The Most Wonderful Time of the year...

HI All (for anyone still reading...),
I know you're probably hoping for an upbeat, happy post about the Holidays, right?

Well, it is NOT my favorite time of the year. Sorry.  Teaching my classes and running the Center help a TON, because I know how much so many love this season and it helps me like it more-so thanks for that!

But, I always get a sense of dread coming into this time of year. My Dad passed on 12/21 and my husband's Dad passed on 12/1, so, as you can see, it's not a big happy pappy season for us. (And many out there, by the way, so we know we're not alone.) And, for my cousins, it's the first holiday without their Dad and my Aunt with her husband. Not easy.

So, as you walk through this season (if it's your favorite especially), please remember that it's not everyone's favorite. Be kind, be understanding.

I mean, all you hear since HALLOWEEN is 'buy this' 'buy that', 'go here', 'go there'-it will MAKE your day. Buying this gift will MAKE someone else's day. Really? No. What will make someone's day is spending time with them, asking them (and meaning it), "How are you doing?". We all feel the pressure and the RUSH of the season. I say, slow down...savor TIME with your family and friends. Plan EVENTS (not big ones)-going out to dinner with your 'girls', making cookies with your kids, making cookies BY yourself (I did that yesterday and will again today and it's FUN), drive around in the evening, family packed into the car (even if your family, like mine, is a puppy, husband/wife and you), it's FREE and it's FUN to see all the lights.

As I looked upon my class yesterday, I saw many people struggling-not struggling with class, but internal struggle and I tried to motivate but be understanding. I will try harder today.

And, if you're struggling, know you are not alone. Comment here, come to class, but get those feelings out. It does NOT make you weak, it actually helps you be strong; because, when you share your feelings, it helps others and that's a wonderful thing.

It IS a wonderful life, one I hope I'm in for MANY decades to come but I'm not sure I'll ever really be my happiest during this season. I'm going to keep trying, I know THAT!