Release

Some people are named after the gifts they give to others. Faith, for instance gave me the boost I was looking for to march forward into the holiday with the right mind's eye view. Thank you again, Faith... your words this morning were like a fresh rain, instant rejuvenation.

Make sure to go and Read Faith's (Jink's) blog entitled "Christmas 365". You'll enjoy it, I sure did.

I'm not going to lie. I have been in a horrible "Bah-Humbug" mindset this season... I haven't sent out any Christmas cards, I didn't decorate. And on thinking of what to write earlier today, I was going to complain about the dreary fog this morning, or how sucky this city is because I can never get snow, but I read that and she included the simplest quote from Helen Keller, and it made me really snap into reality of all of the things that are truly good in my life, things that I would be a fool to take for granted.

What's that, List them?? I sure will try to list a few...
Parents are still with me this Christmas season (so far and Cross my fingers), I have a lot of wonderful friends and acquaintances and a job that I enjoy most days... I can't see snow this Christmas because of course the Memphis temps are unseasonably warm, but at least I can see when others cannot... Those who cannot see have more gifts than you'll ever know, and also give us gifts of their blessed attitudes and outlook on life. I have the gift of Music and art, and creativity, I have a drivers license and the ability to drive to and from work every day, I have a roof over my head and (way too much) food for my hunger. I have pets, and have always had animals growing up, and know the joy of companionship both human and animal. I am enjoying decent health (hoping that it stays well and only gets better). Many other things honestly that we do and see every day that we could stop and appreciate... too long a list.

We can name our daily irritations and we can rant in this blog because, honestly, the list of things to bitch about is that short, right?? I know it doesn't seem like it but just look around, look inside your heart and say so... you don't have THAT much bringing you down... not really... and if you do, it is up to you to move the rocks and change your own life into what you want it to be... never too late, and nothing you can't do if you set your mind to it.

There is always something to uplift our day, or make us smile... and most times that can be as simple as putting aside our human nature and giving another person your smile, or a helping hand. Doing something selfless, thinking of someone other than yourself... On that note, Christmas can be 365 days a year... it only takes one moment... Thanks again "FAITH" for reminding me of that.

I feel like I've been so selfish looking for my own gift of elation this season, and all the while Helen Keller only wanted to teach us true sight...

May each and every one of you have a joyful season filled with love, smiles, family, friends, just enough to eat, and real true gifts... you know the ones. ;)

Happy Holidays,
AJ