Happy Christmas Eve!

Christmas Eve is a reflective celebration with quiet, candles, lights, evening strolls, prayer, carols, gathering together and anticipation. Today, in our house, some are still working, some are reading, breathing, studying the presents under the tree. The final trip to the grocery store is complete – the “roast beast” for tomorrow’s dinner (and Boxing Day) are tucked away and we are eating a lunch of “collectibles”- leftovers, cheese, crackers, fruit, hummus, etc. Tonight’s dinner is our traditional French Onion Soup. We have much to be thankful for. When you are feeling overwhelmed, remember to stop, even during this Season and increase your mindfulness – full awareness of your thoughts and feelings so you can make a choice about how you respond. Remember to silence your inner critic, grieve loss, relax your body, show self- compassion and seek peace of mind. Always remember that you are “good enough” – good enough people are essentially good hearted, they try to be fair, the meet their commitments a large portion of the time. There is enough good in life to significantly outweigh its losses and travails. Follow your own bliss.

Joy shared is doubled. Sorrow shared is halved.
Fill your day with small moments of joy. Today, as I look around, it is a blooming Christmas cactus, thoughtful presents under the tree, sunshine, decorations that remind me of my mom and her talent for creating, a photo frame flashing pictures of many happy memories, the amaryllis that is blooming, family and friends in my circle and so much more. Be blessed, share joy.