November and December – holiday season – “the most wonderful time of the year”, this 2016 season has tested me. My jolly factor is not as high this year in part because two treasured family members, my uncle and my cousin, recently passed away. I am helping a sweet client learn to live without her much-loved pet. The family of my childhood, God bless the dysfunction, is strewn and strung across the country.
Still, the sun comes up and shines light on my face and, this year, the loves of my life are always within hugging range. I have a full belly, a strong body, a warm home and work that fills my heart with gratitude.
Reasons to live, laugh and love are all around us. Angels rest on our shoulders and they whisper in our ears if only we will take the time to be quiet and just listen.
- Sing: out loud, in your car, in the shower, in a group, to a baby, or to an elderly person.
- Love: choose love, every day, every moment. Instead of leading with anger, lead with love. Expand your capacity for compassion. Fill in the blanks about why the driver behind you at the stoplight is blasting his horn and shaking his fist. Maybe, just maybe, he is on his way to see his sick child in the hospital for the 3rd time today.
- Smile: at your partner when you walk through the door at the end of a busy day, at a stranger, at a child, at the cashier as she hands you your receipt, and tell her to have a good day.
- Laugh: with your family at the silliness of your dog or cat. Choose the comedy instead of the drama.
- Breathe: “spend some time each day consciously breathing slowly and rhythmically, and bringing air … Doing this drives more oxygen into the body which cleansing the blood, and in turn …. When we breathe shallowly, the body does not receive as much oxygen as it needs and … Remember if you ever feel anxious to breathe deeply.”
- Balance: oh this is is a good one for all us workaholics – consciously weave playtime, reading time, exercise, and sleep into our work lives.
“In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: it goes on.” – Robert Frost
