I am so very proud of myself for writing 22 blog posts thus far.  I really didn’t think I was capable of accomplishing such a task.  Lesson learned if you put your mind to do something and take action, magic happens.

I have been thinking that I would like to further develop this blog and continue to write in 2018.  As Dr. Seuss says “Oh, the places you will go!”  I have a hunger for learning and developing a part of me that I feel that I can share with everyone. I am so excited for the magic that 2018 holds for my writing and personal growth.

Can’t Wait!

Many Christmas Blessings,

Lisa

Christmas Break for my kids is here.  They are so excited to start the celebrations and their excitement is so contagious.  Their smiles say it all.  We are done and we can’t wait to get home.

       For me, it is a time to slow down the pace even more and to rest and to rejuvenate themselves.  A time for them to reflect on the year and what they would like to accomplish next year.  Yes, I am that mom that talks to them about this.  This year I am planning on taking each daughter individually to a coffee shop and help them identify their intentions for the upcoming year.  I am so grateful that they are open to receiving this guidance from me and I hope that it allows them the opportunity at an early age to develop nurturing habits for themselves.

        I also love the slow methodical approach of contemplating what 2017 held for me and only looking forward to how life will further unfold in 2018.

Many Christmas Blessings,

Lisa

It’s almost here! I am still hoping and praying for snow.  And…..the weather newscast says we may actually have a snowy Christmas  For me, it makes me so happy to see the fresh blanket of snow on Christmas morning.  Again, I am from the Midwest and I love snow.  I love how it looks and feels and smells.  I don’t mind the work related to it either, the shoveling or the driving.

So for all the work and time spent on making this holiday a joyful one, just as quickly as the holidays came upon us it will quickly leave.  I am looking forward to the laughter, the smiles and just the reiteration of spending a wonderful time of year with those that I love most.

Many Christmas Blessings,

Lisa

Gift giving can be challenging for some.  For myself,  I really enjoy finding just the right gift for each person.  A gift that says I thought of you and all that you are as a person.  It does not have to be based on the size of the gift or even the monetary value of the gift.  I hope that each gift will bring happiness and love to that person and that the gift enhances their life just a little bit.  Sometimes I am successful and sometimes I may have missed the mark, but the intention is still there.

Here’s to gift giving for the person that you are!

Many Christmas Blessings,

Lisa

I have such compassion for people who have difficulty celebrating the holidays.  I know there have been times where I was not in a celebratory mood especially when I experienced the loss of a loved one.   But,  I know just as there are seasons in nature our lives also have seasons.  For me this Christmas season has been one filled with joy and gratefulness.

I hold a special place for those this season that are experiencing sadness, unease and discomfort, may they find some understanding that this is a season and this too shall pass and they will find joy and gratefulness in another Christmas.

Many Christmas Blessings,

Lisa

The red bird sighting. While on a trail walk I sighted a red bird aka a cardinal. It was so beautiful and peaceful. Again another moment of simple joy for me to experience.

I read somewhere that when you see a cardinal it is good luck for fortune and health or a message from someone who has since passed. Whatever it means it was beautiful and touched my heart. Another Christmas blessing for certain.

Many Christmas Blessings,

Lisa

Do you have any Christmas Traditions that are a must! Growing up in a Polish home we celebrated Christmas Eve also known as Wigilia (Vee-gee-leah). Wigilia included a meatless dinner with traditional dishes and sharing of bread or polish wafers called oplatek where we wish everyone a blessed Christmas and good fortune in the new year. Dinner would usually begin at the sighting of the first star around 5pm and an additional place setting would be set for an unexpected visitor, a sign of hospitality and welcome. My mom was from Poland and she cherished Christmas and tried to make Wigilia as special as she possibly could.

My own family still celebrates Wigilia with a few new traditions. Which makes Christmas that more special because we have infused our own touch to the base of this tradition. We have not forgotten our family, their history and traditions, but we forge ahead with new traditions, celebrations and joy.

Many Christmas Blessings,

Lisa

This Christmas season, I am pondering what Christmas truly means for me. I have taken a step back and looked at how Christmas is celebrated now and the traditions that I have grown up with. It can also be challenging to see the endless commercials of “must haves” this Christmas including the brand new luxury vehicle in the driveway. Do people feel lured by the marketing techniques of the companies trying to sell the products.

I have intentionally turned the tv off more so then usual because that is not what Christmas is for me. But, what is Christmas for you? Is it a tradition of hot cocoa and playing a board game. Or a cookie exchange with family and friends or is it a setting aside time to attend a Christmas concert or play.

At this stage of my life I prefer simplicity to extravagance. It feels so right and I am grateful that I can acknowledge that and live in a simple way.

Many Christmas Blessings,

Lisa

Moments. I have learned and now look for simple moments that bring me joy. I try to capture them in a journal or photo. Do others do this? I hope so. I find that these moments carry me throughout my day.

It’s not the big things that I need to fulfill me. Maybe my younger self needed them, but now I am so grateful that I no longer need them.

The other morning when I was dropping off my older daughter, Grace, at school, she said to me “Have a great day!” She had a huge smile on her face when she said it. It was just that moment that touched my heart and carried me through the entire day with joy and happiness. Later that day, I thanked her and acknowledged how that made me feel. It was such a simple gesture and in the hustle and bustle of the morning, goodbyes sometimes can be rushed. But, we had time for the exchange and I am so grateful for it.

Many Christmas Blessings,

Lisa