As I sit here at my desk rejoicing in the fact that it’s sunny out, my family is safe and healthy and my husband has the holiday off, it makes me take stock of what I have. How great life is and how fortunate I am to live in a country that allows me to take all that in and celebrate it.
Sunshine on my shoulder and on this bird makes me and him happy. During the holidays or anytime, really. Beach, waves, sunshine. Good gifts.
As we all move forward into a New Year with both anticipation and trepidation, I hope that we’ll take this giving and kindness spirit along with us. I don’t get political on my blog, but I often get nostalgic, sentimental and philosophical because, well that’s just how I roll. Instead of hiding that fact as I have in the past, feeling sensitive or different or strange or thinking I must be the only person who feels things the way I feel them, I take comfort in the fact that, a) That’s absolutely not true; and, b) I have blessedly and finally reached a point in my life where I have to be true to who I am. As the saying goes, those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.
My husband said to me a couple of months ago when I was beginning to feel the holiday anxiety/blues/sadness stuff I’ve felt for the past few years: “You’ve always been a middle-of-the-road kind of person. You nearly always look at the bright side, but not overly so. But, you never were the half-empty kind of person that you seem to think you are now. You’re not, you’re still you, the woman I love, the woman I fell in love with and the holidays will get better. It will. I promise.”
One year when pigs were flying, it snowed here and I made a snow woman. A snow mermaid kind of woman. In the snow.
He’s said this in some form or fashion every year. His wisdom, compassion and patience has allowed me to feel what I needed to. This year, I’m turning a corner and my glass is half full far more than it’s empty. I’m very grateful I have a glass.
This time of year we all look back on what we’ve done or not done. What we hope to achieve in the coming year. I am excited about 2017 for no other reason than I feel hopeful that I can now temper any anxiety or sadness with wisdom, compassion and patience.
The way in which we learn things is to first take care of ourselves, lovingly and with non-judgement. Only then, can we give that to others.
If we use wisdom gleaned from experience, be patient with someone who may be going through something we don’t understand and do so, with compassion, it’s powerful. It extends into the Universe and the ripple effect can be magnificent.
I wish all of that for anyone reading this. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and the very best wishes to you and yours—warmly, compassionately and with love.
Now, please give that to yourself or to someone—it’s the best gift there is.
Peace. Love. Light.
Pretty good gifts to give.
Brigitte's Banter 
So glad you’ve reached this point in your Life’s journey, Brigitte. As the poet said, “…the best is yet to be…”
Merry Christmas, dear friend! 😉 xoxoM
Posted by Margarita | December 23, 2016, 12:44 pmMargarita—Merry Christmas to you and your “sweet husband” and all of your world that make you, you. Thank you and here’s to a wonderful 2017! xxoo >
Posted by Brigitte | December 23, 2016, 1:42 pmWishing you a holiday filled with love and peace, Brigitte.
Posted by Sally | December 23, 2016, 7:21 pmSally! How are you?!!! So wonderful to see you here and I wish the same for you and yours my friend.
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Posted by Brigitte | December 23, 2016, 7:38 pmAll is well in my world, Brigitte, and I’m so happy that you’re finding light in this holiday season.
Posted by Sally | December 24, 2016, 1:12 amAh, that’s great to hear and thank you, Sally.
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Posted by Brigitte | December 24, 2016, 11:56 amYoure a good soul ( with a very wise and loving husband)
Merry Christmas and thanks for the pure goodness, Ms. B.
Posted by UpChuckingwords | December 23, 2016, 8:54 pmI could and will say the same of you my friend. Merry Christmas to you and yours and you’re most welcome. >
Posted by Brigitte | December 24, 2016, 11:56 amMerry Christmas Brigitte to you and yours. I sense the positive side of the middle. 🙂 … Keep smiling!
Posted by aFrankAngle | December 24, 2016, 10:11 amMerry Christmas Frank and you are right—but then, you’re a pretty astute guy, Frank. :).
You as well!
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Posted by Brigitte | December 24, 2016, 11:57 amCheers … a wine toast … clink!
Posted by aFrankAngle | December 24, 2016, 11:59 amCheers Frank!
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Posted by Brigitte | December 24, 2016, 1:26 pmI love what your husband said to you. He’s a wise man to be so insightful. Merry Christmas to you, Brigitte!
Posted by Carrie Rubin | December 24, 2016, 12:26 pmCarrie it’s so great to hear from you. I miss your posts. He’s a righteous dude. 😊. Merry Christmas to you and yours. Here’s to 2017!!! Thank you Carrie.
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Posted by Brigitte | December 24, 2016, 1:28 pm🙂
Posted by Carrie Rubin | December 24, 2016, 3:46 pmWise thoughts that remind me of one of my favorite quotes — be kind for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle. Cheers to 2017!
Posted by Kat at travelgardeneat | January 14, 2017, 2:49 pm