Spirit of the Season

"At any moment, you have a choice, that either leads you closer to your spirit or further away from it." ~Thich Nhat Hanh~

Good evening dear ones. What does the spirit of the season mean to you? Do you remember what it was like as a child? I remember helping put up the tree, and adding favorite ornaments, strings of colored lights, and tinsel while Christmas music played in the background. I remember helping bake cutout cookies and while my mom put on the frosting, I would wait eagerly with the sprinkles to decorate. Once in a while she would break one (Sometimes on purpose) and we would split it. I remember riding around looking at all the lights and decorations people put up around their houses and feeling a sense of wonder at them all. Finally, I remember the anticipation of the day I could open presents, hoping I got what I asked for and when the big day finally came I got to go through my stocking while I waited for my mom to get up. One year I asked for ranch dressing and croutons... and well I got what I asked for and the picture my mom got of me was of pure joy and laughter. Another year that stands out is the one my mom found all the Spenser novels (By Robert B. Parker) that were out at the time. It has always been one of the most memorable gifts and I still have the books and enjoy reading them from time to time. My mom has given me many gifts over the years, but there are a few that I will cherish above all others. She has given me a sense of self by letting me find my own way in the world, she has given me encouragement when I have felt like I wasn't good enough, she has given me her time even when she didn't have much of it, and she has given me a never-ending supply of love.

I think most have lost that sense of spirit that comes with this time of the year. I know I did for a long time and getting it back has been a long and difficult road. The spirit has nothing to do with a tree, presents, or anything material, it is the giving of one's self to those we love. To me, the spirit of this season is for giving of your love, your kindness, and most of all your time. We don't know how long we have on this Earth and to spend what precious little time we have worried about getting the most expensive things is a waste. I truly believe it is the little things that have the most meaning and it is those things that will be remembered.

My loves if you have the spirit of the season within you, hold on to it and never let it go. I lost it many years ago and it has taken years to get back a little of what I used to have. For those who have also lost it, I hope you find your way back to it and hold on for dear life. Too often we forget what life is all about and we turn to outside influence to fill a spiritual void. Hug your loved ones tight if they will let you and savor every moment you have with them. Give of yourself but do so without sacrificing all that you are. Shine on beautiful souls... Shine on. Be Kind, Be Peace, and Be Love. Please remember that yesterday is past and tomorrow is never promised. Live and love for today. -Live-Laugh-Love- Namaste