Tis the Season of Holidays.
This week we take down the Halloween decorations and spruce up with fall colors and symbols of the harvest in preparation for Thanksgiving. Already there are Christmas decorations, as
well as Christmas music, in many of the stores (not at the Higher Self
Bookstore)!
We take a moment, sometimes a very short moment, to honor
and contemplate the meaning of the season and the holiday. Too often it is short-lived and we are
distracted by the list of things to do that we’ve made for ourselves. Busy, busy, busy.
I find myself taking on the responsibility of making sure those
around me can be joyous, peaceful, comfortable and well fed, imaging I’m the
only one who can do it. I’m the only one
who knows that my holiday company can only feel these things I desire for them
if I deep clean, wash the glassware to a sparkle, plan the menu, shop for the
best deals so there’s money available for some special treats, and coordinate
my dates and times around everyone else so there is no stress and all can
come and experience the joy and comfort I have prepared for them.
Am I listening to myself?
How arrogant to think only I know what will make you happy! As I make myself crazy, you are sitting back
without a clue as to what has gotten into me! I’m
guessing I am not the only one who puts themselves in this position.
I know it is “I” who feels more comfortable if the glasses
sparkle. It is “I” who feels good being
able to give special gifts. I am the one
who enjoys cleaning and cooking for company.
Yep, it's all about me. Unless, of course, it isn't. Truth be said, when I remember that these things are not a “have to”,
that I actually do it for the joy of it, this hostess is not crazy and nicer to
be around.
I invite you to join me in doing it a little differently
this year. If doing a thing does not
bring you joy, consider dropping it from your list or finding someone else to
do it, someone who does find joy in it. Dig for the truth of it: the preparations and the gift giving, do I
really have to or do I want to.
Make those moments of honor and contemplation stretch out
longer, maybe do a little research to share with your holiday companions. Create an environment of joy and peace, from
the inside out. Being joy and peace
invites those around you to Be the same.
Breathe! Make it
fun! Give the gift of peace, joy, and
love – yours!
