Christmas

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What kind of Christmas will I have this year? It’s fair to say it will be a Christmas like no other. Regardless of what is going on around us, we always want the same thing. To share this festive season with our families. With those that mean the most to us.

“The magic of Christmas never ends and its greatest of gifts are family and friends.” Unknown.

I’m no different. My family is close. We keep in contact all year round. However this year it has been a challenge for obvious reasons. One way or another we made it work. Thank goodness for technology is all I can say.

“Christmas will always be, as long as we stand heart to heart and hand in hand.” Dr. Seuss.

The tree is up. The presents are wrapped or in gift bags ready for the intended recipients to open on Christmas Day. As I walk down the street I see a flurry of last minute shoppers rushing from one place to another.

“My idea of Christmas, whether old-fashioned or modern is very simple. Loving others.” Bob Hope.

Christmas Eve is the one day I don’t venture out. I’ve made a promise to myself to complete all shopping by December 23rd. I may go out for a walk, weather permitting, however no-where near the shops will I go the day before Christmas. I can’t stand crowds. Never have.

“Christmas is the day that holds all time together.” Alexander Smith.

I have been home from work almost a week now. I’ve started a course. It’s online and runs for five weeks. It focuses on freelance writing. This is one of the goals I have in mind for 2021. I will go into more detail next week.

“What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future.” Agnes M. Pahro.

I would like to express my gratitude for all of you who have taken the time to read my blog this year. It is very much appreciated. My Christmas message is to be grateful for all that you have. Share your blessings with your loved ones. Merry Christmas everyone.

Blessings to all xx

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Being happy

My happy childhood days.

Being happy also means being unhappy. If you have never been sad how would you know what it feels like to be happy. These are two sides of the same coin. If I own this I will be happy. If I’m with X I will be happy. When I get there I will be happy. The saying “You can’t buy happiness” is true, but so is the fact that you can’t achieve happiness as such.

“The only thing that will make you happy is being happy with who you are.” Goldie Hawn.

If you are trying to be happy stop that right now. Happiness is an emotion that should come naturally. You don’t have to think, “Am I happy now?” You simply are.

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“The purpose of our lives is to be happy.” Dalai Lama.

I’ve lived long enough to know I can’t be happy 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Hey shit happens. I’m realistic enough to know that life has its ups and downs, but that doesn’t mean I can’t be happy overall. Happiness isn’t a possession, something you need to obtain. Happiness isn’t something you find somewhere out there. It isn’t measured in material things; cars, houses, clothes, etc. You won’t find it in your external world. There will always feel like something’s missing. Go inward. Go into your internal world to find what makes you happy.

“Being happy never goes out of style.” Lilly Pulitzer.

A good place to start is to write a list of gratitude. What are you grateful for. It can be five things or ten. We all have things to be grateful for. At the start and end of each day I say a prayer of gratitude. It goes something like this:

“For the roof over my head and the bed I sleep in I am truly grateful.

For the food I eat and the water I drink I am truly grateful.

For the clothes I wear I am truly grateful.

For my loving and supportive family I am truly grateful.

For access to the best healthcare I am truly grateful.

For all my life experiences both positive and negative I am truly grateful.

Amen.”

Blessings to all xx

Extra thoughts

Spring comes to life and I feel full of gratitude in nature’s gifts. No matter what is happening around us the seasons still come and go. Just look and you will find joy in the simplest of things. 🙂

Blessings to all. xx

flowers colorful bloom daisies
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