LOVING YOUR WAY THROUGH THE HOLIDAYS
by Sarah Piehl
“Where there is great love there are always miracles.” – Willa Cather
We’re in it now. The holiday season is rapidly upon us and with it the joy—and stress—of layers of emotions bombarding our senses. For some this is the “happiest time of the year” and for others it can be—“If I could snap my fingers and make it January right now I would.” We’re filled with the counter-point of feelings—excitement and worry, delight and regret, the goodness of the gathering of the clans and the not-so-goodness of it all.
But here’s the thing. You don’t have to get lost in the crush of the holiday demands. Because the true treasure is here already. Without sounding corny, this is what it is: the miracle of love. Love for yourself and letting yourself be human and needing some well-deserved time-out and even the courage to say “no” to whatever doesn’t feel right especially now.
The big “yes” is to the power of love. Loving your soon-to-be spouse. Loving your best friend or life partner who’s always been there for you. Loving your children and grandchildren. Loving the preciousness of your pets who have loved you through the best and worst of times no matter what. Loving your health and your loved one’s health. Loving the wonder and beauty of Mother Nature. Loving your most amazing relative who could use an “I-love-you” reminder. Loving that moment you’ve be waiting for forever—that “Will you marry me?” and loving your blessed wedding day and all the anniversaries thereafter.
When you step back and calm yourself from being carried away into the swirl of holiday expectations, the wonder of love is able to shine through. It’s just the beauty and miracle of being grateful for loving and being loved. Happy Holiday, everyone! Don’t you just love it?
Cara Wilson-Granat & Sarah Piehl
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