It's Christmas...Breathe

I was pondering what to blog on this very special week, wondering during the hustle and bustle what message I wanted to share this Christmas.  As I was beeped at waiting in a line of cars being driven by people feeling the same rush of holiday madness turning into the crowded parking lot of Barnes and Noble, I was reminded of the 2009 Christmas letter I wrote recently which was sent out to our close friends and family members.  The following is the message I shared with so many, and now all of you as well:

 

It’s that time of year, the time of year we rush around to buy presents, get everything wrapped, packed, shipped and whatever else we feel we have to do by some unreasonable deadline we have set for ourselves.  As I take a moment to sit down to write, I take a deep breath, something I’m into these days, and I thank the universe for what she gives me each and every day, my husband, my son, my family and friends, and the endless love and support I receive should I choose to recognize it.  I have learned that sometimes the universe has a funny way, not necessarily ha-ha, of showing me when I need to slow down and quite literally smell the roses.  When I listen she tells me when a change is in order and creates circumstances in which for me to learn and grow, gently nudging me to make a new path for myself, to emerge as the being I have always wanted to be, heart open, no strings.

 

Sometimes this does not feel so easy.  It is not always easy to get up in the morning and face challenges day in and day out and sometimes I really just want to hide behind my email, hoping no one will notice my fear, my imperfection.  I go on like this for a while and then my husband Troy comes in and tells me how beautiful I am and how much he loves me.  Or my son Liam will come and give me a kiss, and if I’m lucky anymore, sit on my lap for a while. 

 

You see it doesn’t really matter what happened this year.  What matters most are the moments we sit back, take a deep breath and allow our hearts to feel the love of our family and friends.  There were many ups and downs in 2009 leaving many of us short of breath, uncertain about the future.  So remind yourself in the New Year, just breathe.  Everything else can wait.

 

Merry Christmas!

 

With Love,

 

Donna and Family