Things are broken. How will you get through the Holiday Season when things are as such? I am usually full of ideas, but here I will suggest one idea that is valued high above the rest.

When things are not ideal. When there is heartache, sickness, strained relationships, loneliness, financial stress, dreams crushed… How do one find joy, or at least get through a Holiday of Celebration like Christmas? I think it is possible and I will share my preferred way.

Personally I have sad memories surrounding Christmas. Things that would give anyone reason to get into a slump (sickness, death and inability to be with people I love). Presently life is also not ideal, but there is still so much to BE THANKFUL for! And that , I hold, to be the KEY – to achieve “success” through anything really, but especially important to focus on when things are not ideal.

Morning pages, evening reflections, journaling, keeping a diary, putting my thoughts down on paper, – whatever you want to call it – I have found that writing things down helps a lot! It helps give clarity and set intentions. Being INTENTIONAL is finding things in your life – on purpose -that brings gratitude, and write them down! Do this on a daily basis, and refer to them through the day if need be. Sign up for positivity quotes. ( I did that years ago when Covid was the big damper in society and I needed a way to crowd out negativity). Those quotes can be sent to your phone as many times as you see fit. During some of my worst days I had uplifting words sent my way every few hours! (There is an App for this).

Underlying – underneath it all – , I still hang on to the belief that there is a Creator, a God, that is Good, and loves me. My experiences tell me that he cares and is able, but my mind can not comprehend it all… Why are we allowed to inflict pain on ourselves and others? Why can’t I be stronger…braver…more loyal…loving…

Life has provided opportunities to break through my glass ceiling when it comes to my capacity to love. When I thought that my heart was absolutely full, – somehow I have managed to include yet another person in that love. Did not think it was possible. But it was. It happened. During my “down days” I would think of that as something unfortunate. Reason being; Love will at some point cause heartache! I did get angry, – angry at God – Why do I care so much!?! I did not ask for this!!! -It hurts.

As I was in this “dialogue” with my creator I had a thought; In the world where I live I don’t get judged for not liking people, keeping to myself, not initiating, disliking… But if I dare to Care – love (which i did NOT ask for!) – and somehow express that, – I get ridiculed…) – At that thought, my anger at God stopped. First, it dawned on me how His heart is aching. Aching over the ones He loves who do not love him back and maybe even hurt themselves by their choices…I was experiencing that kind of ache, and surely I will rather ache from loving “too much” than from hating.

Wouldn’t you?