This morning I sat down to think about this post. After a month of taking things slower I wondered what I should write. I looked out the window at our tree in the front yard. There are no more leaves and there are still some berries in the tree that birds come to eat during the winter. As I watched it started to lightly snow. I realized how beautiful that falling snow can be and when the sun broke through the clouds and the snow start to sparkle, it was breathtaking. It seems like something that someone makes up for drama, but every once in a while nature likes to bring its own drama. It reminded me that this week I have seen a Cedar Waxwing bird in this same tree eating the berries, they rarely come to our tree. And then yesterday two Bluejays came and sat on the lanterns that I have near the tree. A stunning rarity as well. In each of these cases I could have just kept moving, onto the next task or checking my social media, but I didn’t. I took the time to stop and really pay attention and I was rewarded. In our lives we are told to be more and more productive, that sitting down and just being is such a bad thing. But why? Watching nature makes me happy and I feel like I can relax a bit more when I take these tiny moments. This is something that I would like to do more often, not only to be more grounded and peaceful, but to truly be present.

The next coming month can be very busy, and quite frankly stressful, for so many people. Remember that it is not selfish to take care of yourself. You know the best way to care for yourself and try to not let anyone sway you from that. Need to take a break from social media? Do it! Long hot baths? Do it! Copious amounts of tea while reading a book just for fun? Do it! Now I know that is way easier to say then do, so let’s start small. Take a moment to watch the snow, to go outside and breathe fresh air, or smell fresh baked cookies. Take one minute for yourself where you are fully present and see what that can do for you.

A Note on Giving

The holiday season is a season of giving. This doesn’t just have to be gifts or money. This can also be in acts of service and love. If there is someone in your life that is struggling offer to help do the groceries, to bring some meals over, do some cleaning, bake some holiday treats for them, or help them decorate if that is what they would like to do. Offer to help with genuineness and kindness. It is amazing what little acts of kindness can do for someone’s holiday, whether they have chronic illness or not. Let’s all do our part to spread more love and kindness this holiday season.