The holidays, any holiday, but there are holidays, and then there is a holiday season. The holiday season is what I’m addressing. It’s that time of year, when applying behavior modification has to be very strong. By that I mean, think only of what I am grateful for, and not my voids. Controlling your thoughts may be one of the most difficult emotional tasks. It can be done, but requires work and energy. A favorite quote of mine is from the teachings of Nichiren Daishonin… “One should become the master of one’s mind rather than let one’s mind master him.” The words certainly seem easy enough, putting them into action, not so easy..The investment of effort brings positive results. First I try not to go back into my other life when the holiday season was full of joy and excitement. Festivities galore, topping it all off with a very formal New Years Eve. The ultimate joy of being with someone I loved and who loved me back. My husband. I am not going into all the details, because then I will be stuck in a time warp. Dwelling and longing for the past is not healthy for me and I love this Russian Proverb. “Longing for the past is like chasing after the wind.” Memories are lovely, but the longing can become obsessive and that I what I am trying to avoid. A wonderful happy life affirming event will be happening soon in my life. A dear niece of mine and her husband are about to give birth to their first child within a week or two, a most joyous occasion. Christmas with my family will be lovely, and a fun grab bag dinner with two special friends, and if weather permits, a New Years early supper with a friend who is exactly on my spiritual level, and we have some very interesting conversations. So, my holidays will be about family and friends, and if I get down, poignant words are never far from my mind. A Wally Lamb quote. ” I cried because I had no shoes. Then I met a man who had no feet.” So one and all, I wish Happy Holidays and all good wishes for the New Year. Merry? Merry!!!! A wonderful new addition to the family and on Dec. 31 the new little girl will be one. She has brought such joy to her family. Happy 2015 and may the New Year be filled with many joys for all.
Merry?…..2013 and now 2014 Update….
December 17, 2013
mother nature is a man and other observations.. 
Comments on: "Merry?…..2013 and now 2014 Update…." (7)
A very happy New year to you and a big “thank you” for the gift of wisdom you share with us throughout the year. Be well dear friend.
Thank you dear friend for your comment and lovely support. I am so happy you are in my life and always look forward to seeing you and David when I visit Va. Be well as well…all good wishes for a wonderful New Year filled with joy to you and your family.
That was lovely , you write very well , wonderful command of the English language , what does come out in writing , you are well balanced person , level headed, ,you obviously been through a very difficult , but I think, coping very well , and finally highly intelligent
You words meant a great deal to me and I thank you most kindly. To be complimented on my writing in the way you did was especially gratifying to me. I used to volunteer in a psychiatric unit and my brother is a psychiatrist. I have always tried to deal with problems without a third party…but I do not judge, for what works for one may not work for another. I was involved in women’s issues for over 50 years, and when my husband died, I moved to NYC. I do have much to be grateful for. Again I thank you and hope you find other posts of interest to read.
I really enjoy your spin on life, situations, and everyday. Thank you for sharing. Diane
…..and thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment. I really appreciate so much. I write from my heart and actually write as I speak. Happy we met and connection is special to me. Paulette
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Another year, another time to remember, and another time to be forever grateful.