The Thanksgiving Holiday is over, but don't let the Thanksgiving end! I know that it has been a challenging year for almost everyone. Many have been out of work and desperately seeking employment, some have lost their homes and have had to start all over. Combine that with the uncertain political landscape and it is truly an unsettling time.
But, even if you are one of those who have had a hard year, I am confident that you will be able to look around and find many things to be thankful for. I also know that as you do take your focus on what is or has gone wrong in your life and re-focus on the things that are good, you will begin to feel encouraged.
We have all heard the old cliches such as "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger", etc. When you are stuggling those types of so called encouraging words can be like salt in a wound. But truly pressure and conflict toughens and sharpens us. Oh how many times I've said, "I'm strong enough!!!" But looking back at conflicts and tough times of 10 or 20 years ago, seem so trivial and minute. So, I must be growing and able to withstand more each year, which means it takes a lot more to cause me stress and to inflict pressure.
Maybe that is why, in my observation, that 'older' people seem much happier and carefree. Their priorities are different and the simple things bring so much more pleasure. Letting go of the cares of this life can free you to be much happier too.
So, this Christmas season, if you don't have as much money as before to buy all the things for Christmas that you would like, don't stress. Tell those you love and give them what you have, yourself. That is propbably all they really wanted anyway!!
Have a Merry Christmas and wonderful holiday season.
Rick & Nancy Jackson