Before my injury, I had shared with some friends and family that my wish for this Christmas was to simply enjoy experiences together. Little did I know – when I put those words out into the universe – how the universe would interpret my humble wish, and respond with such an abundance. This Christmas was likely my most stressfree and relaxed in recent memory. The normal pressures were lifted and the ‘People Pleaser’ part of me was put in a time-out.
As we toast 2019 and reflect on the 365 days gone by, our feelings about this past year will be as varied as we are. Reflecting on the year that is now in my rearview, will ultimately help recalibrate my movements for the year in front of me. Even though none of us know for certain what 2020 has in store for us, we can still choose to facilitate its shaping with purpose and intention.
It was a beautiful day – blue sky, no wind, and the right amount of chill in the air. Freshly fallen snow had a thin layer of ice, and with every step, I carefully punched through the top layer to the safety of the ground below. I walked with careful precision over tree stumps, bog, and a tangled mess of brush. Every step was thoughtfully positioned to avoid any mishap. I’m always extra careful on terrain like this.
Nod your head if you’ve caught yourself thinking – I can’t believe I said that – I can’t believe I did that – I wish I can take it back – That’s not who I am now. If you have, consider it a gift. It means your heart has grown.
A good book will take me on a Journey. A Journey brimming with opportunities to discover new places, new people, new ways of being. I lose (and find) myself there – time and again. A good book will take me away – to another time. I will find myself there too. Reading is a gift to my soul. I lose myself in the pages, just for a little while.
When is the last time you have driven a car, and another driver’s actions upset you? Maybe someone cut you off. Or someone blocked the passing lane by driving less than the posted speed limit. Did you lay on the horn? Shout a tangled mess of profanity? Give them the ultimate stare down? At that moment, you’ve given a stranger the power. The power to steal your Joy.