On the weekend, I wandered down the street to participate in "Christmas in the Village' where I live. We don't have any snow yet (unusual for this part of Canada in December) but there was lots of Christmas ‘spirit' in the air. Father Christmas was wandering around, there were horse and buggy rides for the children, hot chocolate, music in the air and then, the magical moment – the lighting of the Christmas tree. People began to gather – this was my first experience for this Village event!
There was a large group of small children, along with their teachers, who were gathering by the tree to begin singing their Christmas carols. You know what it's like when you are around small children at Christmas – lots of energy – lots of running around – lots of parents with eagle eyes!
As an observer, it was interesting to me to just watch people. Some of the parents could hardly get close enough to make sure they were getting good pictures (or video clips) of the action. Other parents left me feeling sad as they were jerking their children by the arms, saying ‘not very kind' things to them as the kids were rather rambunctious but, really, they were just ‘being children'. I don't believe they intended to say hurtful things, or make comments that were blatantly demeaning and unkind. It was obvious they were tired, somewhat frustrated and taking it out on the children.
Hmmmmmmm, what's life like for YOU these days? December can be a very busy month – remember, it IS all about choice – and YOU are the one making the choices. How full is your calendar? Why? How much fun are you having?
What would it be like if we, as adults, went back into the mental state of remembering ‘the reason for the season'? What would December be like if we focused solely on the people, rather than the things and the activities?
Many of us have bought into the commercialism of the season and BELIEVE that we need to buy, and do, and be, and run……….at what cost?
"The secret of genius is to carry the spirit of the child into old age, which means never losing your enthusiasm." – Aldous Huxley
I believe that we have developed some habits that do not serve us well. Habits are neither good nor bad – the real question is whether or not the habits are leading you to the goals and outcomes that you want. I just watch people ‘in action' – that enables me to know what they are thinking. Our thoughts are representative of our beliefs. So, what are you thinking about this month?
When I was on my trip around the world, we were in Prague and Iceland in early December. It was fun to see, and experience, the different traditions for Christmas. Check out this Santa window display in Prague (and that whole display is made up of Lego's! Pretty cool!). There was laughter in the air and music all around. I love that! It felt like people were going at a slower pace, however, and there was much joy in the eyes of the children and their families.
And in Iceland, one of the yummy buffets we enjoyed! I believe we can always learn from each other, no matter where we live in the world. (If you would like to join me on the next world tour, call my friend, Ben, President of Travel Guild: 1.800.268.4284 for information.)
You see, we really are more alike than different!
If you are already thinking about the year 2010, and what lies ahead for you (more of the same?), perhaps you could use some guidance. Typically, we did not learn about goal-setting and vision boards in school. I sure didn't! So, I created a system – the "10 Steps2Happiness Home Study System" – I wrote it because it was the system that I needed – full of theory, templates, action plans, samples, etc. on how to create the life I really wanted to live. I created it because I want to help you – and I'm here for you, every step of the way.
Steps2Happiness Assignment- Re-visit your calendar for the next 2 weeks (Christmas Eve is only 2 weeks away!). Is there anything you want to remove, to ease some of your stress? It's ok to do that.
- Have you made time to visit a senior/elder who could use some company for a cup of tea and conversation?
- Rather than a gift, tell someone, eye to eye, that you love them! (Growing up, in my family, that didn't happen. It was a learned behavior for me, as an adult.) Why don't you begin that tradition/habit today? It can mean so much more than a wrapped gift. Fill your emotional bank account!
- Be gentle on yourself. Get some sleep, eat properly and exercise at least a little bit each day.
