Focusing on the Haves not the Have-nots at Christmas

Christmas... "Its the most wonderful time of the year."  Unless, of course, you get all "wrapped up" in all that is so wrong about the modern celebration of the Christmas season. As a child, I relished the smells and all the preparations for Christmas eve and Christmas day. Time spent making cookies and singing carols with my mother, yelling at my little brother, Milan, for eating the cookies by the fistfuls, putting out the Christmas decorations with my Dad who made the most amazing display of Santa and his sleigh out of a decal he ordered from Popular Mechanics and plywood. I was always so proud of how our house looked at Christmas and my dad, a United Airlines mechanic, who always made sure all the lights were in working order and safe for his family. My brother Chuck and I would be out shoveling all the driveways we could in order to make a few bucks so we could buy our parents something from Montgomery Ward or JCPenny. Mom loved everything we got for her even though she never wore the items or used all the kitchen gadgets we purchased. Dad loved the numerous shirts we would buy for him as long as it had "the union label" sewed on. Chuck and I were so proud of ourselves that we produced gifts for the family and every year we tried to out do ourselves from the previous.

Then there were the dinners....going to my Baba's house where it smelled of garlic and homemade wine. I hated that smell, then, but loved the routine. I loved her Chicago bungalow, the cramped kitchen and my mother, aunt and grandmother wearing their starched, ironed "fancy" aprons talking and cooking.

My mother, brother Chuck and Baba have all passed away and my Dad suffers from Alzheimer's and lives in the Veteran's home and most times he doesn't speak.  So I could focus on what and who I don't have this year for Christmas. I honestly can't remember all the toys or games or clothes I received..(with the exception of the fur muff and hat with the little balls on the ends that my Aunt Catherine got me from Gassman's..I hated it)..but I remember the joy and excitement of the people that made the season magical. The smells, the snow coming down on Chuck and I as we shoveled, the aluminum tree and the plywood Santa with the rotating color floodlight, the singing and my garlic-infused Baba.   I loved Christmas as a child and even now with all the have nots I have endured..I still love Christmas. I have my  eternal memories and with the upcoming celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ,  a renewed spirit and hope for a better life and world.

 Merry Christmas friends and may the blessings of the season give you peace and special memories to sustain you forever.

"Its the most happiest time of the year"---

Cathy

Reflecting on People and Places in Life

I have always been a HUGE fan of the Beatles and actually remember sitting almost on top of our 13 inch black and white television when they performed on the Ed Sullivan show. (I know, I look younger, but I was there).  I cried when they sang "I want to hold your hand" as I actually thought Paul was singing that to me.

I was always struck by the music, but it was the lyrics and depth that alot of their songs had. Today (after a friend text me about the death of another friend's father) I thought about the friends and family I have in my life and those I have lost. I am reminded that everyone that comes into our lives may only stay a short while but can imprint their footprints on our hearts forever. I so feel that way. Blessed to have so many people come into my life at various stages of my life and leave their impressions. And although a number have left this earth or my immediate circle, I know it was all God's blessings.

 So what does this have to do with the Beatles? Well, it reminded me of one of my favorite John Lennon songs that I wanted to listen to and share here with you.  Enjoy every moment, person and place in Your Life. It is God's gift!!  I dedicate the last lines of this song to my children and Sully.

JOHN LENNON
"In My Life"

(Lennon/McCartney)

There are places I'll remember
All my life though some have changed
Some forever not for better
Some have gone and some remain
All these places have their moments
With lovers and friends I still can recall
Some are dead and some are living
In my life I've loved them all

But of all these friends and lovers
There is no one compares with you
And these memories lose their meaning
When I think of love as something new
Though I know I'll never lose affection
For people and things that went before
I know I'll often stop and think about them
In my life I love you more

Though I know I'll never lose affection
For people and things that went before
I know I'll often stop and think about them
In my life I love you more
In my life I love you more

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zI0Q8ytD44Y

Living in the Present Moment

At a very dark time in my life, not so long ago, I came across Eckhart Tolle's audio book The Power of Now. Listening to his words helped me understand just how precious every "moment", situation and person is. Since that time I strive to fully take in every breath, sound and sight whether good or bad. I find that if I just experience the moment and observe it.....Life is not so bad.

Sometimes we (myself included--big time) react too quickly to situations that need us to just "Be Present" and observe.

So the thought for today is from Eckhart---"Accept - then act. Whatever the present moment contains, accept it as if you had chosen it. Always work with it, not against it."

..then take a few deep breaths.

Happy Monday!!

Breathe

Ever feel like your life is "out of balance" or spinning out of control? Well, then you have come to the right place. We all need to be reminded every so often to take a few minutes out of our hectic day and just breathe. Taking 5 minutes to just take in a few breaths can make a big difference in how we handle the day. I tell my patients to find a comfortable seat, close their eyes and just take in a deep breath through their nose expanding their belly. This breath should take 5 seconds to inhale, hold for 5 and exhale for 5. As you exhale allow all the tension from your head to your toes release. Do this 5 times and you'll be suprised at how well you feel. If you can, do this a few times throughout the day. 

Take 5...to take 5.

Breathe and Relax

Cathy