am tearing up over Christmas specials on TV.

Perhaps I'm picking up on a general malaise in the world. Perhaps I'm being sentimental. Perhaps the stars are aligned in a fashion that causes weeping at a moment's notice. I can't say the reason. But I do know that I'm not alone. Everyone I've talked to recently is feeling some version of this.

So here's my thought for the day. Let's take a little down-time. Let's be kind to ourselves. Let's allow that we may be feeling a little fragile and ask for some extra hugs for the holidays this year. Nothing makes you feel better than good hugs from people who love you,

Enjoy your holiday - even if you cry a little.

Kelle Sparta is the author of The Consultative Real Estate Agent - Building Relationships that Create Loyal Clients, Get More Referrals, and Increase Your Sales, as well as being a speaker and trainer specializing in the real estate industry. Kelle is the founder of Sparta Success Systems, a real estate training company that provides tools, products, and training to empower agents and brokers to create lives and businesses they can love. For more information, visit her website at http://www.spartasuccess.com/. © 2007, Kelle Sparta.