Rejoice - Punctuation - Reunion - Rest - Presence - Doing for Others - Music -
"Rejoice Punctuation, and Reunion with Rest, while sharing Presence in doing for Others and listening to Music"
"On the 9th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, the gift of sharing life with youuuuuuu."
I am very much aware that not everyone has someone to share with. The way I see it, there are those who are either physically alone on this planet, those who are mentally alone on this planet, or spiritually alone. To have vacancy in any of these areas, can really be defeating. Sometimes that goes unnoticed.
Wow, that's a heavy start to day 9! Not my words, but mine to share. Day 9 and I am waking up to a house full of family. We have a day full of family time (with family and family of friends). Tonight we will enjoy family. Tomorrow I will enjoy family..and football..and family again. My family is large. You are my family too. Family is everywhere, and thank God for that.
This Christmas season, I have been most excited for this single week. Not for any one day, or person, or event, but for what will be a week of relaxing, enjoying all the prep work that has been done, and simply savoring time with family and friends. You have NO idea when it will be your last visit with that eccentric aunt, or the over loud cousin who forgets he's inside, or the neighbor who just wont clean up that one thing on the yard, or the sibling who still resents the sweater you gifted last winter, or the parent who loves you so much they don't know when to stop checking on your grocery list.
Today, tomorrow, next Wednesday, could be the very last moment you have to share this life with that person. What have you learned from them? What have they taught you about yourself? What have you SHARED with them? Have you maintained a safe distance and strong walls around your heart so they do not have the chance to get close? Have you allowed your own vulnerability and flaws to be a topic of discussion? Nooooo....why would we go that far??
Why would we go so far as to share life with someone to the point that you are not afraid to start the conversation with a hug, which leads to a responding squeeze, which leads to a feeling of hope, then joy, then conversation about the meal which leads to the discussion about plans that day, then memories about the past experiences and hopes for the future and fears that come with that, then current struggles, current hopes, current joys, current feelings about life....why would we do that?
Why wouldn't we do that? What good reason do you have to NOT share life with a certain person? We don't share with everyone the same way, but we can share elements of our world, with various people. If you aren't surrounded by that kind of family (again, blood, marriage, friend...all count), then you need new people, and I"ll be the first in line to give you that hug.
I share the joy of ...whats do we call this... sharing life with others
Saturday, December 21, 2013
Friday, December 20, 2013
Day 8 - Tune in!
Rejoice - Punctuation - Reunion - Rest - Presence - Doing for Others - Anticipation
"Rejoice Punctuation, and Reunion with Rest, while Anticipating sharing your Presence in doing for Others" ...this will be fun
Day 8! Based on my scientific research, there are 4 more days before Christmas. I'm not counting the day of...I mean today plus 4, which lands us on the 24. The red carpet walk, before the party. This year, the holidays have felt different. There is no single reason why. I can tell you many reasons..but not all today. Actually, I started the season in a humbug mood, especially when I saw 'Santa' for sale in the stores, before my jack-o-lantern was lit. That just ticks me off. Dear Mr. Retailer...stop it.
I'm pretty sure I spent less time this year looking for sales, coupons, lines, etc. We considered what we wanted to buy, made a list, checked it twice, then fought the internet traffic for a place in line, only to check out with great ease. ...and thanks in part of Momma-elf in the GA workshop, who agreed to wrap some of these quick online purchases, upon arrival.
Point, click, shop. A few in-store purchases were made too, but we were focused. That is NOT easy in Bed, Bath, and Beyond. I will give you a reason why I need to stop and consider each and every booklight, pop up speaker thingy, and eye mask. Not to mention those large plastic cups with your fav sports team. I do NOT need one (have them!), but feel a need to look for our teams every time I walk buy...I mean by.
I could go on..but my point is that our shopping was easy, and basically done. Stress reduced! The house has been cleaned well enough and we are ready for family and friends to visit. The tactical planning has paid off in spades. So is planning my joy? No...although is DOES make me happy. I am a planner to a fault sometimes.
My joy is the music! *WHAM* That just happened. What the heck, lost my stream of thought....?
I've made a point to listen to one of my fav radio stations this season, and really listened to the Christmas songs. Rather than letting those songs aggravate me, in the car, in the house, at the grocery store, in the store parking lots (really, Mr. Retailer was blaring...I mean sharing...tunes into the parking lot!), I chose to enjoy them. I chose to enjoy the music of the season, and it has been an excellent side kick while staring at webpage to compare deals. I sing loudly and off tune, in the car, in the house, and at work. Actually less singing, more whistling at work. Fa la la la la, la la, la la
SO, find a station, tune in, and lighten up! The prep work has been done, you've walked the red carpet...now lets relax and start to really appreciate the holiday, the wonderful people around us, the accomplishments of the past year, the struggles we've over come, and the excitement of new things ahead.
"Rejoice Punctuation, and Reunion with Rest, while Anticipating sharing your Presence in doing for Others" ...this will be fun
Day 8! Based on my scientific research, there are 4 more days before Christmas. I'm not counting the day of...I mean today plus 4, which lands us on the 24. The red carpet walk, before the party. This year, the holidays have felt different. There is no single reason why. I can tell you many reasons..but not all today. Actually, I started the season in a humbug mood, especially when I saw 'Santa' for sale in the stores, before my jack-o-lantern was lit. That just ticks me off. Dear Mr. Retailer...stop it.
I'm pretty sure I spent less time this year looking for sales, coupons, lines, etc. We considered what we wanted to buy, made a list, checked it twice, then fought the internet traffic for a place in line, only to check out with great ease. ...and thanks in part of Momma-elf in the GA workshop, who agreed to wrap some of these quick online purchases, upon arrival.
Point, click, shop. A few in-store purchases were made too, but we were focused. That is NOT easy in Bed, Bath, and Beyond. I will give you a reason why I need to stop and consider each and every booklight, pop up speaker thingy, and eye mask. Not to mention those large plastic cups with your fav sports team. I do NOT need one (have them!), but feel a need to look for our teams every time I walk buy...I mean by.
I could go on..but my point is that our shopping was easy, and basically done. Stress reduced! The house has been cleaned well enough and we are ready for family and friends to visit. The tactical planning has paid off in spades. So is planning my joy? No...although is DOES make me happy. I am a planner to a fault sometimes.
My joy is the music! *WHAM* That just happened. What the heck, lost my stream of thought....?
I've made a point to listen to one of my fav radio stations this season, and really listened to the Christmas songs. Rather than letting those songs aggravate me, in the car, in the house, at the grocery store, in the store parking lots (really, Mr. Retailer was blaring...I mean sharing...tunes into the parking lot!), I chose to enjoy them. I chose to enjoy the music of the season, and it has been an excellent side kick while staring at webpage to compare deals. I sing loudly and off tune, in the car, in the house, and at work. Actually less singing, more whistling at work. Fa la la la la, la la, la la
SO, find a station, tune in, and lighten up! The prep work has been done, you've walked the red carpet...now lets relax and start to really appreciate the holiday, the wonderful people around us, the accomplishments of the past year, the struggles we've over come, and the excitement of new things ahead.
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Day 7 - Ready? Ready? Huh, Huh?
Rejoice - Punctuation - Reunion - Rest - Presence - Doing for Others
"Rejoice Punctuation, and Reunion with Rest, while sharing Presence in doing for Others" ...Funny...
On the 7th Day of Christmas, my true love gave to me....the joy of Anticipation!
I can NOT even imagine what Mr Wiseman was feeling while tracking his directions to a tiny baby, by way of a really big star, or how excited the shepherds were to see that hosts of angels or to run on in from the fields to sneak a peek at the baby in the stable. I can only guess that confusion came first (is this a prank call?), then excitement (OMG! its time!), maybe a few moments of planning (which direction, what do I carry, who do I tell?), then focused action (if we leave now, we beat the traffic, and make it by dinner), and anticipation (Can't wait for the party!).
Mixed emotions, but all based on the anticipation of something great. We deal with anticipation all the time, for one thing or another. However, my anticipation is often laced with worry over details. Sometimes my anticipation OF the worry, will stop me all together. Silly, but its real.
The holidays bring anticipation with worry, but the season brings joy as well. Details, details, details...blah, blah, blah...check the task off the list, feel better. Whatever. How about, Stop.
Stop and enjoy the real reason for the frantic pace. I stress about laundry...because why? Because I want to wear clean clothes while visiting with family and friends? I might stress about shopping...because why? If I don't give a gift they wont think I care? Maybe my home isn't decorated most perfectly, and I worry, why? Because there is a judge walking around to tell me I've failed the neighborhood contest of 'who did best and has the most holiday spirit contest?' "We've got spirit, yes we do, We've got spirit how about you?" Yeah, its always a competition of some sort... with MYSELF. (I'm typing with a really heavy sarcastic tone. Does that translate?)
So, get the heck outta my way Self, and just relax and enjoy anticipation for the RIGHT stuff!
I'm so excited to spend quality time with family and friends who won't care about the outfit; to share small tokens of gifts just to see smiles of joy or laughter at the silliness; to plug in the lights on the simple Christmas tree at home and enjoy the holiday vibe at home. Relax, and savor the season of joy.
Today, lets celebrate Anticipation of the good stuff, and what this season is really all about.
"Rejoice Punctuation, and Reunion with Rest, while sharing Presence in doing for Others" ...Funny...
On the 7th Day of Christmas, my true love gave to me....the joy of Anticipation!
I can NOT even imagine what Mr Wiseman was feeling while tracking his directions to a tiny baby, by way of a really big star, or how excited the shepherds were to see that hosts of angels or to run on in from the fields to sneak a peek at the baby in the stable. I can only guess that confusion came first (is this a prank call?), then excitement (OMG! its time!), maybe a few moments of planning (which direction, what do I carry, who do I tell?), then focused action (if we leave now, we beat the traffic, and make it by dinner), and anticipation (Can't wait for the party!).
Mixed emotions, but all based on the anticipation of something great. We deal with anticipation all the time, for one thing or another. However, my anticipation is often laced with worry over details. Sometimes my anticipation OF the worry, will stop me all together. Silly, but its real.
The holidays bring anticipation with worry, but the season brings joy as well. Details, details, details...blah, blah, blah...check the task off the list, feel better. Whatever. How about, Stop.
Stop and enjoy the real reason for the frantic pace. I stress about laundry...because why? Because I want to wear clean clothes while visiting with family and friends? I might stress about shopping...because why? If I don't give a gift they wont think I care? Maybe my home isn't decorated most perfectly, and I worry, why? Because there is a judge walking around to tell me I've failed the neighborhood contest of 'who did best and has the most holiday spirit contest?' "We've got spirit, yes we do, We've got spirit how about you?" Yeah, its always a competition of some sort... with MYSELF. (I'm typing with a really heavy sarcastic tone. Does that translate?)
So, get the heck outta my way Self, and just relax and enjoy anticipation for the RIGHT stuff!
I'm so excited to spend quality time with family and friends who won't care about the outfit; to share small tokens of gifts just to see smiles of joy or laughter at the silliness; to plug in the lights on the simple Christmas tree at home and enjoy the holiday vibe at home. Relax, and savor the season of joy.
Today, lets celebrate Anticipation of the good stuff, and what this season is really all about.
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Day 6 - I challenge YOU
Rejoice - Punctuation - Reunion - Rest - Presence
On the 6th Day of Christmas, I choose to celebrate the JOY of DOING FOR OTHERS!
Once a year, I bust out the bake ware and make banana bread. I enjoy this time, despite my lack of skill in the kitchen. Know that Momma taught me just fine, but my lazy side wins the mental battle most days. Sorry, Lee! Regardless, we are blessed and don't go hungry.
Last night however, was exciting for me because I was doing something I enjoy (baking) and was anticipating sharing the product of this effort with others. The radio was on, the house was cool enough to feel like fall, and warm enough in the kitchen to wear shorts, the Christmas tree is up, the cat was sitting on his sofa watching quietly, and the night was still. Side note: Did you see that moon last night?
The scene was set to attempt something new...triple the normal recipe with new type flower and sweetener, rather than my regular go-to products. Exciting!! I worried over the new materials, the little loaf pans, the trusty little mixer, the awesomeness of large mixing bowls, and my insecurity over baking time for these tiny loafs. Ah, it turned out just fine. ...well, the one loaf we tried hot out of the oven tasted ok.
All in all, a few hours later, and well past my bedtime, my goal was complete! Ready for delivery were 12 little loaf pans of banana bread, wrapped in different colors of plastic wrap. My MG arms were a bit tired, but by golly, my heart was full because I was more excited to do this for friends.
I challenge you today, to take part in a single act of random kindness, for someone you know or may not know. Many people are able to perform this type of humbling work on a regular basis, through out the year, and I hope to be that person one day. That said, if at the very least this season motivates me to leave my comfort zone and do something more for others, then then world is a better place.
On the 6th Day of Christmas, I choose to celebrate the JOY of DOING FOR OTHERS!
Once a year, I bust out the bake ware and make banana bread. I enjoy this time, despite my lack of skill in the kitchen. Know that Momma taught me just fine, but my lazy side wins the mental battle most days. Sorry, Lee! Regardless, we are blessed and don't go hungry.
Last night however, was exciting for me because I was doing something I enjoy (baking) and was anticipating sharing the product of this effort with others. The radio was on, the house was cool enough to feel like fall, and warm enough in the kitchen to wear shorts, the Christmas tree is up, the cat was sitting on his sofa watching quietly, and the night was still. Side note: Did you see that moon last night?
The scene was set to attempt something new...triple the normal recipe with new type flower and sweetener, rather than my regular go-to products. Exciting!! I worried over the new materials, the little loaf pans, the trusty little mixer, the awesomeness of large mixing bowls, and my insecurity over baking time for these tiny loafs. Ah, it turned out just fine. ...well, the one loaf we tried hot out of the oven tasted ok.
All in all, a few hours later, and well past my bedtime, my goal was complete! Ready for delivery were 12 little loaf pans of banana bread, wrapped in different colors of plastic wrap. My MG arms were a bit tired, but by golly, my heart was full because I was more excited to do this for friends.
I challenge you today, to take part in a single act of random kindness, for someone you know or may not know. Many people are able to perform this type of humbling work on a regular basis, through out the year, and I hope to be that person one day. That said, if at the very least this season motivates me to leave my comfort zone and do something more for others, then then world is a better place.
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Day 5: Your presence is present enough
Day 5 of Christmas, and 'tis the season to be jolly, and to shop, and to cook, and to create cards, and to make cookies, and to see lights, and to anticipate forgotten gifts, and to attend festive parties, and to survive the mall, and to take naps, and to spend time with family, and to wear layers, and to spend more time with family, and to forgetfully miss that one appointment, and to be dizzy with details, and to feel overwhelmed and out of control, and to try and regain control, and to melt down, and to sometimes cry or maybe yell. Fa la la la la, la la la la.
Feeling festive? Feeling joyous? Feeling tired? Feeling overwhelmed? Feeling crowded? ...Yes.
I'm trying something new today and I'm typing on this post throughout the day...to see if it is possible to remain PRESENT. I'm blessed to do life with Godly women, who I can really share emotion with, and recenter myself. Last night was that night. Day 5, and I share the joy of being present.
....
I admit that I am on autopilot right now and working to survive the holiday craze. Then it smacked me in the face yesterday, while day dreaming of my happy places (Day 4), that I need to spend just a little time being present in my world. Slowing down to really appreciate the alarm, and the reality that I've been gifted another day, and that my eyes can see the glaringly red numbers, that my ears can hear that horrible buzz teasing me to leave the warm covers, that my feet can feel the cold tile in the bathroom.
Its ok if my Christmas cards are late. Its ok if my gift shopping is incomplete.
.....
I'm grateful for the chaos that comes with a job; the energy everyone shares in striving to do their best and keep customers happy, while balancing families, pets, and tasks; the teamwork that take place when everyone goes above and beyond in anticipation of the holiday and end of year close.
Its ok if my grocery list is put together later. I have time to focus.
....
It is lunch time now. Lee and I completed a Christmas errand then picked up lunch to eat at our desks. The weather outside is really beautiful and I'm glad we had time to spend together, and that we completed another item on the lists which wants to sneak up and scream at me.
hum... I'll stop writing on this post now. I think my joy of presence is more about the joy of giving thanks for the things that I choose to let stir me up.
Feeling festive? Feeling joyous? Feeling tired? Feeling overwhelmed? Feeling crowded? ...Yes.
I'm trying something new today and I'm typing on this post throughout the day...to see if it is possible to remain PRESENT. I'm blessed to do life with Godly women, who I can really share emotion with, and recenter myself. Last night was that night. Day 5, and I share the joy of being present.
....
I admit that I am on autopilot right now and working to survive the holiday craze. Then it smacked me in the face yesterday, while day dreaming of my happy places (Day 4), that I need to spend just a little time being present in my world. Slowing down to really appreciate the alarm, and the reality that I've been gifted another day, and that my eyes can see the glaringly red numbers, that my ears can hear that horrible buzz teasing me to leave the warm covers, that my feet can feel the cold tile in the bathroom.
Its ok if my Christmas cards are late. Its ok if my gift shopping is incomplete.
.....
I'm grateful for the chaos that comes with a job; the energy everyone shares in striving to do their best and keep customers happy, while balancing families, pets, and tasks; the teamwork that take place when everyone goes above and beyond in anticipation of the holiday and end of year close.
Its ok if my grocery list is put together later. I have time to focus.
....
It is lunch time now. Lee and I completed a Christmas errand then picked up lunch to eat at our desks. The weather outside is really beautiful and I'm glad we had time to spend together, and that we completed another item on the lists which wants to sneak up and scream at me.
hum... I'll stop writing on this post now. I think my joy of presence is more about the joy of giving thanks for the things that I choose to let stir me up.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
