Be where you are. It is a challenge to be present when life gets busy. In our fast-paced world, we are constantly bombarded with distractions that scarcely limit our capacity to be present, which can be even more difficult during the holiday season. Do you notice your blood pressure rising as you wait your turn in the long holiday check-out line? Are you finding your patience evaporating as the traffic backs up and the car in front of you cuts you off? If you can answer yes, you are not alone. Most of us struggle with finding peace this time of year, a time we want to feel it the most. Often we find our “To Do Lists" expanding at a rate that makes our heads spin…. we have meals to plan, cook
Ah, Fall. Pumpkin spice lattes. Changing leaves. Crisp November mornings. Pumpkin spice lattes. Warm mulled apple cider. Black Friday sales on Halloween. Did I mention pumpkin spice lattes? Seriously, most of us enjoy this time of year, for various reasons. The changing season might be one of the few changes we actively look forward to and participate in. And November in particular brings with it reminders to be thankful for what we have. For some, though, Fall isn’t such a great time. Maybe we’re in the Fall of our lives, and the leaves falling from the trees reminds us unpleasantly of our own mortality or of loved ones gone. Maybe this year we’re having trouble with gratitude because life
Nearly 39 years ago my husband Pete and I together took a bold step – a big chance – in marrying each other. At the time, I remember loving him, but being really unsure about what I was doing. Sure, he was funny and smart, he loved me and showed me that, he was wonderful in every way. But tie myself to someone for life? That seemed risky, but exciting. I loved and trusted him, so I did it anyway. To say I’ve never regretted it might be too strong, but I don’t remember ever regretting that decision. There were times when it didn’t seem as brilliant a move as it had in the beginning. I’m sure there were many more of these for him, since I’m pretty sure I’m still the only-child brat that I was
