Holidays can bring out beauty, magic, emotion, stress…
How are we feeling as December 2016 gets underway?
Are we feeling excited?
Stressed?
Overwhelmed?
Grateful?
Are we feeling a mix of emotions?
I understand.
We certainly can swim through a wide variety of feelings this time of year.
On top of all that we typically have going on in, Thanksgiving gives way to December holidays that add wonder and light to our lives, along with other possibilities…that emotions will rise over relationships, finances, travel or entertaining, as health journeys affect us, too.
Our lives have a plethora of moving parts, don’t they?
How do we cope?
Well, and sometimes not so well.
The best ways we can, right?
And perhaps better as the years flow along, with lessons about relationships, boundaries and our needs for rest added in for good measure.
As a young mother who is newly Christian, saddled with lifelong perfection, the holidays add stress.
Somehow, I breathe into whispers of Christmastime glory between crazily busy days – cajoling our sons to smile for the card photo, school performances, shopping, wrapping and mailing for Santa.
These days, so much is different in my world within and without.
I’ve healed beyond layers of perfection, allowing life to flow with more ease, and I’ve learned to live without adrenalin, to do less in a day.
Our sons have grown into young men living overseas into wonderful lives.
I’ve been divorced for nine years, and this fall into winter, I’m in a new relationship with a dear man.
Me –
Smiling more.
Breathing more deeply.
Laughing more easily.
And taking more chances….like the one yesterday.
Past a hitch of internal hesitation, I go for it…placing my face in the squirrel for fun on Main Street.
Thank you White Squirrel Shop, Brevard, North Carolina.
And thank you, life beyond perfectionism into freedom this December, moment by moment, enjoying what arises.
May we discover breathing space amid options that tug on our time and attention.
May we live into moments of joy, fun and laughter as much as we can.
May we find delight in small blessings. Light within darkness. Grace amid trial.
Do you sometimes feel bogged down with life?
Could you use a reminder that your deepest longing is to heal into the soulful person you are created to be?
Would you like to evolve into a version of yourself filled with peace and joy?
You’ve Absolutely come to the RIGHT PLACE. Joy on Your Shoulders ™ inspires joy through a humbling, joy-filled presence and offerings! May the words, images, and products here guide you to connect within and without, so you overflow with joy to pass along.
Life is short...belonging to our unique lives deeply matters.
