End 2022 with Love
I had intended to publish the latest 60 Second Solution Newsletter last week, but the week got away from me. I was feeling disappointed in myself as I missed my deadline and commitment to the schedule. Here it is Tuesday of the following week and still nothing published… then I realized that it’s all good. Chill out Jeannie, give yourself a break!
So, let’s talk holiday “have to” vs “want to” and how love plays a huge part in my living in the moment these days. I have cringed for decades when I hear someone say, “I have to buy a Christmas present for ______!” We should not feel obligated to do anything we don’t want to and if you do, plan to ask ourselves why?
The holidays are not about the “have to’s” but the “want to’s” and even better, the “get to’s”. I have always said, life if short but the last few years have smashed that saying in my face like a box of rotten tomatoes. My reality has been filled with losing one loved one after another, attending more memorial services then I have my entire life. It has been a time for me like no other. Emotionally and mentally challenging, so much so that I learned what it is like to feel depressed, feel deep sadness, and feel a huge sense of loneliness. Grief is a royal #&$%@ that rears her ugly head when we least expect it. Through all the grief therapy and group sessions I could sign myself up for, I have learned that life goes on and that our moments together are what matters most. Live your best life today as tomorrow is not promised to anyone.
A week and a half ago I drove from San Diego to Bakersfield. What should have been a three-and-a-half-hour drive one way ended up a fourteen hour round trip day, so exactly doubled. There was one thirty-eight-mile section of the trip that took three hours due to an unfortunate accident. I was with my son and his friend who were bored out of their minds, and I was equally tired of being behind the wheel. I decided to roll down all the windows, open the sunroof, turn up the volume on the Christmas songs, and sing as loud as I could. The boys, pre-teens, were mortified out of embarrassment but that made it even more fun for me as they slide down in the seats and now it appeared I was alone in the vehicle. At first the other cars, parked on the highway, appeared to be thinking, “what the…?!?” but then started to roll down their windows and smile ear to ear.
Focusing on living in the moment, making the best of it, and having FUN has been how I get through each day.
I also share my love with those I care about most.
One moment of one day at a time is all I need to worry about. This calendar year, I have found myself wondering what the purpose of life is and all that we do day in and day out. I may not have an answer yet, but I do know that when I share myself, my knowledge, experiences, and my life with others, I feel a sparkle and see them shine just a bit brighter. As many in the world are surprised by more and more people taking their own life when their life looked so good to the outside world, I encourage you to check on your loved ones, even those that appear to be so strong and put together, we are the ones who may be suffering the most.
Be kind to yourself and others.
Show grace to yourself and others.
Slow down and be patient with yourself and others.
Love yourself and others.
We find that for which we open our hearts to receiving.
The road trip I mentioned above was to meet the two cute doggies pictured. You see, we lost our beloved Boxer early November, after the series of human losses I’ve mentioned, which left my son joining me somewhat depressed, sad, and lonely. He didn’t want to do Christmas, after skipping right over Halloween. I finally got an answer to my daily question, “Is there anything special you are hoping to receive for Christmas? He asked if he and I could visit a dog adoption place. After agreeing that our house was not a home without the love and energy of a dog, we ended up falling in love with these two on-line and even more in person. Yes two, one for each of us. These little ladies, Lucille "Lucy" and Lillian “Lilly” had it rough, ended up in Animal Control, nursed back to health by fosters, and are now living a safe life of love and security with us.
As we close this year, I hope you all get to have wonderful days filled with love and that you get to share your love and time with those your care about most, including yourself. Love is what matters!
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