Katherine's Blog

Christmas Past

When my daughter was almost two we spent Christmas with my brother-in-law and his family. It was wonderful to be with family for Christmas but the highlight was Jen's reaction to receiving gifts. She opened her first gift and immediately started to play with it. Soon, it was her turn to open another gift. And that's when the theme started.

My two-year old daughter started asking, "Why you buy me this?" I understood her logic. After all, she already had a gift. Why, indeed, would we buy another gift? After all, she could only play with one toy at a time. With each subsequent gift she asked, "Why you buy me this?" in a puzzled tone of voice.

It didn't last long. The very next Christmas we heard, "Is that it??"

Wouldn't it be nice if we all could simply appreciate a single, precious gift as enough. Because it really is. The older I get, the more I understand that "things" don't make me happy. Spending quality time with friends and family bring me joy. Helping a client resolve an issue brings me satisfaction. What more could I ask for?

I started keeping a gratitude journal... again. I think it's a great way to end the year and usher in a new year. I could say that I'm fully committed to making the journal a permanent daily practice. But I won't because life will get in the way. But I do know that I'll return to the practice over and over and that I'll benefit each time.

That's my new year's resolution... to be grateful for what I do have. Today I'm grateful that I drove to an event last night in rush hour traffic, after dark and felt completely confident. It's a wonderful feeling after three months of feeling disoriented by my new surroundings.

I am also grateful to be spending Christmas with my grown daughter and grand children. Life is good.

What about you? What choices will you make for the new year? Will you keep a gratitude journal? Or return to meditation or self hypnosis? Maybe yoga has been calling you. Are you thinking about spending more time in nature? Whatever you do, find something that nurtures you and continue to do it until life interrupts you. You can always return to it.

Many blessings to you.
Posted on: 2011-12-18 17:11:56. Comments