Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Say it! Do it!

It's been almost two weeks since I posted. Honestly, I just haven't wanted to write. Don't take it personally.....it's just been a challenging time. Of course, there have been all the Christmas duties: shopping, wrapping, decorating. And we've had some upsets along the way, personally and as a nation.

On the personal side, we lost a wonderful couple in our family; the wife passed unexpectedly in early Fall, her soul mate last week. Our consolation is that they are together again. Their passing has hit the family hard, but we will hang together and help each other through it.

And, of course, the tragedy in Connecticut has affected the country as a whole. I don't know what the answers are, but I don't think we should take rash action. Situations such as these are complicated; there is no one, single solution. My part will be to pray for all involved, including Adam Lanza. 

Then there's the looming apocalypse. Two more days! Are you ready? Like Y2K, I'm doubtful that anything will happen, but we will be prepared, nonetheless. There does seem to be an energy in the air....unsettled, but anticipatory. 

So, given all of the ups and downs, the comings and goings, my plan for the holiday is to simply enjoy it. If nothing else, the cliche "Life is short" comes to mind. And, at the ripe old age of 55, life gets shorter all the time! I won't live in fear of some impending loss or catastrophe, but I do want to spend time with those I love and hold them close. 

Cliche or not, life is short, and you don't know what's coming around the bend. Don't put off those words of love, or that apology. Don't wait until "next week" to make that call or visit. Live your life today, in this moment, and enjoy it completely. Don't hold back! Don't scrimp with your time, talent or treasure! Share your heart and your love -- not just with those you love, but with everyone. It's the best gift you can give -- to them, and to yourself.

Have you been derailed this holiday season? If so, are you back on track?

Have you been there?

6 comments:

  1. I never got ON the rail this season! Don't know what's up with me. And then, the awful events in Connecticut just did me in.



    I don't feel anything in the air when it comes to 12/21. I think maybe Southern Californians are more worried about a big earthquake on a daily basis, and are jaded when it comes to supposed catastrophic events when a real one could occur at any moment. Or maybe that's just me. :D I have determined that if ANYONE says "It's the end of the world on such-and-such date," it most likely WILL NOT happen on that date, and I plan all kinds of fun stuff. Ha!

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  2. You are so right, all the recent events put life and the holidays into perspective. When you think about it that way, the only possible thing to do is simply be and enjoy your friends and family.


    Normally, I put the Pro in holiday procrastination. This year is even worse - I blame it on the Mayans. But I'm sure, like always, I'll be jogging through Target on Sunday.

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  3. I am totally there with you, Claire. I did put the Christmas tree up this year, which is a step further than I went last year (there were no kids at the house for the holidays last year, so I simply didn't bother), but derail? Yes.

    Personally, I looked forward to 12/21. I have gotten more than just a little spiritual over the past six or so months, and have started to look at things a lot differently. I didn't fear the end of the world (I think I agree with a friend of mine who told me that the guy they had carving the Mayan calendar didn't have backup or an understudy and when he got to 12/21/12, he just threw up his hands and said, "Screw this. I'm DONE!"), but more looked forward to a change. (Is 12/31 and I'm still waiting, LOL!)

    A friend's parents passed away within a week of each other - on on 12/20 and the other on 12/25 - which was kind of a blessing in disguise as they'd been happily married for sixty years. To each other, even. I feel like they must be together, even now. :)


    Had some family things go down in December, and am really just ready for that to all be behind us. So no, I didn't get back on track, and I'm not used to that.

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  4. Well, the world didn't end, so 2013, here we come!

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  5. It was bad for me too -- but really easy to put away after the holidays! lol Thanks for stopping by!

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  6. I'm sorry about your friends, but I agree that it's a blessing in disguise. Some people just can't be apart for long. How sweet!

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Yes! I've been there, Claire!